HerbMate Library

Suma Root

Pfaffia paniculata
rootadaptogenenergystressvitalitytraditional

Suma root (often called ‘Brazilian ginseng,’ though it’s not true ginseng) is a traditional tonic used for energy, stress resilience, and overall vitality. It’s typically used over weeks, not days, and quality can vary by supplier.

Key Benefits

Common Issues It May Help With

How To Use (Simple)

Taste / Notes

Earthy, slightly sweet, rooty; can be bitter depending on cut.

Evidence Level

Traditional use is strong; modern clinical evidence is limited and product-dependent. Best framed as supportive, not targeted treatment.

Cautions

May cause insomnia or jitteriness in sensitive individuals—avoid late-day dosing. Use caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding due to limited data. If you have hormone-sensitive conditions, consult a clinician before long-term use.

Interactions

Use caution with stimulant medications if it increases jitteriness or insomnia May modestly affect blood sugar—monitor if on diabetes medications If taking hormone therapies, discuss use with a clinician

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