One of my favourite superfoods? Maca powder.

A Peruvian root, maca has a sweet and butterscotch-like taste that blends really well into smoothies, bliss balls, and this Maple Maca Elixir.⁣

There are reasons why maca is called a superfood too. This adaptogenic herb has a plethora of benefits from boosting energy, relieving menopause symptoms, ⁣to helping the body respond to stress.

But above all, maca is amazing for estrogen balancing and for sexual health.

Balances Hormones

The majority of acne sufferers need serious help in the hormone department. And maca may just be the help you’re looking for.

This herb can balance hormones, especially if you have estrogen dominance. That means you have a level of estrogen that is not balanced by progesterone. An imbalance in these levels can result in a myriad of symptoms like:

• Mood swings
• PMS
• Irregular periods
• Weight gain (especially in abdomen, hips and thighs)
• Bloating
• Fertility issues
• Hair loss
• Cold hands and feet (symptom of thyroid dysfunction)
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Sluggish metabolism
• Foggy thinking, memory loss
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping/insomnia

Maca can elevate your levels of progesterone because it stimulates hormone production. So if you are low on progesterone, maca can balance your estrogen to progesterone ratio and may improve acne.

However, if you are breaking out as a result of increased androgens (male hormones), maca can stimulate more androgens and worsen acne.

When it comes to maca, it may increase acne because happen because it promotes the production of a specific type of androgen called testosterone, which then creates DHT. This potent form of testosterone contributes to acne.

Here are a few symptoms of too much testosterone in the body:

• Menstrual irregularity or absence of periods
• Hair growth on chin or upper lip (hirsutism)
• Acne/oily skin
• Hair loss, especially around the hairline
• Increased muscle mass
• Decreased breast size
• Deepening of the voice or hoarseness

Moral of the story: maca is great for loving up on estrogen, progesterone and cortisol but not so great for increased androgen levels.

How do I find out my hormonal imbalances?

You’re probably now wondering, “I have symptoms from both hormones so how do I really know what hormonal imbalances I have?”

The best way to know is to test.

Unfortunately, the conventional hormone tests available from most medical doctors aren’t comprehensive enough to really see what’s going on. Over in The Clear Skin Solution, we have the DUTCH available for our clients. The results are reviewed by the Naturopathic Doctor and incorporated into their personalized protocols.

The second best way is to have a knowledgeable practitioner go through every individual symptom you’re experiencing to help you uncover what hormones are to blame.

Gets you in the mood.

Research shows that maca can also help you and your partner in the bedroom.

One study suggests this herb can help with sexual dysfunction. The study explored the effects of maca on post-menopausal women with sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressants. Compared to a placebo, maca root significantly improved sexual function.

A different study found that maca can boost sex drive as well.

Now what about men? Studies do show that maca can support male sexual health too.

This herb can increase libido, improve sperm quality and motility, and help with sexual dysfunction for men.

Maple Maca Elixir

Warming elixir with hormone-balancing maca powder and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. Helps to boost libido and energy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Author: Katie Stewart Wellness

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups non-dairy milk of choice
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp organic gelatinized maca powder
• 1 tsp nut butter of choice
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Optional Booster:

• Collagen powder
• MCT oil

Instructions

• Warm milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until desired temperature has been reached.
• Add all remaining ingredients to the blender. Blend on high until frothy (about 1 minute).
• Pour and enjoy.