Maca Root is a type of vegetable which is imported from the Andes Mountains of Peru. This vegetable grows at an altitude of 15,000 feet above sea level which makes it unique in that it can grow at such high altitudes, where there is significantly less oxygen.
Maca has been in use in Peru for at least 5000 years, although its’ fortunes, like those of the peoples who cultivated 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 discovered this herb (maca is actually classed as an herb), as the people they conquered sent it to them as a tribute. And when the Spanish conquered the Incas, the Incas gifted it to the Spanish. And the Spanish sent it on over to Europe.
However, the popular use of Maca, both in Peru and throughout the world, was forgotten until recently. Barring very little cultivation of this herb, Maca was almost extinct. But the rediscovery of Maca’s medicinal qualities 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.
The Use Of Maca Root
The use of Maca Root, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is longstanding amongst the Peruvians, and very safe. Maca Root is used traditionally 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 wasn’t eaten 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, perhaps the ancients intuitively knew this.
Positive attributes of Maca Root include the following:
* Improved sex drive
* Fertility support
* better energy and endurance
* Improvement of PMS and menopause symptoms
Maca has been a god-send for many women suffering all types of pre-menstrual symptoms. Whilst it is not the only PMS remedy anecdotally the indications are that it is one of the most effective.
Maca’s ability to regulate hormones means it actually benefits many female (and male) hormone health issues. Women have described trying many medications, including natural progesterone, to no avail, then taking Maca for a few months and discovering things like their uterine fibroids had dissolved. And one woman who was worried about the link between breast cancer and HRT, stopped taking the HRT she had been on for many years when she discovered this menopause herb. And unlike the other natural menopause remedies she had tried, within a few days of taking Maca she was completely free of symptoms.
While there are many positive benefits with using Maca Root, there are some potential problems which should be given serious thought. Such issues would include the following:
* There has been no significant testing 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
* Combined with caffeine the root causes nervousness and hyperactivity
As long as normal precautions are taken, the effects of it are more positive than negative.










