- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Tropical South America, especially the Brazilian Amazon. Hebanthe erianthos (Pfaffia paniculata)
- Other names
- Suma
South America · Herb · № 164
Hebanthe eriantha (syn. Pfaffia paniculata)
Herb · South America
Suma
Hebanthe eriantha (syn. Pfaffia paniculata)
Sold as 'Brazilian ginseng' and an adaptogen for fatigue. There is hardly any human research.
Safety notes
Contains plant sterols; use caution with hormone-sensitive conditions and in pregnancy. Root dust may trigger asthma.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
The root as powder, decoction or capsules. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Its Portuguese folk name para tudo means 'for everything', reflecting its reputation as an all-round tonic. Ody describes suma as a Brazilian tonic that became popular in Europe in the 1980s.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
'For everything': aphrodisiac, wound-healing; for diabetes, cancer, chronic fatigue, arthritis, gout, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis and menopausal complaints.
Preparation and amount
Root.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen