MACA -- Menopause and Mid-life Miracles

"I've been trying Maca for almost a year and I've never had this much energy."

Yes, I've been hearing a lot about the herbal root Maca for months. Both in conversation and in health literature.

In Vista Health Magazine, Allen Glonek writes, "What really drew my attention to maca was the story of one of my patients, a 49-year-old woman who had been on hormone replacement (HRT) for over five years. She had heard of the studies that linked breast cancer, stroke and heart disease with the use of HRT and wanted to stop using the estrogen and progesterone combination immediately...

"She tried soy products, black cohosh, ginseng, evening primrose oil, progesterone cream and numerous other natural remedies to relieve her hot flashes and insomnia but nothing was totally effective until she tried maca. She was able to stop the HRT and get complete menopausal symptom relief with maca in a matter of days. She initially thought that the effects were just placebo but going on and off the supplement proved that the effects of maca were very real. Incidentally, she was also able to go off her antidepressants because her depression and sleep had improved so dramatically."

The anecdotal evidence is certainly worth investigating.

I first heard about it from a friend involved in senior sports. She found that Maca did give her more energy almost from the first use.

What surprised her was the "side-effects." From decreased menstrual pains to increased memory, stamina and libido.

Men using it reported reduced erective dysfunctions and impotency as well as reduced feelings of stress and greatly increased energy levels.

Tests have shown that it increases the estrogen level in women, resulting in raised fertilty and greatly increased sexual satisfaction.

And, in men, increased production of testosterone levels, which results in more vigor, stronger and long-lasting erections, more semenal fluid and more intense orgasms.

Maca originated in Peru.

Peruvian maca root is an adaptogen, like ginseng, and even though Peruvian maca root is not in the ginseng family it shares many similarities to ginseng. Adaptogens are by definition substances that raise the physical body's state of resistance to diseases through physiological health and emotional health improvements. Peruvian maca root somehow supports and rejuvenates overwhelmed, tired adrenal glands eventually resulting in much greater energy, stamina, clarity of mind and spirit, and the ability to handle stress.

If you want to try it, I recommend that you find a reputable dealer. Only the turnip-like root, contains the active ingredients. Very cheap Maca is often Maca mixed with potato powder, it's often not organic or bacteria-free. Some companies grind up the entire plant and sell it as "pure Maca."

There are various sorts of Maca being offered on the international market. There is Maca from Chile, Bolivia and even a chemical Maca. Only the Maca that grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes carries all the positive effects that are described in the scientific researches.

Maca's official designation is Lepidium Peruvianum Chac?n or Lepidium Meyenii Walp.

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Kathleen Falken has been a marriage counselor and sex therapist for over 25 years. To read more about modern marriage therapy, see SAVE MY MARRIAGE TODAY