Maca Root is a lot like Turmeric. It is a root-grown plant that has amazing healing properties.
It is slightly different in that it grows in the Andes, the mountains of Peru.
Traditionally Maca is used as a means to stimulate your sex drive and provide extra stamina. Though this might be an added benefit, the real benefit is in its ability to regulate our hormones. Our hormones control so much within our body and Maca enables hormones to do what they should be doing.
Well, enough said… here is my video all about why I love Maca:
Maca contains:
- 22 Amino Acids
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, D and E
- 10% is made up of pure calcium
- It also contains iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, silica and traces of iodine, manganese and sodium.
- Sterols which have been attributed to reducing tumour growth and blood cholesterol
- All three fatty acids, 3,6 & 9
Where to buy Maca Root Updated: I have found a great source of Maca and it is good value. I like to get a pure, organic brand of Maca. My recommended product.
This Post Has 66 Comments
You can most certainly give them a try. They aren’t beneficial for everyone though so if you notice unfavorable symptoms then I would try something else. I found them hugely beneficial and also enhanced my mood.
You could also try Damiana Tea to help with libido.
I would only recommend taking them for 6 months and see how you feel after that.
There are many options and depends on your personal situation.
Hi
I saw that this question wasn’t asked yet.
I am 25 and have endometriosis and one laparoscopic surgery, I’ve on pills for 2.5 years.
I stopped taking pills about 4 months ago because i had no libido at all no matter what pills I took, it got a little better but never came back to the way it was.
Is maca suitable for this case, considering the endometriosis?
Should I take it for a long time?
If not what do you recommend?
Thank!!
You can totally take the supplements together 🙂
I wouldn’t recommend it. Why do you feel you need to take Maca?
Hi Judy,
Maca is known to stimulate the pituitary gland and that regulates all our hormones so it wouldn’t particularly stimulate oestrogen. I would however recommend that you look at reducing inflammation as a whole within your body. The easiest way is through diet and certain herbs and spices. The arthritis pain and ulcerative colitis indicate that there is definitely some inflammation going on for you. Also take curcumin supplements and drink plenty of lemon water.
Hi Melissa. I’m Judy. I’ve had severe endometriosis for over 25 years. I’ve had six awful surgeries and a partial hysterectomy. I now have terrible scar tissue that entangled my organs along with the adhesions. My question is endometriosis grows from estrogen. I’m now in beginning menopause and get migraines and arthritis pain. Though my endo pain is less because of drop now in estrogen I have so much other pain I think from drop in progesterone but not sure. Drs wanted me on estradiol which is bad my mom got breast cancer after being in that and besides that caused endo to grow. So with Macca powder wouldn’t that increase estrogen again in me? Sorry so many questions just wanted u to know my back ground. I also have ulcerative colitis so worried about that too. Thanku for any info so much.
Hello, my name is Mihaela, I have endometriosis for a couple of years… I am wondering if it’s ok to take maca root since I’ve also discovered I’ve got breast cysts (beningn)… Thank you 🙂
Hi there
I am taking Mercillon (contraceptive pill) after lamparoscopy for enfometriosis. We are hoping to stary our ivf cycle in 6 months.
Can I take maca at the same time?
Eleni
Im 45 and have mirena iud but want to take maca capsule. Is it ok
Why
I also was given phtyoestrogens and my endometrioma grew to 7cm! I can’t say for sure if it was the phytoestrogens, but I immediately stopped taking them and I will see how my body reacts. I am looking for another alternative, hopefully the turmeric will reduce inflammation and the maca will balance my hormones. If you have any insight into a liver cleanse I would love to know about that too! Thanks again
Thank you so much for your videos and posts. I am 29 and just got diagnosed with endometriosis. The pain is debilitating. Before I was diagnosed, I tried taking turmeric for a year and I still had cramps but I felt like it kept my endo at bay. I stopped turmeric and next thing I knew I was lying in bed for 24 hrs on day 1 of my period. I started taking turmeric again and also bought royal maca. I was wondering if you had any insight as to taking these two supplements together.
Also forgot to mention that b12 deficiency can be a result of eating gluten while being allergic to it. It aggravates the lining of your stomach to the point of making that lining unable to absorb vitamins like b12. Therefore needing injections which can be very beneficial good luck!
Hi Tais, sure sounds to me like you may be gluten or dairy intolerant or both. They go hand and hand with endo and by cutting them out of your diet you can decrease your pain considerably. Im speaking from experience im allergic to both dairy and wheat had cronic heart burn was on meds for it for what they said would be the rest of my life (lies im fine with out eating those foods) also diagnosed with ibs too horrible time super sick and living on meds. But now i dont take anything and I feel great cut dairy and wheat out for just 1 week and see how you feel. I guarantee youll feel great and never want to eat it again. Good luck
Marie
I wouldn’t advise it Denise 🙂
There’s a ☺at the end of that *I wouldn’t recommend it* should it be I would recommend it if there is a Smiley face after comment??
Im 52 and going through menopause…My doctor has fitted me with a mirinia. ..can I take meca with it
Hi, Melissa,
I’m 36 yrs I ve endometriosis and fiborids, pls is it good to take Maca and ashwagandha. Tnx pls reply
I would probably recommend rethinking the pill Sarah. It can be the cause of all those PMS symptoms. There are natural ways of preventing pregnancy.
Hi I’m looking for advise on where to start with PMS symptoms. I don’t really suffer from pain etc as I’m on the contraceptive pill. Lately I’ve been experiencing terrible mood swings about a week before I would start my cycle which leave me feeling angry, stressed and very weepy but then ease after about 2 weeks. Iv always a low energy person too so I’m looking at taking a supplement that will help ease the mood swings and hopefully give me a boost. I was told maca is good but no one seems to be able to confirm if it can be taken with the pill. Would it be ok, if not could you recomend anything else as I’m at a loss, thanks
Hi Maleka,
Your comment wasn’t deleted sweets 🙂 Just don’t automatically approve all comments 🙂
If you are concerned about taking Maca, then perhaps it is best to avoid it. There are plenty of natural remedies and tools which you can use and if one doesn’t connect with you or you are worried about it, then it is best to listen to that.
I would look at what you are eating as your first point of reference. Hair loss is an indication of sugar imbalances and kidney function.
Hugs. It will all be okay and you can figure this out.
Hello, thank you for this useful info. I have been taking Maca for 6months now . I am as well on aldactone for hair loss (it has antiandrogen effect) and Mireya as we’ll.
I was reading that maca can induce proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
http://examine.com/supplements/Maca/#summary
See interaction with hormones ( estrogen)
I always take 7days off it monthly and I day off weekly.
I am so scared and don’t know what to do..
Any suggestions ?
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the amazing effort.
Hi Tais,
I think Maca would certainly be a good starting point for you 🙂 Diet and lifestyle changes are also important though 🙂 Hugs to you. You have been through a lot! I hope it gets easier going forward.
Helo Melissa! I’m 35 years old and have suffered with endometriosis since the age of 12. Many years on the pill and one laparoscopy which gave about five years of pain freedom. For the past seven years I’m been dealing with chronic digestive issues( heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, IBS symptoms etc) which I’m convinced is related to my endo but no doctors seems to think so. I was proton pump inhibitors for many years, which lead to a massive case of malabsorption and vit b12 deficiency ( b12 deficiency resolved, not sure about the malabsorption). I been off the pills for about 6 months now and for the most part following the endo diet and some other of your advices. My naturopath is currently treating my digestive issues and trying to battle yeast overgrow through sugar/starch avoidance among with other supplements( digestive enzymes, anti yeast pills, lack radish etc). He also put me on simplex, which supposedly regulates your pituitary and therefore all the other hormones. I have benn taking the simplex on and off and ever since I’m been feeling cold all the the time lately ( not sure if is the thyroid or the adrenals, however blood work was normal). My endo pain and digestion ( lately a lot of nausea along with the above symptoms) is unbearable this month. Endo pain is intensified after my periods (severe pelvic cramps/ low back pain radiations to my thighs. My obgyn wants me go o back on the pill or start lupron immediately ( latest sonogram also showed two small fibroids and a possible hydrosalpinx). I’m contemplating taking maca powder but was wondering what you think about it?
I wouldn’t recommend it 🙂
I recently heard about Maca and would like to try it I am on mirena is it okay to take it or does it cancel it out
hi mel ,i found beetroot here in my country,it is very similar to maca…are they the same? and its great for juicing…im just confused!!!thanks..
Hi Mali,
Yip, a tablespoon is perfect. Try and vary the time of day and days you have it – so not every day at the same time. We want to fool the receptor sites.
See how you go but I found I didn’t need it after 6months or so. Just listen to your body. :)Hope you like it!
I bought some Maca today, and just finished my first Maca-containing smoothie!
Is there a reason that you recommend taking it sporadically, and don’t recommend using it for more than 6 months? What kind of a dosage do you advise? I put a tablespoon in my smoothie, as this was the amount used in the recipe given on the back of the box (which appeared to be a single serving)!
Thanks!
It is a pleasure Jane and glad you found my blog 🙂 Here is to your new journey with endo – the healing kind 🙂
Just had my second laproscopy this week ouch and more endometriosis found (the last lap was in June of this year.) I am starting maca root today – also acupuncture in the new year. It is wonderful to see your website and presence on facebook.
Awesome. That is the best way and then we can go from there 🙂 Pleasure
Ok thought I’d let you know second day with no Maca and my ovulation returned per postive opk stick:) I am going to call my doctor right away to see where my hormones are at. Thank you.
To be honest I am not really sure on this one. It sounds more like an oestrogen deficiency but I wouldn’t want to guess on that one. I would recommend getting your hormones tested and then assess your actions after that. Here is a great website to guide you on what hormone imbalance you might have: http://www.johnleemd.com/store/resource_hormonetest.html
You can also get the hormone test kits there 🙂
Let me know when you know what imbalance you might have and I can guide you from there 🙂
Great! Thanks for replying so fast! I have been taking Maca magic brand in capsules. I didn’t take one today. I been having bad acne and really emotional. My periods are regular but very light and only a few days long. I’m 33 years old and we was going try for another child before I hit 35. My husband is also taking the Maca but it seems to be agreeing with him. Thank you for your info.
Hi Devan,
It is probably not agreeing with you. I would probably stop it or at least reduce the amount you are taking. It is also advisable to only take it between ovulation and your monthly – the Luteal Phase.
Some women experience stomach cramps – which could be the brand or the way you are taking it. I buy an organic powder form and don’t get those.
Perhaps you are better off with other herbs to stimulate your hormones. What is happening with them?
I am currently taking Maca 600 mg. I have PCOS but my husband and I have a 16 month old. We are wanting to try for number two but first I thought I’d try Maca to improve my hormones. While I loved the energy it gives, it has knocked off my ovulation by 4 days already. And last night I started having stomach cramps. I not taking anything but the Maca but have only taken it for this month. Any advise would be much appreciated. Should I stop it? Or should I give it time??
It might do. Mirena releases hormones and Maca acts on all our hormones. How is the IUD going? If you are finding it is working for you, perhaps stick with it for now and use other natural options on my blog. Alternatively, if the mirena hasn’t really helped, it might be worth relooking at it. Let me know where you are at and I can try and guide you more 🙂
Hi, I have been trying to look for a more natural alternative to treat my pelvic pain due to endo. I have an IUD, 2 year now, and maca sounds like a good alternative. But if I take maca do I have to get my IUD(mirena) removed? Will it interfere with it.
Start with a small amount – maybe 1 teaspoon a day and move up to 1 tablespoon. Recognise how your body reacts and listen to it. If it doesn’t agree, slow down or reduce the quantity. It to ok me 2 months but we are all different 🙂
how many mg of mecca should be taked? How long it take to work?
Hi Shelly and thanks for sharing. This is very interesting and yet I can find other evidence that states the opposite 🙂
This research indicates an increase in the uterus size but there are many factors which can contribute to this. It is also inconclusive that endometriosis is caused by excess oestrogen. I found another research claim which suggested that no effects were found on women who took Maca. Their estrogen did not go up or down and that it helped with depression and anxiety. It is hard cos there is always information to contradict every herb and plant we find and at some point we have to just try something and see how our individual bodies react to them.
It is interesting to me that you found it increased your pain with endo. Check out this answer, which may be another reason: – from Maca Talk:
Have you heard from anyone that experienced cramps after starting the maca?
Is this normal and will it eventually taper off? I am a 55 yr. old. I love the energy, but wondered about the cramps. I’m only taking one 500 mg. capsule a day.
#6- Maca Magic Answer:
Yes that is possible. Maca stimulates graffian follicles, ovulation, and we have recently heard maca can produce cramping in some women. The case we have heard of this is in women who have had their tubes tied, or women who are taking maca the day before or during before their period. Although you are not taking high doses, you may be especially sensitive to maca. It may be best for you to cut back altogether, or only use as needed. .
We are all different and our hormone levels are all different. I am intrigued at your comment though and will research it some more, just to make sure we get the full picture. Did you use other treatments at the same time? Have you had your hormone levels tested?
From Sexy Hormones by Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MSc and Alvin Pettle, MD from 2007 (ISBN 978-155455015-9), p.143-144 – emphasis (caps lock) is mine:
“Research published in Reproductive Biology and endocrinology in 2005 looked at the effects of maca on several fertility parameters of female mice of reproductive age. … This study showed THE UTERUS WAS INCREASED IN SIZE, WHICH OCCURS WHEN ESTROGEN IS INCREASED…
One study in Cell Biology and Toxicology in 2006 looked at rat hepatocytes (liver cells) and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. These researchers found that MACA EXTRACTS EXHIBIT EXTROGENIC ACTIVITY. …
Maca has not been researched in women…”
My own personal experience with maca (before discovering the above information) was that it worsened my endo pain. I was taking it regularly for several months. I guess it’s great if it’s working for you and others but just thought it’s a good idea to be aware of the above info.
Thanks melissa for responding.
I know it is hard to go off the pill. It is kinda similar to taking pain killers or headache tablets instead of finding the reason we have them. I followed a similar pattern like you with the pill – on and off it for years. Unfortunately, the pill actually deprives the body of some of the key minerals and vitamins we need to heal. It is also just not natural within the body and I think our hormonal balance is so delicate and we shouldn’t be messing with it. If you want to ease the way you go off the pill, try going on DIM for 3 months or so – once you’ve gone off thepill and maintain the Maca at the same time. DIM will flush out the bad Oestrogens from the pill which will make your body return to it’s normal levels sooner. I know it is kinda scary but I can also tell you that you will feel heaps better off it – no more side-effects, being tired etc. I wrote a few articles on the pill, check out: http://endoempowered.com/should-i-take-the-contraceptive-pill-for-my-endometriosis/
I can’t imagine taking Maca with the pill would be harmful but hey why not take your healing all the way 🙂
Is Maca bad to take if you are on the contraceptive pill? I have been taking it for a while now, and i am on the pill because everytime i go off i end up in hospital or on antibiotics or really bad pain, and everytime i see a doctor they ask me why i went off the pill. I feel intimidated to tell them that i hate the pill but then i guess i go back on it cos i felt helpless (endometriosis has that effect =( ). At the moment im thinking about slowly going off it again, though i have been much better. I dont know if its the pill or the herbal and natural changes i have made in my diet. I feel that as my immunity and strength increases, i would be willing to try going off the pill again and just sticking to Maca and other things you suggested. What has been your experience with the pill? I am also very tired all the time and have a strenuos job. I just dont feel confident that the pill is a natural way to heal and this has always affected me and caused me to go on and off it, which has messed a lot with emotions.
Lana
DIM will not show a noticeable improvement until probably 3-6months. If you don’t have Oestrogen Dominance you shouldn’t necessarily take DIM. Not all women with Endo have Oestrogen Dominance so it is safer to start with the Maca or get a saliva test to determine if you have Oestrogen Dominance first.
I don’t trust or recommend Vitex or Dong Qui. Check out this article on it:
http://endoempowered.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-taking-red-clover-for-endometriosis/
Vitex and Dong Qui are phytoestrogenic on the body which is contradictory to what we are trying to achieve. Maca is still your best and safest option and change to an endometriosis diet too 🙂
Yes definitely. Check out Liz’s comment under this article which shows how much she benefited too :). http://endoempowered.com/should-i-have-a-laparoscopy-for-my-endometriosis/
does mecca reduce pelvic pain?
Melissa, does it reduce the pelvic pain? currently im taking dim starting with one capsule. I dont feel any different. does mecca work better than vitex and dong qui?
I make capsules of maca with turmeric (anti-inflammatory), kelp and shittake mushroom powder (immune support), and astragalus (adaptogenic). i buy the veggie 1000mg capsules and use a cap-m-quick to fill them up by hand. Takes time but cheaper than buying pre-made and no additives etc. Plus it is kinda fun! Just sharing
I wouldn’t take too many different things all at once just for hormone balancing. Maybe just stick to the DIM and the progesterone cream for now. If you want to really get to the imbalance or the root cause as to why you have higher Oestrogen, look at the liver and heal the liver. You can take a liver supplement which includes Dandelion and Milk Thistle. The liver is a definite factor in elevated Oestrogen and Endo.
Otherwise get onto a super food like Aloe and that will give you immune boosting, help digestion and ultimately help both your liver and your endo.
I will have an Aloe shop soon so you can get it from a good source 🙂
I was diagnosed with PCOS and my ob/gyn thinks I may have endo but he would have to do exploratory to find out and I find that to be too invasive to have done. So, I have been using progesterone cream to help with balancing levels and regulate cycles. I thought Maca might be a good thing along with DIM to help things along or attack the issue from a few different angles.
Hi Bella, What gives you the impression you might have Endo or Estrogen Dominance? To be honest, I don’t have a heap of experience with progesterone creams but here is an article Carolyn wrote on the subject that might help you: http://www.endo-resolved.com/progesterone.html
She goes through the different types of creams and what to watch out for.
I would personally prefer to take Maca on its own as you don’t have to worry about whether you are getting the balance right. I am not a fan of trying to balance a particular hormone to reduce Oestrogen. To me, there is a reason there is an imbalance and I would rather focus on the root cause of the imbalance than making personal judgements on how much and for how long I should be trying to reduce a particular hormone – but that is just my view on it 🙂 There are also heaps of other hormones involved in our body and they don’t just look after our monthly cycles. They are involved in our digestion, our brain function etc etc.
Let me know how you go 🙂
Hi!
I am not sure if I have endo but I have a sneaking suspicion I do. I am trying to fix the estrogen dominance with natural progesterone cream and I do feel a little better but its only been a week. I was wondering if you thought that Maca would be ok to use with the cream or is it something that would be best used alone?
Any insight would be great!
Thanks Jyoti! That is a great one for the girls to try!
hi Melissa,
I am using MACA powder of NOW Foods company which i imported directly from U.S.A. Its a pure powder 6:1 concentrate, energizing herb( dietary supplements),raw ,gelatinized and 100% vegetarian, 100% certified organic.
thanks and happy healing
Jyoti
Great suggestion! I guess anything that hides the flavour a little 🙂 Hey if it gets too hard, you could always just get the tablets! It might be easier 🙂
Thanks for the smoothie receipe!! Just have to get my hands on a blender. Can’t wait to try it!!
The kast few days I have been putting it in a cup of vanilla chai, is drinkable but can still taste the maca quite a lot, but big improvement on the yoghurt!
Take care 🙂
Laura xx
Well put! 🙂 I would put it in a smoothy. I make a yummy smoothy which is 1 cup of ice, 1/2 cup of coconut milk (lite and organic), 1 cup of milk (almond or rice), one banana and 1/4 pineapple. It is yummy and I can’t even taste the Maca that way. Fills you right up too 🙂
I take Maca every day and more between my ovulation time and my period. I figured this is when the hormones are most active. I would take one heaped teaspoon daily but you really can’t go wrong with it. It has no side-effects. Put it in a smoothy with other stuff or get the tablets and take 5, twice a day. Start off on this and then just maintain it. Maybe first three months.
Hi Melissa,
I’ve heard that it’s best to start taking Maca on the first day of your period – did you do this? Do you take it every day or do you give your body a rest say once a week from it?
How much powder should you take daily when starting off?
Thanks
I had my first experience of maca root thismorning, I have every belief in its amazing benefits, however found it to be an aquired taste! I put two spoons in my yogurt as it suggested but found it hard to finish it all. It’s now in the fridge for later.
What receipes can you recommend for making it more yummy?
Much thanks 🙂
Laura x