Botanical Overview
Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as Maca or Peruvian ginseng, belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is native to the high Andes of Peru. The edible root is the primary part used medicinally and nutritionally. Known traditionally for its energizing and hormone-modulating properties, Maca is often utilized to support endocrine and reproductive health.
Energetics
This plant is considered neutral in temperature and moisture with sweet and pungent tastes. It exhibits ascending directionality and tonifying qualities, primarily supporting qi and essence in the body.
Primary Actions
- Adaptogen
- Hormone modulator
- Energizing
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Low libido
- Male and female infertility
- Menopausal symptoms
- Mood disturbances
Syndromes
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hormonal imbalance
TCM
- Yang deficiency
- Fatigue
- Low energy
Syndromes
- Kidney yang deficiency
- Spleen qi deficiency
Ayurveda
- Weak digestion
- Reproductive weakness
- Fatigue
Syndromes
- Ojas depletion
- Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) weakness
Unani
- Impotence
- General debility
- Weakness
Syndromes
- Mizaj (temperament) imbalance
- Admiya (humoral) weakness
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains glucosinolates, macamides, macaenes, alkaloids, polyphenols, and saponins contributing to its adaptogenic, hormone-modulating, and energizing effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powder 1.5-3 g daily
- Capsules 500-1000 mg 1-3 times daily
- Extracts standardized for macamides 300-600 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe as food or supplement in traditional doses. Caution is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited evidence. May influence hormone-sensitive conditions and thyroid function; monitoring recommended if used concurrently with thyroid medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No clear or reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulerships found.
Selected References
- Maca (Lepidium meyenii) improves sexual desire and reduces anxiety in the early postmenopause – Gonzales GF et al., PubMed 2003
- Lepidium meyenii – Maca, Plants For A Future Database
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 3, WHO 2007
- Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) – Gonzales GF, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2013