Peruvian Maca

What Is Peruvian Maca

What is Peruvian Maca?

The Peruvian Maca is a root plant that is native to Peru in South America. This plant is also known as Ayuk Willku and its scientific name Lepidium peruvianum.

It grows in an altitude of 7,000 to 11,000 feet, making it one of the highest altitude plants in the world. This plant has been used for centuries by the indigenous people of Peru as herbal medicine. These ancient peoples are proven right in using this root plant for treatment because modern studies have confirmed that it contains substantial amounts of amino acids and several vitamins including B2, B12, C, D and E. This root plant also has a number of important minerals like zinc, phosphorous, calcium, iron and magnesium. It also contains several glucosides.

This plant has a turnip-like appearance with leaves that are bushy green and a root that looks like beet with the color of yellow or purple. Traditionally, and even today, it is the maca root that is used. Upon harvesting, it is dried and powdered. It is then taken orally either in powder or capsule form. The Peruvian Maca induces tonic effects on the biochemical functioning of the body. This is how it affects our system when used as a nutritional supplement.

Benefits of Peruvian Maca

Although Peruvian Maca can benefit both men and women, there are also distinct benefits that this root plant can give to both sexes. Below are the different benefits Maca root can give to men and women.

Benefits for Men:

• Induces sperm production and enhances fertility
• Balances male hormones
• Increases energy
• Improves and corrects sexual dysfunction
• Improves athletic performance and increases stamina for physical activities
• Strengthens and nourishes glandular system
• Encourages emotional and physical well being
• Improve mental focus and clarity

Benefits for Women:

• Stimulates sexual function
• Alleviates mood swings caused by Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
• Relieves hot flashes (related to PMS)
• Balances female hormones
• Strengthens and nourishes glandular system
• Increases energy
• Acts like HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
• Improves stamina and athletic performance

Side Effects of Peruvian Maca

Generally, there should be no problem with the use of Peruvian Maca as a health supplement. If taken according to its recommended dosage, there should be no side effects. But when taken in undue amounts it could cause a host of problems like hyper activity, digestive disorders, insomnia, thyroid complications, etc. Some of the risks observed by those administering Peruvian Maca to patients are allergic reactions like skin hives, shortness of breath and chest pains. It is very important for you to stick to a reasonable intake of Peruvian Maca to avoid any unwanted side effects.

Standard Dosages of Peruvian Maca

Your dosage of Peruvian Maca will depend on what health condition you are trying to improve on. Since this supplement is very strong, the typical method is to start small and work up your dosage until you get to the standard level. In general, one teaspoon of Maca powder per day for the first week will help build your resistance and should be enough for you not to get sick. On the second week, you can increase your intake to two teaspoons. Later, on your third week, you can increase it to three teaspoons per day. You have now reached your ideal daily intake. For the right dosages in order to treat specific health problems, you should consult your physician for safety purposes.

Uses for Peruvian Maca

Since Peruvian Maca contains beneficial elements, alternative health practitioners have used it to alleviate the medical conditions of both men and women. Below are some of the most notable uses of this supplement.

Important Uses for Women

Peruvian Maca is mainly used to treat the symptoms of PMS in women. Women who have used this substance have reported a dramatic reduction in their hot flashes and night sweats. This substance balances hormone levels. If a woman is estrogen dominant, Maca will induce the production of more progesterone. The result is a balancing of the hormone levels, giving relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of PMS. Maca will also maintain the efficient functioning of your endocrine system which will be of great help as you pass through this menopausal period. In relation to this, Maca also acts as a good alternative hormone replacement therapy because women who use it find that they no longer need hormone supplements during this time.

Important Uses For Men

Men have used Maca in several ways but the most popular use for them is to enhance fertility and sexual functions. It increases their stamina during strenuous physical activities and boosts their libido and sex drive. The substance also produces the feeling of well being. Maca also contains natural substances that can stimulate the pituitary and hypothalamus. These glands are the triggers for the testes among other organs, to function efficiently. In this capacity, Maca can induce an increase in the production of sperm in a matter of days.