September 20, 2002

SUMA

Latin Name: Pfaffia paniculata

Alternate Names: Amazon Ginseng, Brazilian Ginseng, Brazilian Carrots, Para Todo

Family: AMARANTHEACEAE

Parts Used: Root.

Properties: Adaptogen, Aphrodisiac, Blood-Sugar Regulator, Chi Tonic, Demulcent, Immune Stimulant, Nutritive.

Internal Uses: AIDS, Anemia, Bronchitis, Cancer, Candida, Diabetes, Epstein-barr Virus, HIV, Hypoglycemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Stress, Tuberculosis, Tumors

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It helps fight the virus responsible for Epstein-Barr disease. Japanese research demonstrates that it inhibits some type of cancerous cells. In Brazil it has a tradition of use among herbalists, shamans and physicians as a tonic, aphrodisiac and healing agent for wounds.

Energetics: Pungent, Sweet, Neutral.

Chemical Constituents: Saponins (nortriterpenoid and pfaffosides), sitosterol, stigmasterol, allantoin, sesquiterpenes, polyphenols, germanium.

Contraindications: Large doses must be used for effectiveness. In cancer treatment, at least 9 grams daily are used.

Comments: This is a shrub that grows in the Amazon Basin. There has not yet been extensive scientific research, but it does have a long tradition of use as a folk medicine. In Spanish it means 'for all things'.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), September 20, 2002