Maca Guide

Maca is a root traditionally used for vitality and sexual wellness. Learn how it may support mood and sexual health and what to consider when choosing a supplement.¹

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is maca?

Maca, or Lepidium meyenii, is a South American root used in natural health products.¹

What is maca used for?

Health Canada recognizes maca for antioxidant support, emotional aspects of sexual health, and healthy mood balance during menopause.¹

Is maca the same as ginseng?

No. Maca is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng, but it’s a different plant from Panax ginseng.¹

How long can you take maca?

Health Canada recommends healthcare guidance for longer-term use, with timing depending on the daily amount.¹

What is maca?

Maca, or Lepidium meyenii, is a root native to South America and sometimes called Peruvian ginseng. Despite the name, it isn’t botanically related to true ginseng.¹ 

In supplements, maca is typically provided as dried root or a concentrated extract and is used for specific mood, sexual-health, and antioxidant benefits.¹ 

How does maca support wellness?

Health Canada recognizes maca for helping support the emotional aspects of sexual health and healthy mood balance during menopause.¹ 

It also provides antioxidant support, helping protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.¹

Which health goals can maca support?

Mood Support

Maca may help support healthy mood balance during menopause.¹

Sexual Health

Maca may help support the emotional aspects of sexual health.¹

Antioxidant Support

Maca provides antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.¹

How can maca fit into your routine?

Maca is often used when mood, sexual wellness, or menopause-related changes are a concern. 

  • During menopause: Maca may help support healthy mood balance.¹ 
  • For sexual wellness: It may support the emotional aspects of sexual health.¹ 
  • For everyday wellness: Maca also provides antioxidant support.¹ 
  • Think long term: Mood and sexual health are also influenced by sleep, stress, relationships, and overall health. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a maca supplement?

Start with what you need, then choose a product that fits your life.

  • Check the amount: Compare the equivalent amount of dried maca provided per serving. 
  • Check the extract: Concentrated extracts may provide a larger herb equivalent in a smaller capsule. 
  • Match the benefit: Look for approved claims that fit your goal, such as mood or sexual-health support. 
  • Follow duration guidance: Longer-term use may require healthcare advice.¹ 
  • Review cautions: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, blood pressure conditions, blood thinners, and some psychological conditions may require guidance.¹ 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

FAQs

What is maca used for?

Health Canada recognizes maca for helping support the emotional aspects of sexual health, healthy mood balance during menopause, and antioxidant protection.¹

Can maca help with libido?

Health Canada’s approved wording is broader: maca may help support the emotional aspects of sexual health.¹

Can maca support mood during menopause?

Yes. Health Canada recognizes maca for helping support healthy mood balance during menopause.¹

Sources

1. Health Canada. Maca — Lepidium meyenii Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated September 27, 2024.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_maca--lepidium-meyenii_english.pdf 

2. Health Canada. Natural Health Products Ingredients Database — Lepidium meyenii.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/ingredReq?id=6238