Maca Root Energy & Stamina Blend

Category: Energy

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian root vegetable that has been used for energy and fertility for centuries at high altitudes in the Andes. Its alkaloids modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis without directly raising hormone levels, making it safer than glandular supplements. It's particularly well-studied for sexual function and energy in both men and women.

Traditional uses & benefits

• Supports people with persistent fatigue, low libido, mood imbalance, and energy dips, including those in perimenopause or experiencing SSRI-related sexual dysfunction
• Works without stimulants via HPA axis modulation
• Not a substitute for hormonal therapy or treatment of clinical depression

Ingredients

• Gelatinised maca root powder (Lepidium meyenii) (1.5–3 g daily (approx. 1–2 tsp))
• Warm plant milk or smoothie base (200 mL)

How to prepare

1. Start with 1 tsp (approx. 1.5 g) daily for the first week — some people experience mild GI upset when starting at higher doses. 2. Stir into a smoothie, warm plant milk, or oatmeal. Maca has a distinctive malty, slightly earthy flavour — blends well with cacao, cinnamon, or vanilla. 3. Increase to 2 tsp (3 g) daily after the first week if tolerating well. 4. Take consistently for 6–12 weeks to assess benefit — libido and energy effects accumulate over weeks, not days. 5. No cycling required — unlike stimulating adaptogens, maca can be taken continuously without tolerance concerns.

Why it works

Maca contains unique alkaloids (macamides and macaridine) and glucosinolates that modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis without directly elevating sex hormone levels, making it distinct from hormone-containing supplements. Stone M et al. (2009) RCT (n=57): maca supplementation significantly improved energy and mood vs placebo in healthy adults. Brooks NA et al. (2008) RCT: maca at 3.5 g/day significantly improved sexual dysfunction in SSRI-treated patients, the only published RCT for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in a botanical. Gonzales GF et al. (2002) RCT (n=57): maca improved self-reported sexual desire in men after 8 weeks.

Time to effect

Best used as needed for acute relief; with regular use, supportive benefits build over 1 to 2 weeks.

Not right for

Not the right fit if any of these apply to you: hormone-sensitive cancers (caution), under 18 (for hormonal use). When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or GP first.

In simple terms

Maca root is an Andean adaptogen that improves energy, libido, and hormonal balance through the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Unlike hormonal herbs, maca does not contain hormones itself, it helps your own system optimise its output.

When to take it

preventive

Common mistakes

• Using raw maca powder if you have a sensitive stomach — gelatinised maca removes starches that cause bloating
• Taking in the evening — maca has energising properties that can interfere with sleep
• Expecting hormonal effects in days — effects on energy and libido develop over 4–8 weeks
• Using in thyroid conditions without guidance — maca is a goitrogen and may affect thyroid function

Sources

• Maca for energy and mood (Stone 2009) (2009): Stone M et al. RCT n=57. Maca significantly improved energy and mood vs placebo.
• Maca for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction (Brooks 2008) (2008): Brooks NA et al. RCT. 3.5g/day maca significantly improved sexual dysfunction in SSRI patients.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.