APOTHECARY
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Maca Tincture
$33
Ingredients:
Organic Maca, Organic Cane Alcohol
Benefits: Increases physical energy levels; aphrodisiac; adaptogen; immunostimulant; treats reproductive and sexual disorders; fertility enhancement; hormonal balancing; promotes mental clarity; helps with menstrual irregularities; supports the treatment of chronic fatigue; adrenal support; libido.
Maca
Maca comes from the Peruvian Andes, and has grown quite popular in the last few decades as one of the best herbs for supporting energy levels. Some have referred to it as “Peruvian ginseng” for its adaptogenic properties, being a near panacea in some cases.
Maca grows in the very hostile, high-altitude environment, often above 11,000 feet, and constitutes one of the primary foot sources for some regions of the Andes, where few other things grow, and as such as been in continual use for thousands of years. Indigineous tribes in the Andes are thought to have started cultivating Maca over 6,000 years ago.
There are different types of maca, some used more for their medicinal properties where others are used as more common food sources (our tincture is made from black maca) Yellow maca is the most commonly cultivated type, and usually used in dishes; it has less medicinal qualities than the other types, and so can be eaten in large quantities without the same possible side-effects. Black maca, on the other hand, is the most energizing type of maca, and gives a noticeable energy boost even in small amounts; thus, it is best consumed in smaller, measured doses; red, blue, and black maca all contain a large amount of iodine, which is important for the production of thyroid hormones. Red maca has a beneficial effect on the prostate; whereas not much is known about blue or green maca. Black and red macaw are the ones most commonly used for their medicinal properties.
Black maca has been shown to stimulate sperm production and increase sperm mobility. Maca has been shown to mitigate the psychological effects of menopause in women, improve their sexual functioning and lower blood pressure while regulating hormone levels. Maca increases energy levels, diminishes osteoporosis, and protects the skin from UV radiation. It also enhances learning capacity and memory, making it helpful in neurodegenerative diseases. It also has pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties, though these are not considered its main functions.
Maca, like many herbs, is best taken consistently, as the effects build over time. It might be noticeable right away, especially if taken in a large dose, but the more consistently maca is consumed, the more the body will adjust to having extra levels of energy.
Note: Due to its hormone regulating effects, use with caution if you are taking HRT or other hormonal medication.