general characteristics

harvesting and preparation

therapeutic actions and uses

– Maca Root: This nutrition-packed root vegetable, also known as “peruvian ginseng,” is reputed to increase energy and physical stamina while nourishing the endocrine glands and alleviating menopausal symptoms.  It is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and has been used as a traditional source of both food and medicine by indigenous people since the time of the Incas. Maca is a powerful adaptogen (an agent that assists the body to find balance) that has long been used to treat menopausal symptoms and is now being prescribed by some health practitioners as a safe alternative to synthetic HRT.

According to Fleetwood, “Maca’s reputation as a powerful enhancer of strength, stamina, and libido-fertility goes back more than 500 years, and today it is gaining worldwide attention. From a nutritional standpoint, maca is rich in natural sugar, proteins, starches, and important minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous.”

Because Maca root powder is such a powerful herb, some herbalists recommend that you start at a low dosage, building up the dosage gradually over a period of months, and take one day per week off from it to allow the body to adjust.

dosage and cautions