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For thousands of years, the Indians of South America thought of Maca (lepidium peruvianum chacon) as a sacred plant. Full of nutrients from mineral rich soil, this turnip shaped tuber is found high in the Andes where no other plant food can grow.
Though the Incas used Maca chiefly for its nutritional value (its dried roots are rich in essential amino acids-protein content about 15%), the Conquistadors discovered "more valuable" uses for it and demanded their tribute from the Indians in tons of Maca rather than gold. For, though the word wasn't in their vocabulary, they discovered that Maca was a powerful Adaptogen.
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Adaptogens are plant substances capable of balancing and normalizing many of the body's systems, thus reducing stress, harmonizing vitality, and enhancing resistance to disease. For example, a powerful adaptogen like Maca can raise low blood pressure or lower high blood pressure. They also balance blood sugar and can balance hormones (both in men and women) to virtually eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of PMS and menopause, post-menopause deficiencies, and other related conditions. Finally, it can help quiet the hyperactive or boost the energy levels of the chronically fatigued.
What do contemporary doctors say about the benefits of Maca?
Dr. Hank Oswald, a medical doctor who treats thousands of patients in his European clinics, states that Maca significantly strengthens immunity, reduces stress, and harmonizes the body's overall vitality.
Dr. Hugo Malaspina, a former cardiologist, states that Maca regulates the organs of internal secretion, such as the pituitary, the adrenal glands, the pancreas, etc. He also considers Maca to be an effective (and superior) substitute for a pharmaceutical hormonal replacement therapy, free from the harmful side effects of the later.
Viana Miller, Ph.D., states that Maca is known to help revitalize men and women of middle and older age both mentally and physically, assist in human conception, help older men maintain sexual functioning, help prevent vaginal yeast infections, help reduce stress and boost energy levels, and help maintain strong bones in post-menopausal women.*
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