Maca

contd.

It is important to remember that Maca does not itself contain any hormones, but its action on the body jolts the pituitary gland into producing the precursor hormones which ultimately end up raising estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels, as well as helping to balance the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the pancreas. This occurs naturally while increasing energy.

Peruvian medical doctors say that maca root works in a fundamentally different way than HRT, promoting optimal functioning of the hypothalamus and the pituitary, thereby improving the functioning of all the endocrine glands.

It has been claimed that Maca improves menopausal symptoms. That it significantly reduces hot flashes, tender breasts, night sweats, sleeplessness, emotional upsets and vaginal dryness.

Since Maca is a food, it is used in much higher doses than most other medicinal herbs and can also be used over a long period of time without harmful effects.

A minimum of 10g per day of the dried root is required for you to notice any real benefit, with 25g being the recommended amount and you can increase this considerably if you so desire.

You can mix the powder with a fruit juice and drink it between meals. You can also sprinkle it over food or add it to cooked foods such as soups and stews.

Alternatively maca capsules are available that generally contain 500mg of dried maca with dosage recommendations in the range of 3-5 grams/day (6-10 capsules). As an extract, 900mg/day is a typical dose (about 2 capsules per day).

Because Maca is a food, like oatmeal or sweet potatoes, it is a safe product. It has not been found to cause toxicity or adverse pharmacological effects.

However, if you are pregnant, lactating, or have any medical condition, consult your physician before taking Maca as  therapeutically.