JULY-AUGUST 2000

Maca or plant of the southerngods The Peruvian Andes... fantastic scenery surmounted by vertiginous peaks where cold winds constantly tease a meagre vegetation...Titanic or godly decor, the eye remains perpetually submerged by the wild and vast areas, perpetually bewitched by the austere beauty of a stripped nature. Home of the southern gods but also home of Maca or Lepidium meyenii Walp. Of the Brassica family, like watercress, potato, tomato and tobacco, Maca or Peruvian Ginseng (also called Maino, Ayuk wilku and Ayak chichira) rests on the ground and resembles a flat potato plant. Brownish in colour, with ivory flowers, its roots look like an upside down pear. According to many, Maca is associated to Ginseng (hence its name Peruvian Ginseng) due to the shape of its roots, which resemble those of Siberian Ginseng; whose roots are shaped like humans and mandrakes. The inhabitants of the high Peruvian mountains and valleys say that Maca is also remarkable for its tonic properties which give this plant its royal or celestial reputation. This “divine plant” is therefore a “yang” food. Consequently, it has been associated to virility and immortality amongst alpine nations. Maca is grown at high altitudes in the narrow passes of the Peruvian Andes. In fact, this plant has such a high tolerance to the cold , that it easily grows and develops at altitudes of 3500 to 4450 metres above sea level. So Maca is well known for its fighting spirit and its capacity to grow in difficult climatic conditions. Because of this capability, it was believed by Peruvian natives that Maca possessed properties which favoured development and vigour. Therefore, according to several Peruvian Indian traditions, wearing a Maca root would reinforce virility, attract love, give beauty and health. Maca is also reputed for its aphrodisiac properties. Still according to local traditions, the plant also granted wishes: “Take a Maca root in your hand, visualise your dream through the root and throw it in the river. Or maybe, engrave your wishes onto the root and throw it in the river” would say elder natives of these regions. Equally used for its culinary virtues as its curative virtues by Andes Peruvians, Maca has been grown for at least 2000 years. Considered as “famine food”, Maca was the main staple in hard times. Recent scientific analysis have demonstrated its excellent nutritive value, possessing a very high level of essential fatty acids and all of the essential amino acids. This root or tuber can be dried and powdered. It can be stored for many years without suffering considerable deterioration. Mixed with water, and boiled for five to six hours, the dried roots make an aromatic porridge known as “mazamorra”. It tastes like peanut shells or certain types of Peruvian pollens. As for the inhabitants popular medicinal practices, Maca has been used in the treatment of several ailments. In fact, men used Maca to strengthen their sexual functions, particularly fertility. And women used the plant to treat hot flashes during menopause, and to treat menstrual problems. Maca was also used to give the skin a younger look, to improve sexual desire, normalise vaginal lubrication, emotional problems and reduce stress. Generally, Maca increased stamina, corrected anaemia, and reinforced the immune system. Recent in vitro scientific research have shown that Maca has stimulating properties for the brain’s glandular complex (pituitary, hypothalamus). It nourishes the brain’s glands and plays a role in the proper function of other body glands such as the ovaries, testicles, suprarenal glands, pancreas and the thyroid gland. Maca, also called plant of the southern gods, is a royal and divine plant. With local myths on one side and science on the other, the vast domain of knowledge and popular practises still continue to surprise us. Offered to mankind by southern gods to cope with a rigorous and hostile climate, this divine plant, used for thousands of years, incessantly continues to prove its medicinal use. Kathia Roy References: MOZZANI, ÉLOÏSE. Le livre des superstitions, mythes croyances et légendes. Édition Robert Laffont, Coll. Bouquins. Paris: 1995. CHEVALIER, JEAN & GHEERBRANT, ALAIN. Le dictionnaire des symboles, mythes, rêves, coutumes, gestes, formes, figures, couleurs, nombres. Édition Robert Laffont / Jupiter, Coll. Bouqins. Paris: 1982. DR. A.B. HOWARD. Herbal Extracts: The Lawrence Review of Natural Products. 1990. DUKE, J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985.