Answered by Dr. Beth Ley, PhD and Carmen Mattes, Master Herbalist

What is Maca?

Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable indigenous to the high Andean mountain plateaus of Peru. Also called “Peruvian Ginseng” Maca is an exceptionally hardy plant growing where no other crops can survive. At altitudes of 14,000 ft., Maca must endure extreme conditions ranging from freezing cold, fierce winds, to intense sunlight, often all within a period of 24 hours. Herbalists believe that resilient plants are especially valuable from a medicinal perspective and in this category, Maca knows no equal.

Who benefits from Maca?

Everyone! The most exciting news about Maca is that it strengthens and balances the endocrine system of both sexes in the appropriate gender-specific manner. Its action focuses on the hypothalamus/pituitary axis, which governs the intricate and delicate hormonal system of our body. Maca is an ideal addition to the daily diets of both men and women to promote greater energy and stamina improve ability to handle stress and enhance sexual and reproductive health and wellness.

Can Maca help with my menopause symptoms?

Currently, Maca is gaining worldwide attention as a safe, natural, and highly effective alternative to HRT. Many health professionals are integrating Maca into their practices and promoting it as an excellent treatment for menopause since Maca offers an entirely different and completely safe approach to hormones. Maca is a tonic (strengthener) and rejuvenator for the entire endocrine system, thereby encouraging the body to manufacture it's own natural hormones - and in the correct proportion to each other. The results speak for themselves as thousands of women report relief from symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido.

How is Maca different from menopausal herbs like black cohosh?

Even herbs containing phyto-hormones have a suppressive effect on the glands, which would naturally otherwise produce that hormone. Unlike soy products, black cohosh, licorice root, wild yam, and others containing hormone-like substances, Maca contains no plant hormones. By regulating the hypothalamus/pituitary axis to help insure balanced and healthy hormone levels in the body, Maca works on the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms of the problem.

Will Maca interfere or disrupt my natural hormonal rhythms?

Maca feeds and nourishes the glandular system. It in no way imposes or acts as an aggressor in the body. Rather, it works with the vital life force by giving it the proper tools to ensure optimum health and balance. Maca is a superfood that revitalizes the entire endocrine system, thus allowing the innate wisdom of the body to control the hormonal system from within.

How does Maca benefit andropause?

Andropause, also referred to as male menopause is a decline in, or an inability to utilize testosterone. When levels of this hormone become depleted in a man’s body, the results can be devastating--both physically and emotionally. Thankfully Maca can restore the aging hormonal system back to that of its younger years by strengthening and toning the entire endocrine system. Benefits can include an increase in libido, sexual potency, fertility, energy and stamina.

How much Maca should I take?

A common misconception about herbs is that there is a standard dosage. In actuality, the proper measure is in relation to size, sensitivity, age, and gender. In general though, a typical daily-suggested intake could be anywhere from 1,500-10,000mg daily, split into two or three doses. Remember that Maca is a food; less than 1500mg will likely not deliver desired results. We recommend starting at 1,500mg per day and regulating your own dosage to achieve your personal goals.

Can I take Maca with other supplements/medications?

To date there are no known toxic side effects to Maca. It is a very safe food and just as a common potato or turnip would not interfere with medications or supplements, neither will Maca. In fact, Maca will assist the body in utilizing supplements to their optimum capacity as it helps to further digest and assimilate the nutrients.

Can I give Maca to my children?

Maca has been consumed as a staple food in the diets of Native Peruvians for thousands of years. It has proven to be very safe and it is most definitely beneficial for children.

In today’s world of devitalized and highly processed foods, high sugared snacks and drinks, and demineralized soils, it’s nice for parents to know they have a highly nutritious alternative. Maca has no known side effects and is non-toxic. Maca powder can be added to beverages or food, including yogurt, porridge, applesauce, or pudding. 

Can I give Maca to my pets?

The Native Peruvians fed Maca to their livestock to promote endurance, strength, and fertility. It is recorded that the use of Maca in their domesticated animals greatly enhanced their health. It may be of particular interest to breeders to know that Maca absolutely increases fertility, and to further its appeal, Maca also builds strong and vital offspring.

What is the best form of Maca to take?

Look for brands that use pure, certified organic Maca that is grown traditionally in the Peruvian highlands. Make sure that only the root of the Maca plant is used, as this is where the medicinal value resides. For best results, choose gelatinized Maca for greater potency and optimal absorption. Gelatinization is an extrusion process that removes the starch from the root leaving a more concentrated powder that is easier to digest. Maca is available in powder, tablets, and capsules. Powder is the most economical form and tablets and capsules are the most convenient.