Maca Root Whole Bulb / Root

Maca Root Whole Bulb / Root is whole dried maca roots, the complete bulb rather than a milled powder, grown at high altitude in the Peruvian highlands. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a nutritious Andean root crop, sold whole and sun-dried for you to simmer or grind yourself. Offered in 4oz, 6oz and 8oz bags.

At a glance

• Whole dried bulb rather than milled powder, grown in the Peruvian highlands
• Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a Brassicaceae root crop cultivated for at least two thousand years
• No serving size on the listing; start small, it is a food
• Traditionally simmered until soft, then eaten, drunk or ground into flour
• Offered in 4oz, 6oz and 8oz bags

The herb. Maca is a low mustard-family (Brassicaceae) plant from the central Peruvian Andes at around 4,000 meters, cultivated for at least two thousand years, with yellow, red and black types. It carries glucosinolates, macamides and macaenes, sterols, minerals, protein and starch.

What's in it. Whole dried root, nothing added, with its starch, fiber, protein, minerals and macamides intact. The dried bulb is dense and hard, with a malty sweetness once cooked.

Dosage and use. The listing gives no serving size, so start small. Simmer the dried roots in water until soft, then drink the liquid, eat the root, blend both into a porridge, or grind a dried root into flour. Regular users fold a modest daily amount into breakfast, a smoothie or a warm drink; cooked maca sits better than raw flour, and many use it for a few weeks then take a break.

What to expect. Users describe maca as steady, warming and grounding, with sustained energy rather than stimulation, suited to a morning or pre-training routine. It is not a caffeine-like lift. For a ready-milled root, see our Organic Maca Root Powder.

Side effects. Larger amounts, especially raw, can cause bloating, gas or mild digestive upset, and a few people notice restlessness if they take it late in the day. Cook it, reduce the amount, or use it earlier.

Interactions and cautions. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication. Maca contains glucosinolates, so consult a professional if you take thyroid medication, have a thyroid condition, or have a hormone-sensitive condition. Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients and storage. Whole dried maca root (Lepidium meyenii). Store airtight in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.

Common questions

• How do I prepare whole maca root bulbs? Simmer the dried roots in water until soft and drink the liquid or blend the root, or grind a dried bulb into flour.
• What is the difference between whole maca root and maca powder? The whole bulb is the intact sun-dried root you cook or grind yourself, while the powder is milled and ready to stir in.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Maca is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.