Get Turned On (By a Root)

Written By Nathaniel Croft

Maca is a root from the Andes that’s built a reputation as a natural booster for energy, mood, and sex drive. People have used it for centuries, and now modern studies are catching up. It’s not hype-free — but the research so far is surprisingly solid. Here’s what we know about maca’s impact on libido, stamina, and emotional balance, and why we included it in our Amorous smoothie.

What maca can do for your sex drive

Maca’s claim to fame is that it can help with libido. Several small studies suggest it might be true. In one trial, men who took 2 grams of maca a day for 12 weeks showed a significant increase in sperm concentration — with no major changes in testosterone levels. So it’s not acting like a hormone; it’s doing something else.

Maca may also support sexual function in women. One study looked at postmenopausal women on antidepressants, who often report decreased libido. After taking 3,000 mg of maca daily for 12 weeks, those women had better scores for sexual desire and function than the placebo group. Another small study found that maca reduced menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes, mood dips, and sexual dysfunction. The samples were small, but the results are promising across genders.

Mood, energy, and the adaptogen angle

There’s a reason people take maca even when sex isn’t the goal. Maca is considered an adaptogen, meaning it may help your body handle stress and rebalance energy. Animal studies show better endurance and less fatigue. In humans, the effects are early-stage but real. One study tracked people living at high altitudes — where energy tends to tank — and found that 3 grams of maca a day for 12 weeks improved both mood and energy levels.

There’s overlap here: when you’re tired or stressed, your libido takes a hit. Maca seems to support both sides of that equation. A 2024 review linked maca to better mood and well-being in men, while early research in postmenopausal women showed decreases in anxiety and depression. None of it’s definitive, but the trend is clear: maca could be a low-key way to feel a little more up, emotionally and physically.

How to take it

Maca root is usually dried and ground into a powder with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Most studies use around 1.5 to 3 grams daily — roughly a teaspoon. You can mix it into smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. It blends best with sweet ingredients and plays well with cacao, banana, and berries.

It’s considered safe at typical doses. Studies haven’t flagged major side effects at up to 3 g/day over a few months. Still, it’s smart to ease in slowly and check with your doctor if you have specific health conditions or take medication.

Why it’s in our Amorous smoothie

We put maca in the Amorous smoothie because the science lined up with what we wanted the drink to do: boost mood, energy, and blood flow. It’s blended with cacao (linked to increased circulation and feel-good brain chemistry), ginseng (another adaptogen), cayenne (for that warm, circulatory kick), red berries (full of polyphenols), and coconut cream (for healthy fat and flavor).

Maca adds a slightly malty note to the smoothie and rounds out the whole profile. The result is a drink that tastes indulgent but works hard behind the scenes. You’re not just sipping something delicious — you’re supporting your system and sexual wellbeing.

Bottom line

Maca’s not a miracle root, but it has a solid case behind it. It may help support sexual function, elevate your mood, and give your energy levels a lift — without acting like a hormone or stimulant. That’s why it’s in our glass.

Drink responsibly ;)

Sources

Nathaniel Croft
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