Maca is an herb that grows in the Andes Mountains of Peru and Ecuador. Maca is used as an herbal treatment for infertility and sexual dysfunction. Although the herb is thought to have positive effects on fertility in both men and women, medical studies have not been performed to effectively evaluate these claims. Consult with an herbalist, naturopathic doctor or physician experienced in herbal treatments prior to adding maca to your supplement regimen.
Step 1
Obtain a maca herbal supplement from a reputable manufacturer to ensure purity of the supplement and accuracy of dosage. Look for a maca supplement that bears the USP label to ensure you are buying a quality supplement. Maca is available in capsule, powder or tincture form.
Step 2
Take maca in divided doses three times per day. Typical doses range from 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day. Baby Hopes recommends higher doses for fertility, although you can start with a lower dose and work up to a higher dose over time if desired. Consult with a knowledgeable health-care professional for dosage recommendations.
Step 3
Allow three to six months for maca to begin working. Maca is touted to help to regulate imbalanced hormones, improve sperm count and motility and increase sexual function. It can take several months to build up in your system to show improvement, however. Keep in mind that maca has not been proved to actually improve these factors, however. Maca is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment for infertility.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and take a prenatal vitamin to make sure you're receiving optimal nutrition when trying to conceive.
- Do not take maca if you are taking any other prescription medication without asking your doctor first.
Things You'll Need
- Maca supplement
