Powdered wild crafted root from sustainable sources within the Andes
Maca Other Names: Peruvian ginseng, maka, mace, maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, ayuk willku, pepperweed
Part Used: Root
Properties:

• nutritious
• increases fertility
• increases energy
• balances body systems

Native Peruvians traditionally have utilized maca since pre-Incan times for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. It has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown there. It is rich in sugars, protein, starches, and essential nutrients (especially iodine and iron). The tuber or root is consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are considered a treat and are baked or roasted in ashes (in the same manner as sweet potatoes). The dried roots are stored and, later, boiled in water or milk to make a porridge. They also are made into a popular sweet, fragrant, alcoholic fermented drink called maca chicha.( Which is brought ou during many local ANdes festivals, often offered to honour guests.) In Peru even maca jam, pudding, and sodas are popular. The tuberous roots have a tangy, sweet taste and an aroma similar to that of butterscotch. This energizing plant is also referred to as ‘Peruvian ginseng’, being used for centuries in the Andes to enhance fertility in humans and animals.  In Peruvian herbal medicine today, maca is reported to be used as an immunostimulant; for anemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, stomach cancer, sterility (and other reproductive and sexual disorders); and to enhance memory. Maca has been growing in world popularity over the last several years due to several large U.S. marketing campaigns touting its energizing, fertility enhancement, hormonal balancing, aphrodisiac, and, especially, enhanced sexual performance properties. Other (anecdotal) herbal medicine uses in the U.S. and abroad include increasing energy, stamina, and endurance in athletes, promoting mental clarity, treating male impotence, and helping with menstrual irregularities, female hormonal imbalances, menopause, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The nutritional value of dried maca root is high, resembling those of cereal grains such as maize, rice, and wheat. It contains 60-75% carbohydrates, 10-14% protein, 8.5% fiber, and 2.2% lipids. The protein content of maca exists mainly in the form of polypeptides and amino acids (including significant amounts of arginine, serine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and threonine). It also has about 250 mg of calcium, 2 g of potassium, and 15 mg of iron in 100 g of dried root-and important amounts of fatty acids (including linolenic, palmitic, and oleic acids). Maca contains sterols (about 0.05% to 0.1%) and other vitamins and minerals. In addition to its rich supply of essential nutrients, maca contains alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. Maca’s main plant chemicals include: alkaloids, amino acids, beta-ecdysone, calcium, carbohydrates, fatty acids, glucosinolates, iron, magnesium, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, phosphorus, potassium, protein, saponins, sitosterols, stigmasterol, tannins, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. Main Uses: as a natural source of nutrients, to support hormone levels, to reduce fertility problems (both male and female),to support erectile function , as an aphrodisiac Current scientific research has evidence for the following properties: aphrodisiac, fertility enhancer, increases sperm count/motility. Other properties have traditional use and knowledge as to its efficacy.
Cautions: Excessively large amounts may cause intestinal gas.
Traditional Preparation: In the Andes, as much as a pound of fresh and/or dried maca root is eaten as a food in a single day.
Contraindications: None reported.
Drug Interactions: None reported
Dosage:  Adequate amounts are important – many companies that create capsules claim to have an effect by using 0.5 to 1 g in capsules daily. Remember, that this is a food source – giving rise to the need for higher levels to be consumed for benefits and re balancing. It is recommended by IPIFA (Peruvian Institute of Andean Phytotherapy) and locals at a level of at least 2 teaspoons a day with breakfast or mixed into morning juice/porridge.(5.5g. Up to 20 has been known to be used, approx 7-8 teaspoons) For exact dosage relevant to your case – please email us.

Note:  standardized extract now exist on the market, however, these will not have the same effects of synergy considering much of the ingredients may be absent, such as fibre or certain nutrients. It is still considered best to take whole plant rather than extract with this herb. Maca is a hardy perennial plant cultivated high in the Andes Mountains, at altitudes from 8,000 to 14,500 feet. It has one of the highest frost tolerances among native cultivated species. Maca has a low-growing, mat-like stem system, which can go unnoticed in a farmer’s field. Its scalloped leaves lie close to the ground and it produces small, self-fertile, off-white flowers typical of the mustard family to which it belongs. The part used is the tuberous root, which looks likes a large radish which is usually off-white to yellow in color. Unlike many other tuberous plants, maca is propagated by seed. Although it is a perennial, it is grown as an annual; seven to nine months is required to produce the harvested roots. The area where maca is found, high in the Andes, is an inhospitable region of intense sunlight, violent winds, and below-freezing weather. With its extreme temperatures and poor, rocky soil, the area rates among the world’s worst farmland; yet, over the centuries, maca has evolved to flourish under these conditions. Maca was domesticated about 2,000 years ago by the Incas, and primitive cultivators of maca have been found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 1600 B.C. The dried roots can be stored for up to seven years.

In Australia, it is a violation of TGA regulations to list any therapeutic claims for any medication, natural or orthodox prescriptive, without TGA approval. For further information about this herb, we recommend doing your own thorough research, such as using any links provided or reliable researched websites

http://www.rain-tree.com/plistbot.htm

http://www.australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au/

http://www.herbmed.org/

Disclaimer:  The information contained here is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body and the author, publisher, printer and distributors accept no responsibility for such use. All herbs should be taken with care whether topically or internally. Please skin test if using it topically and discontinue use in cases of rnegative reactions. Unless taken as a food/tea, please always take internally under professional supervision & consult your practitioner if symptoms persist or you have any concerns including drug/herb interactions. Please consult with a professional herbalist or your doctor if you are taking any medications to check for herb/drug interactions.