Several scientific studies have shown positive results that the herb Maca may boost female sex drive or libido. This is good news, especially for post-menopausal women who are not able to supplement their hormones and women suffering from depression who take anti-depressants or other medications that cause sexual dysfunction.
Maca, or Lepidium meyenii, can be taken as pills, as liquid extracts or even in powered form. Researchers have discovered that Maca root, which resembles a small turnip in shape, may have close to 60 phytonutrients, including vitamins, minerals, sterols, healthy fatty acids, and amino acids.
The high levels of amino acids in Maca, specifically L-Arginine and L-Histadine, may help boost female sex drive or libido and correct sexual dysfunction in women, such as that caused by antidepressant drugs.
Female–as well as male–sexual behavior and arousal is a complicated mix of influences from the outside environment as well as internal compounds that are controlled mainly by the central nervous system. The nervous system can release hormones, biochemical’s, and cause particular circulatory changes that lead to increased female sex drive or libido. The endocrine system and neurotransmitters in the brain also affect female sex drive or libido.
Neuropeptides and neurotransmitters are composed of various compounds, including the amino acids (which provide energy to cells) L-Histadine and L-Arginine.
L-Histidine functions as a vasodilator, a substance that enlarges the walls of blood vessels. Histidine has long been associated with human sexuality, yet the body cannot produce it. If you don’t take a supplement, the human body derives most of its L-Histadine from a diet rich in protein, both from vegetables and meats. The body also manufactures small amounts of L-Histidine from other compounds within the body. That is why a supplement to get large amounts of this important amino acid into the body may be helpful to increasing female sex drive or libido.
Likewise, L-Arginine is prescribed by today’s physicians, holistic healers, and herbal practitioners to improve male and female sex drive or libido and cause deeper, more satisfying orgasms. Maca, by increasing the sex drive, it is sometimes referred to as an herbal “fountain of youth.”
Overall, in time, L-Arginine and L-Histidine, components of Maca root, may help build a regularly improved sex life, possibly leading to improved relationships between couples, without the use of drugs.
Maca also may relieve some symptoms of menopause, including fatigue, decreased female sex drive and depression.
Maca is an effective, natural alternative to hormone therapies for women. Hormone therapy may not be appropriate for those with various types of hormone dependent cancers. On the other hand, Maca, with its content of L-Histidine, actually benefits the heart and circulatory system by widening the blood vessels, thus rendering it helpful not only in treating low female sex drive or libido but also may be effective as a vascular treatment.
Maca root, an all-natural treatment ingested in the Andes for centuries, has the Internet buzzing. More women and men are interested in exploring non drug, safe alternatives for improving sex drive or libido.
Even though Maca is a natural root, check with your doctor before beginning any herbal therapies.