Maca....Peruvian Ginseng

Genus: Lepidium
english name: Lepidium meyenii, Maca, Peruvian ginseng, maka

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
Compounds: vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential amino acids
Parts used: root
Properties: adaptogen, tonic and energetic plant
Uses
internal uses: its aphrodisiac properties and energizing effect - increasing energy, promoting mental clarity, treating male impotence, and helping with menstrual irregularities, female hormonal imbalances, menopause

Maca is an herbaceous biennial plant or annual plant native to the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru. The plant is traditionally grown at altitudes of approximately 4,100 - 4,500 m. It grows well only in very cold climates with relatively poor soil; approximately 2000 years maca has been an important traditional food and medicinal plant in its growing region. It is regarded as a highly nutritious food and as a medicine that enhances strength and endurance and also acts as an aphrodisiac. During Spanish colonization maca was used as currency.