Maca Herbal Information

NAME
Maca


LATIN NAME
Lepidium Mayenii

ORIGIN
South America

PARTS USED
Root


TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Maca is a popular integral part of the Peruvian way of life, it is a root vegetable that looks a bit like a turnip and it is put into soups, cakes, breads and drinks in Peru. It is grown high in the Andes at 14,000 ft in very rich soils, so its mineral content is especially high. When it is powdered and taken as a nutritional supplement it has some wonderful health giving properties.

Nourishes the ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Boosts and supports the IMMUNE SYSTEM
Increases energy, stamina and endurance both physically and mentally.

Maca is a adaptogen which means it has stress busting qualities, as it helps the body adapt to extreme circumstances and resource what it needs to stay healthy, so this little Peruvian root could help you to achieve your optimum health.

Nutritional profile
There is a stunning profile of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and essential amino acids including 4 particular alkaloids that have this nourishing action to the Endocrine system. This goes on to effect so much in the body as it brings the glands and hormones back into balance, It supports ovaries, testes, adrenals, pancreas, thymus, thyroid, pituitary and pineal glands. So Maca can help return a dysfunctional system back to balance.

So Maca can help with:
Menopausal symptoms
A natural alternative to HRT
Regulates and normalizes menstrual cycle
Stimulates fertility in men and women
Regulates ovarian function
Enhances libido in men and women
Revitalises seniors, mentally and physically
Supports the immune system
Reduces chronic fatigue
Increases physical endurance and stamina
Relieving depression
Stimulates, nourishes and tonifys all body functions.

It is its adaptogen qualities and its nourishing action on the endocrine system that makes it the perfect personal remedy for so many symptoms of ill health.


FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
According to folklore, ancient Incan warriors took maca before going off to battle to make them physically strong. However, they were later prohibited from taking it, in order to protect conquered women from their heightened libidos.


CONSTITUENTS
Amino acids, Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Glycine, Hydroxyproline, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, praline, serine, threonine, tyrosine, valine, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, zinc.


TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE

Maca Herbal Powder from Puru
1-3 tea spoons a day, spread over the Day
Maca powder can be taken with hot or cold water, you can add milk and honey too,
and it can be mixed with fruit juice or fruit smoothies,
sprinkled on cereal or added to many other foods.

PRECAUTIONS
Glucosinolates can cause goiter (swollen thyroid gland with decreased activity) if taken in excess combined with a low-iodine diet. Though this is documented to occur with other glucosinolate-rich foods, it is not known if maca causes goiter. No other known side effects or contraindications have been documented.