A Year of Herbs. February: Maca

Lepidium meyenii Walpers, Lepidium peruvianum

Maca: An Ancient Root for Energy, Balance, and Vitality

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a resilient root plant native to the high Andes of Peru, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years as both a food and a traditional medicine. Growing at elevations where few plants can survive, maca became a staple for Andean communities, valued for its ability to support strength, endurance, and reproductive health. Today, it has gained global popularity, and is often described as a nourishing tonic for energy and overall vitality.

Unlike stimulants that offer a quick burst of energy, maca is traditionally understood as a food-like herb that works gradually. People who use maca often describe a steady, sustained sense of energy rather than a spike followed by fatigue. This aligns with modern research suggesting that maca may help reduce feelings of tiredness and support physical stamina when taken consistently. From a holistic perspective, this type of energy support is about replenishment rather than pushing the body beyond its limits.

Maca is perhaps best known for its connection to reproductive and sexual health. Traditionally, it was used to support fertility in both humans and animals, and this historical use has prompted scientific interest. Clinical studies suggest that maca supplementation may improve sexual desire in some adults, without directly altering hormone levels. This distinction is important: maca does not act like a hormone, but rather appears to support the body’s natural balance. For many people, this can translate into improved vitality, confidence, and overall well-being.

Mood and emotional balance are another area of growing interest. Some small studies, particularly in postmenopausal women, have found that regular maca intake may be associated with improvements in mood and reductions in anxiety or depressive symptoms. Researchers believe these effects may be linked to maca’s complex nutritional and plant-compound profile, which includes amino acids, minerals, and unique constituents known as macamides and macaenes. Rather than targeting a single symptom, maca seems to support the whole person, especially during times of physical or emotional transition.

There is also emerging research exploring maca’s potential role in mental clarity and cognitive performance. When energy is low or stress is high, concentration and memory often suffer. Because maca supports overall vitality and resilience, it may indirectly help support focus and mental stamina. While this area of research is still developing, it reflects maca’s long-standing reputation as a strengthening and restorative food.

As with any herb, thoughtful use matters. Maca is generally considered safe for most adults when consumed in moderate, food-like amounts. However, individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or complex health concerns should consult a healthcare professional or clinical herbalist before using it regularly. Because some people find maca energizing, it is often best taken earlier in the day. When used appropriately and paired with nourishing food, adequate rest, and balanced daily routines, maca can be a supportive ally for maintaining energy, balance, and resilience in modern life

Gonzales, G. F., Cordova, A., Vega, K., Chung, A., Villena, A., & Goñez, C. (2002). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia, 34(6), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x

Gonzales, G. F., Miranda, S., Nieto, J., Fernández, G., Yucra, S., Rubio, J., Yi, P., & Gasco, M. (2001). Red maca (Lepidium meyenii) reduced prostate size in rats. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 3, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-3-5

Shin, B. C., Lee, M. S., Yang, E. J., Lim, H. S., & Ernst, E. (2010). Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for improving sexual function: A systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 10, 44. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-44

Stone, M., Ibarra, A., Roller, M., Zangara, A., & Stevenson, E. (2009). A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 126(3), 574–576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.012