The Supplement Maca

Maca Root is a form of vegetable which is imported from the Peruvian Andes.  This vegetable grows at an altitude of 15,000 feet above sea level which makes it one of the few plants that can grow in the highest elevations in the world, where there is significantly less oxygen.

Maca has been used in Peru for thousands of years, although its' fortunes, like those of the peoples who grew the crops, ebbed and waned. Maca was grown by a number of more aggressive, war-mongering tribes in the earliest times. When the Incas came to prominence in the region, they were given this herb (maca is technically an herb), receiving it as a gift from the conquered. And when the Spanish overthrew the Incas, the Incas gifted it to the Spanish. And the Spanish sent it on over to Europe.

However, the knowledge of Maca, both in Peru and throughout the world, was forgotten until recently. In fact, Maca was nearly extinct in Peru up until 1992. But the rediscovery of Maca's medicinal properties has led to the creation of a thriving local industry, with the resultant good effects of Maca spreading through word of mouth and the internet.

Medicinal Maca

Maca has been called Peruvian ginseng because of its effects on stamina, and is longstanding amongst the natives of Peru, and without any known side effects.  Maca Root is used in Peru for both food and for medicine. It's worthwhile noting that when the Peruvians use Maca in a traditional way, it is first dried then rehydrated when needed. Historically, it was baked in earthen pits or boiled, mashed, and rolled into balls. It was not consumed raw, and given that scientists now know that Cruciferous vegetables, of which Maca is a part, have substances in them which can be toxic,elements which are destroyed or inactivated with various cooking methods, maybe the ancients knew more than we give them credit for.

Positive side effects to Maca Root include the following:

* Improved sex drive
* Fertility improvements
* better energy and endurance
* Relief from PMS and menopause symptoms

Maca has in fact been very successfully used by many women suffering all types of pre-menstrual symptoms. Whilst it is not the only PMS remedy reports from women indicate that it is one of the most effective.

Maca's ability to regulate hormones means it actually benefits many female (and male) hormone problems. Women have described trying many medications, including natural progesterone, without great improvement, then going on Maca for a few months and discovering things like their uterine fibroids had dissolved. And one woman who was concerned about the link between breast cancer and HRT, finished with HRT altogether when she discovered this menopause herb. And unlike the other natural menopause supplements she had tried, within a few days of taking Maca she was completely free of symptoms.

While there are many positive effects with using Maca Root, there are some potential problems which should be given serious thought.  Such issues would include the following:

* Not much testing has been done for interactions between Maca Root and pharmaceutical medications for birth control or heart medications
* Maca Root should not be given to children as it increases energy and children have plenty of it
* When taken with caffeine tMaca causes nervousness and hyperactivity

As long as Maca is used sensibly, the effects of it are more positive than negative.