Lepidium meyenii

[Guest guest]

[Apologies for cross postings]

 

Hello All,

 

I'm doing an energetic breakdown of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) and I

wondered if anyone has had experience using it clinically. I'm

particularly interested in possible combinations, adverse reactions and

contraindications. Any feedback is welcome.

 

David

 

Plant name: Lepidium meyenii Walp.

 

Similarly used species: Lepidium virginicum L. sp, Lepidium peruvianum

Chacon sp.

 

Family: Brassicaceae

 

Category: Tonify Yang

 

Common names: Maca, Peruvian ginseng, Pepperwort, Virginia Peppergrass

[uSA] Maca, Maca-maca, Maqa-maqa, Willku willku, Willku yuyu[Quechua]

Januk'ara [Quechua & Aymara] ‘Anaunau, Anounou, Kunana, Naunau [Hawai'i]

 

Properties: Sweet, neutral.

 

Western Actions: Antifatigue, aphrodesiac, immunostimulant, nutritive,

steroidal, tonic.

 

Energetic Actions: 1) Tonifies kidney qi & yang 2) Nourishes the yin and

clears deficiency heat; 3)Tonifies heart blood 4) Tonifies spleen qi and

drains dampness

 

Uses:

 

1) Tonifies kidney qi and yang:

Impotence [universal]

Infertility [Andes]

Chronic fatigue [Andes]

 

2) Nourishes the yin and clears deficiency heat:

Menopause [Andes]

Tuberculosis [Andes]

Arterial Hypertension (Root is boiled) [Andes]

Diabetes [General]

Polyglobulia [bolivia]

 

3) Tonifies heart blood

Poor memory [Andes]

Anemia [Andes]

 

4) Tonifies spleen qi and drains dampness:

Used to increase muscle mass in bodybuilders [uSA]

Speeds the healing of wounds (Leaves are boiled) [Andes]

Excess phlegm in the lungs [General]

 

5) Other:

Irregular menses [Andes]

Topical for poison ivy (juiced) [Menominee]

Rheumatic complaints [General]

 

Part used: Tubers.

 

Combinations:

 

Caution:

 

Preparation: Decocted, prepared as food.

 

Dosage: 5 - 20 grams / day

 

Notes: Propagated by seed.

Cultivated as far back as 1600 B.C.

Maca is made into a fermented drink called maca chicha. Also made into

a pudding and a jam. Roots smell like butterscotch.

When the Spanish invaded South America, their livestock were not

reproducing well at high altitudes. After the Indians recommended

feeding the animals maca, the Spanish were startled at the results.

--

*************************

David Leonard, L.Ac.

Medicine at your Feet

808.573.3600

http://www.medicineatyourfeet.com

 

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