Increasing in popularity as a medicinal herb, Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is actually a food. This root, indigenous to Peru and the Andes Mountains, is first and foremost a food and considered an important Fertility Superfood… Wondering what a “Superfood” is exactly? The definition is…
“su·per·food
/ˈso͞opərˌfo͞od/
noun – a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.”
Maca is such a nutrient-rich food that it contains a number of different vitamins, 31 different minerals, and 60 different phytonutrients (some of which include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, fiber, and also amino-acids). In English, Maca is also known as maca-maca, ayak, pepperwood, Peruvian ginseng and quechua; in Spanish, it is known as maino; in Quecha, it is known as ayak chichira, ayak willku or maca maca.
Maca is supportive of overall fertility health in a number of ways and complementary to most natural fertility programs.
10 Reasons Why Maca is Beneficial to Fertility Health
1. Nourishing to the endocrine system – Alkaloids in Maca have been shown to have an effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis of which the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands are a part, and which are each involved in hormonal balance.
2. Hormonal balance – Maca influences the production of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone-supporting balance where it is needed, without containing hormones itself.
3. Libido and vitality, including sexual function (supporting erectile dysfunction and cervical mucus production) – Maca has aphrodisiac qualities and supports an increase in blood flow to the pelvic region which, in turn, may increase sexual desire in both men and women; “increasing vaginal secretions in women and enhancing testosterone levels in men.”
4. Energy and stamina – Maca provides the body with a natural energy due to its high carbohydrate levels. Maca is comprised of 60% carbohydrates, primarily from starches and sugars.
5. Follicle health – Maca may help to stimulate the maturation of follicles within an ovary (in animal studies).
6. Egg Health – Maca offers a plethora of nutrients to support health of the body on a cellular level, but also healthy hormonal balance, which contributes to healthier eggs.
7. Sperm quality, sperm count per ejaculation, and healthy sperm motility – Studies show an improvement in all three of these areas of sperm health. The resulting effects are thought to be due to Maca’s ability to support hormonal balance where it is needed; additionally, it provides nutrients to the body that support cellular health.
8. Immune health & stress response – Maca is an adaptogen, which as a class of herbs are helpful for those with immune-related fertility issues. Immunological fertility problems cause the body to identify part of its reproductive function as an enemy and, as a result, sends Natural Killer (NK) cells to attack. Maca aids the body in proper immune response.
9. Menstrual cycle & endometrium health – The health and normalcy of the entire menstrual cycle may be supported by Maca as a result of Maca’s ability to promote hormonal balance, nourish the endocrine system (which controls hormone function), and increase blood flow to the pelvic region. Maca supports healthy menstruation, the endometrial lining, and ovulation.
10. Thyroid health – Some reports show that 10 grams (g) of Maca root contains 52 micrograms (mcg) of iodine, with darker roots containing more iodine than lighter roots. Iodine is an essential nutrient for proper thyroid function. Maca has a balancing effect on and nourishes the hypothalamus (which “controls, stimulates and balances the other endocrine glands: pituitary, adrenals, ovaries, testes, thyroid and pancreas”) and, as a result of this action, Maca may in turn help those with thyroid issues.
Legends tell a number of stories about Maca consumption…
- -Inca warriors ate Maca to increase their energy before going into battle.
-Maca was prohibited at one point to protect women from the Maca-induced, heightened sexual desires of these Inca Warriors.
-Animals showing signs of exhaustion, being barren and having general lethargy, were brought to the region where they were rejuvenated and once again bore offspring after eating Maca.
… and I am sure there are many more.
Research and interest in Maca continue to increase worldwide. “Studies are being carried out in Peru and other countries to determine the mechanism(s) by which Maca supports fertility and libido. Researchers are examining various sexual parameters including erectile function, sexual appetite, performance, frequency of copulation, ejaculatory volume, sperm motility, and fertility. Maca is also used in Peruvian folk medicine to treat symptoms of menopause.”
This all-encompassing, nourishing, fertility superfood proves to be supportive alone, but also in combination with most natural fertility programs.
See FertilicaTM Maca products here…
- Barton-Schuster, D.(n.d.) How to Use Fertility Herbs To Enhance Your Fertility Naturally. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-herbs
- Barton-Schuster, D. (n.d.) Maca for Fertility Q&A. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/maca-fertility-qa.html
- Barton-Schuster, D. (n.d.) Solve Thyroid Problems Before Conceiving a Baby. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/solve-thyroid-problems-before-conceiving-a-baby.html
- Bunting, D. Maca (Lepidium meyenii). Herb Pharm Chronicles. Retrieved from: https://www.herb-pharm.com/pharm-journal/out-of-breath-and-dizzy-in-the-high-andes-home-of-maca/
- Mars, B. (2007) The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine. Basic Health Publication, Inc.
- Ravensthorpe, M. Maca root improves libido, boosts stamina, and lowers cholesterol. Retrieved from: http://www.naturalnews.com/040414_maca_root_stamina_superfoods.html#ixzz3AgB2OjUv
- Rodriguez, H. (n.d.) Maca study reveals increase in sperm production and libido. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/maca-study-reveals-increase-in-sperm-production-and-libido.html
- Rodriguez, H. (n.d.) Maca, Wonder Herb For Fertility…. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/maca
Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women’s fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com
I am trying to conceive for 2nd baby past 4 years… I have regular periods of 29 days cycle…
Jan 2nd my period started… This month i took Maca-1000mg, Royal Jelly-1500mg, Ubiquinol coq10 – 200mg…. Usually I ovulate CD15 or CD16 but today is CD20… I didn’t ovulate yet… Also this month i didn’t see any watery and Egg white cervical mucus… Its dry…
Now I stopped taking Maca, Royal Jelly and Ubiquinol… Still I didn’t ovulate… What happens if I didn’t ovulate?? What to do?? Please suggest me something….
(Note: For my first baby, i used Maca, Royal Jelly, coq10 for 3 months and conceived my first baby… Now he is 5 years old… )
Thanking you..
Dear Sri,
Women can experience cycle shifts when they first begin taking herbs and supplements that support the body in achieving hormonal balance. Those that you were taking aren’t known to cause ovulation to stop, yet can make the ovulation date change so it’s missed.
Perhaps there will be some tips that resonate with you in our guide Secondary Infertility – When Trying for Another Child is a Struggle.
My best!
Hi, may I know which type of Maca powder to consume? I’m having PCOS and trying to get pregnant.
Dear Via,
We suggest a gelatinized Maca (Lepidium meyenii) powder such as Fertilica Maca Powder from the Natural Fertility Shop.
Hello, how long approximately takes Maca working on unbalanced hormones ? Taking this about 1 month and still looking for any improvement on my acne. Thank you !
Dear Sophie,
Natural therapies take time and their effectiveness may depend on diet and lifstyle, and the underlying imbalance. In general, it is best to follow a natural fertility program consistently for a minimum of three months and sometimes regularity takes longer. It could also be that Maca alone is not all that you need.
Have you cleaned inflammatory foods out of your diet and are you using only clean, not-harsh, non-chemical skin care products? Perhaps the tips in our guide
6 Ways to Promote Hormonal Balance to Prevent Cyclic Acne will also be helpful.
Hello, I have thyroid issue, and now I am back to normal after taking medication below:
LEVOTHYROXIN 75 MCG TAB MYLA
Please kindly advise will that be a conflict taking Maca too? I am worried it will mess up my thyroid level. Thank you!
I have been conceived for over a year. FYI
Dear Mei,
It will be best to discuss taking Fertilica Maca with your healthcare provider. If you choose to take it, he will best be able to monitor you and adjust any dosing should there be a need to do so.
Hi, I have read somewhere else that maca should not be eaten raw but only cooked. What is your opinion about that?
Dear Maria,
Through my research, if eaten raw, the starch may cause gastrointestinal and stomach upset and make it harder for the body to assimilate.
hi, thanks for the information, quite helpful. I have got maca powder and I will need your advice on the best way to use it.
Hello Kiski!
Fertilica Maca powder can be used in Fertility Smoothies, baked into baked goods, mixed into oatmeal, and even sprinkled on popcorn – learn how to make Maca Popcorn here….
Enjoy!
what are some of the side effects of Maca roots? can it cause headaches or heavy menstrual bleeding? I’ve been taking it for almost two months and experiencing these changes.
Dear MJ,
Can I ask please, how many milligrams of Maca you are taking in each dose and what brand do you take? Is the reason you chose to try Maca a result of experiencing a fertility issue? If yes, what is this issue?
Toxicity studies (conducted at Product Safety Labs of East Brunswick, N.J.) showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effects from the consumption of Maca.
Reports show that a small number of women taking plain Maca root (not gelatinized Maca root) experienced stomach upset from it. We have known some women to experience spotting or a change in their menstrual cycle when they first begin using Maca as well. We feel this is often normal and a sign that the body is beginning to balance the hormonal system.
If your headaches or heavy menstrual bleeding are concerning, or disrupting your lifestyle, it would be best to discontinue using Maca.
Take Care!
For both male and females?
What is the recommended dosage?
Hello Mindy!
Yes, Fertilica Maca can be taken by both men and women. General suggested use is 2000-3000 mg each day taken all month long without taking a break until pregnancy is confirmed (for the female). You might be interested in learning even more about Maca, Wonder Herb For Fertility…