Lusty: full of or characterized by a healthy vigor. (Her lusty complexion bathed him in a radiant energy, and under her gaze he felt kissed by the sun.)
Lust: intense sexual desire or appetite; ardent enthusiasm, zest, or relish. (He felt a deep lust for life, with one look at her lusty complexion, and lusted lustfully for her lusty haunches. Lust.)
You want lusty? You want lusty lust that courses through your veins and pours through your pores like warm summer’s day?
Then you want maca root powder. Oh yeah, baby. You want it.
We’re just going to talk quickly about maca powder, what it is and what it does, today. It’s been my favorite little occasional supplement over the last couple of months, but even more recently I’ve discovered what it can do for your skin.
So, a quick overview of maca root powder and then a recipe you can try in the romantic glow of your very own bathroom. Your bathroom IS romantic, isn’t it? Nothing says love like a toilet in the corner.
Maca Root – Vitality Fit For an Incan God
The Incans relied on the maca root to give them health, vitality, and what one could only assume was an otherworldly libido. A lusty group, those Incans.
To this day, maca root is still grown high in the Andes, and recently it’s received a good deal of attention for its ability to talk your body into balancing its hormones, while it boosts energy and delivers a whole host of vital nutrients.
Some people call it a super food.
I call it “earlier this afternoon I was tired, but now I’m ready to conquer the world.”
Maca root is actually in the same family as cabbage and broccoli, but they taste nothing alike. Maca is almost malty in flavor, and it adds a delicious depth to my green smoothies (which is how I usually consume it).
It’s what’s called an “adaptogen,” which means it boosts your body’s ability to heal, adapt to stress and new situations, and is beneficial for your all-around physical well being. And while it contains no phytoestrogens or other hormonal properties, it has a unique ability to lure your body into regulating its own hormones in healthy ways. It’s chock full of trace minerals and vitamins like B6, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin C. (Total nutritional information here.)
It boasts nicknames like “Peruvian Ginseng” and “Peru’s Natural Viagra,” just to give you an idea of what it can do (ahem, energy and … uh … yeah.)
It doesn’t just help men, though. Maca doesn’t discriminate when it comes to talking both men and women’s endocrine systems into balancing hormones. Women use it to boost libido, ease the symptoms of menopause, enhance fertility, and (you’ll never believe this) slightly expand the size of their breasts and rears to achieve a more hourglass look. If you’re afraid that maca will make you fat, though, there’s some evidence to suggest maca actually helps you lose weight in the areas where you might need to (like your stomach), as it helps boost metabolism.
This is an uneducated guess, and quite possibly completely incorrect, but I’d imagine that by balancing the hormones, it encourages the body to “fill out and reshape” in womanly ways. Let it be known, however, that I’m not suggesting this is some super reshaper for your figure. There is still no magic pill. I don’t take it regularly, so I can’t speak personally to boobgrowth (this should one word, and in the dictionary).
And, as with all things, you should moderate your use of maca, as too much/too soon/too often could tax your adrenal glands, lead to insomnia, or give you more buzz than you’re looking for.
As for where you can buy it? Amazon, of course, Mountain Rose Herbs, and Vitacost all sell it, and you can find it in just about any natural foods store these days.
We’re not going to talk much more about the internal health benefits of maca, so if you want to learn, here are a few more discussions about it:
- An interview with a doctor about maca
- Purported benefits of maca
- An example of why you should start your maca supplementation slowly and build (and occasionally take breaks from it, as to not overwhelm your endocrine system)
Maca and Your Radiant Complexion
Okay. THIS is the part I’m really overwhelmingly excited about. I get TONS of emails asking me what to do about hormonal breakouts and acne. Doesn’t it sound like maca may help a bit? Maybe? (You have to decide. I’m just sayin’.)
Plus. Maca, used topically as a mask or in a scrub, has given my skin new life, lustiness (yep), and vigor. I’ve been using it for about two weeks as a scrub ingredient, but I’ve also done two or three facial masks with it. It’s not as softening as some other mask or scrub ingredients. It’s more about giving strength, clarity, and vigor.
Not many studies have been done as of yet on the use of maca root topically (though there’s a maca product supplier who states that their studies showed it structurally enhanced the firmness of skin and boosted its inherent protective abilities), but skincare companies are starting to catch on and offer maca products in many forms. We’re getting the jump on them here, though, with this easy, firming, lusty facial mask.
MAKE A MACA-CHACA FACIAL MASK
So here’s what I love about all of this: I order a bag of maca powder, and then I take a teaspoon in a smoothie when I need an extra energy zing, and use it on my skin whenever I feel like it’s begging for a boost of (lusty) radiance.
This mask uses only four ingredients:
The fourth ingredient is a liquid of some sort. Full-fat milk is my preferred for extra moisturizing or softening, but you could also use apple cider vinegar (which will be clearing and astringent), water, almond milk, or even a freshly squeezed fruit juice like apple, orange, or even a diluted-with-water lemon juice.
First, you dump all your dry ingredients in a bowl. A bigger bowl than the one I’ve shown. It’s hard to stir up a mask in a tiny bowl.
You’re using 1/2 Tbsp bentonite or other cosmetic clay, 1/2 tsp maca powder, and 1/2 tsp cocoa powder. Please use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder. Do not attempt to put Nestle Quik on your face. Unless … no. No unless. Just don’t.
Now add 1-2 Tbsp of your liquid of choice. My choice is whole milk.
Of note, I get many questions about my insistence on using full-fat milk. I do that because it’s healthier, all around. Non- and low-fat milks not only don’t contain the same skin-beautifying properties, they’re just not good for you. Outside of raw milk, you’ll get the best bang for your buck from organic, gently pasteurized, whole milk. But if you want to try skim or non-fat milk, go right ahead. I’m just telling you that you’ll be happier with the results if you use full-fat. So. There you go.
Back to the mask. You have to stir well and quick, or the mask will set up before you know it. The consistency you’re aiming for is akin to pudding. Light, creamy chocolate pudding.
Spread a thin layer all over your (non-makeup-ed) clean face and leave it on until it dries, about 15-20 minutes. Remove by placing a warm washcloth over your face and letting the mask soften. Then, you can just wipe it off with the washcloth and rinse your face completely.
Done.
Radiant.
One might even say …
…
Lusty.
(You knew I was going there.)
—
Now you know maca powder. Your significant other will be glad you know it, too. Rrrrrowr.
Community Question: Where Do You Draw the Line at Natural?
Your content is valid and informative in my personal opinion. You have really done a lot of research on this topic. Thanks for sharing it, Crunchy Betty !
Maca Maca Maca! It’s not only good for you ladies. However, I will admit I did steal the idea from my wife Maca actually works wonders for men as well. It increases my libido and gives me an overall great feeling and sense of well being and confidence. I use it in a supplement form though.
http://consumster.com/2014/08/24/male-enhancement-supplement-asox9-review/
Does anyone know if there is a supplement form of this for women?
Mica is owesome, i just started using it last week, but already noticed a lot differnce like: energy, concentration, testeriod, more sleep. however, dont know the side effect. would like to know them.
CB you are hilarious! I love your site, its very informative. I’ve gotten answers to several things I’m researching for my skin care line. Thanks a bunch. Keep it coming!
if you don’t have clay. what else can I use??
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was
good. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to
a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Hi I just wanted to find out if maca helps with regulating hormones ? I hAve very low hormones – my body has gone into a menapausal state and I don’t have periods. I was wondering if maca would help with this instead of going on hormone therapy
hello, i was happy to discover your article, very interesting writing. Would love to read some more in the future, especially about maca root
Enjoyed reading your article, thank you. Will be glad to read your material in the future. Thanks for all the info
I made this mask today, with the exact recipe CB calls for. I dont have sensitive or acne prone skin. maybe just some dryness. After 10 mins or so after it had dried, I washed it off and my face is completely red and irritated. I look like a red oompa loompa! I have used bentonite on my skin, no issues, as well as milk. So maybe allergic to the maca or Cocao? ( i did use a wash cloth to take the mask off, which i would normally never do) any feedback is appreciated!!
The recipe for the mask says for acne prone skin. Your tender, dry skin needs moisturizer, whereas clay is drying. Also the washcloth is exfoliating which could be too harsh for your skin type. This just isn’t the mask for you, look for ingredients with healthy fats and that have soothing properties ie oats, cucumber, avocado to name a few. Hope that helps
I absolutely love your blog!! I can’t wait to try the lusty maca chaka mask!!
I’m a middle aged man just bought some MACA pills today. . Just wanna boost my sex life up a notch am I headed in in the right direction with this MACA?
I’ve got this on my face right now and it smells heavenly. I love the idea of adding things to your clay masks!
Why do people use hormonal birth control? I seriously don’t get it. Learn how your body functions (fertility signs: vaginal fluids and temperature changes to show ovulation) and take care of yourself (eat well and exercise). I use a diaphragm with spermicide or condoms. That along with understanding your own fertility, you can prevent pregnancy without screwing up your body with chemicals. So not taking maca root because you’re on hormonal BC is very much backwards… So strange.
Hi May I know how do I consume maca roots powder?
I love your blog! I’ve doing some research of my own and it seems that maca root makes your behind grow. Is that possible? I wouldn’t want to take something that will make my bottom bigger than it already is.
Frannie here is a link for you that I found – http://www.livestrong.com/article/448185-maca-root-cancer/
I’m very taken by the idea of this – only thing is, this, and that interview with the doctor, seems to imply maca affects your hormones – I’m on the mini-pill (oral contraceptive – cerazette, to be exact). It has progesterone (argh can;t spell) but not estrogen. Would maca impact on its effectiveness, d’you think? :/
Can I use carob instead of cocoa powder? Just wondering. Thanks.
I was wondering the same thing… but with cinnamon!
I am a bit late to the game on this post, but maybe somebody will see my SOS sign and answer my question! I just ordered Maca powder from Vitacost. When I placed the order I received a warning sign informing me that it contained elements that were known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects. I placed my order nonetheless, but can’t shake the slight worry in the back of my mind. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Hi Frannie,
I am also late in responding to your post…I know that you should use this product with caution, especially during pregnancy, it should not be used. I found some interesting info on: http://www.alkalinesuperfood.com.au (under Maca Powder, they have an info. section detailing the product).
Hope this helps!
I had use same question when I saw the label on a bottle of Gaia Herbs gelatinized maca powder I just bought. I finally went to the Gaia website and found an answer that makes is consistent with what I know about the CA prop 65 labeling law. Basically, naturally occurring lead in the soil gets taken up by the plant and is found in very low levels in the maca powder. Read it for yourself:
http://www.gaiaherbs.com/pages/detail/46/herbal-faq
Great article! I have been taking Youth H2O (one of the ingredients is maca root) and I love it. 🙂
have you tried royal jelly?
benefits:
1) increased white blood cell count
2) no acne!!
3) vivacious attitude
4) intense pore cleanser(?!)
5) good for you
6) oxidant (anti-)
7) radiance! 😉
8) advanced growth rate of nail beds
9) t-cells (1 million)(?)
10) interception of neural path connective, uh, i don’t know, something, pistache, you know, she doesn’t speak french
11) new!
12) go for it!
this was super informative!
BTW my background is in nutritional biochemistry so this should be an interesting self inflicted experiment
First time I ever saw or read this site. I love it! Ok I’ll admit I’m a middle=aged man so I’m supposed to past all the vanity etc. right? Well, too bad – I’m not and won’t be until they lower me into the grave. Besides I have a 19 year old GF so I gotta stay on my game lol. Love the way you write Betty. Love the humorous sarcasm. Oh yeah, thanks for the very useful info. I already bought the maca and just wasn’t sure how to use it.
ew maybe dater someone your own age not a child, leave maca alone
ew maybe date someone your own age not a child, leave maca alone
ew..maybe you should mind your own business. Jealous? maybe you need an older man (and LOTS of maca)
does maca root help with dark circles under eyes
Ms Crunchiness, I’m gonna give this masque a whirl but, will mix with raw honey! I only bought the Maca Powder cuz of you 😉 Reporting back later!
Listen to your body when starting maca. Maca works great for some people, I’ve read some glowing reviews online, but I’ve also found a few that are like my experience. Maca is not for everyone. I don’t typically get menstrual cramps that are anything beyond just uncomfortable, and that’s usually only one day out my cycle, day 2, my heavy day. I started a meal replacement shake that contained a large amount of maca and started having HORRIBLE off the charts painful cramping four days out from even beginning my period. I was doubled over, having cold sweats, trouble breathing, ready to vomit… the pain was INTENSE. I suspected the meal replacement with maca was the only thing I had changed in my diet/lifestyle. I immediately stopped taking it. Next menstrual cycle rolled around and everything went fine, some very mild cramping to remind me my uterus was still there, but nothing too out of control. A few weeks later in the middle of my cycle I decided to try this meal replacement shake again that I had laying around and that I had dropped big money on. BIG mistake. This was the middle of my cycle. I had just ovulated, and the next day after taking this shake I had absolutely excruciating uterine cramping that was just like the worst menstrual cramps ever that I had experienced when taking the maca before. This time the pain was so intense I did vomit. I was ready to go to the emergency room, had I even been well enough at the time to move or breathe or get those words out… This time the doubling over and uterine contraction like pain lasted over an hour and caused my entire abdomen to convulse and cramp up and it took me a week to recover before I could even walk upright again because all my insides were so sore. Of course stopped taking the shake with maca, and my cycles have been fine and have not experienced that horrible pain since. Seems to me to be a connection… I am only thirty and perfectly healthy, living a “clean and organic lifestyle”.
the meal replacment itself may be the problem. any drastic diet change like that will make huge differences in your body’s chemical balances, causing things like this. if you really want to diet, really think you need to do that, try to reduce portion sizes. not like stop eating, that’ll just get a similar result (plus it’ll essentially kill you) just read the portion sizes listed on the packaging
Hi Mel, I don’t think I need to diet. I’m an endurance athlete and am always hungry/constantly need to be eating. I work retail and can’t eat solid foods outside of my scheduled breaks, which never come often enough. I use the meal replacement shakes to tide me over until my breaks. The shakes have nothing to do with weight loss for me. It doesn’t matter how much I eat, I’m active and my metabolism burns through food so fast my weight is not a concern so much as trying to fill an insatiable appetite. I’ve used many other protein and meal replacement shakes and never experienced anything like this. Yes, the pain was right up there with child birth. I thought my uterus was trying to expel itself. I guess maca works best for menopausal women and andropause men from what I gather.
Same thing happened to me. I took it 2 different times and both times I had very bad cramps.
It’s the MACA…definitely. I took Maca alone, with no additional supplements….it did not cause cramping-it caused CONTRACTIONS. It was as painful as child birth…NO exaggeration.
I love maca powder, great read as well 🙂
Did you take the raw MACA? You should try the gelatinized version. We’re only suppose to ingest it gelantanized (Cooked).
I love your blog! Not only to I get all the crunchy goodness information that I am too lazy to get on my own, I almost always get a good laugh. I love your writing style and sense of humor, and I always look forward to your posts. : )
I have to say I love all of your posts. Thank you for being amazing. Toot toot, this is for you cosmetic discoverer and experimenter. I have marinated my vinager in thyme diluted with witch hazel like you said in an older post and feel like my hormones are still the root of my problematic skin. I do an Aztec clay mask once every two weeks. And drink only water and an occasional Guinness (my choclatey splurge). So needless to say I am excited about experimenting with maca to see how it can help my skin as a 26 y/o breaking out like I’m 16 having a 21 month old son as well which had an effect on my skin post baby. Thanks again for all your help and info.
would love to reprint this — please contact me.
It almost looks like the right mix without milk would give you a nice loose powder!
Ooh! Stellar idea, MC! 🙂
as i write this, i am smeared head-to-toe in maca + honey, spiked with calendula oil.
I’ve read a lot of stuff about maca lately and have been very interested in trying it more than just the “Steel Libido for Women” supplement I’ve been using (that stuff works BTW).
Perfect timing! I am working on a post about the aforementioned waist to hip ratio and
breastfeeding and one of the things I had come across was maca root. Great information, thank you!
I have never heard of this, but I’m definitely going to look into it. Actually, it’s sounds amazing in that green smoothie you were talking about. Getting hungry just thinking about it.
You have a seriously fantastic blog. Keep up the good work!
I love your blogs!!! I get a bit of wisdom and a few giggles with every post… I have been using Maca for about a year… I suffer from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and have tried nearly everything under the sun for energy and strength. I find that Maca does help, but did not think of using it in skincare… until today 😉 I have been using the tablet form from Vitacost, but after falling in love with the organic herbs I’ve been purchasing from Mountainroseherbs, I believe I will switch to the powder form and make my own capsules or add it to smoothie’s too. Thanks for the tip!
Maca has been a great help with menopausal hot flashes for my clients. Just a teaspoon in their morning yogurt and they’re new (older) women, lol. I find it helps even out my moods when I’m having a less than spectacular day of business. As for the lusty thing, well, I keep it away from my husband. ‘Nuff said.
Hi Haven Please can you tell me where i can find pure maca root powder for bigger butts? thx
sandra
You can find it at nutsonline.com and and you can get it organic.
Aw I really want to try this, but I’m on birth control. My boyfriend MIGHT not appreciate me risking a baby just to be more lusty. 😉
I may, however, still get it to try on my skin. It sounds wonderful.
I must say before I go; I’ve been increasing my intake of B vitamins (through seeds, herbs, and foods, not vitamins), and I have seen a dramatic difference in my energy levels. At least I won’t be missing out on that part of maca root.
Does anybody know anything about maca root and PCOS? I was diagnosed when I was 16; I’m 23 now, and just starting to really research and learn about the condition. My eventual goal is to be able to treat it with something natural. I’ll definitely be seeing a doctor before I start trying out treatments, but I want to go in fully armed with knowledge.
The owner of this blog has (had?) PCOS and has dealt with it naturally through diet. I suggest doing a lot of reading over there. She has lots of great info on her sight. http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/start-here/about/
Oh my word, I love your writing style! And now I’m glad to know about maca powder. I have hormonal issues: PCOS and this may just help a lot!
http://munchtalk.blogspot.com/
I’ve been on maca root capsules (Femenessence) for a few months and I LOVE it! I definitely have had success regulating my energy (no more 3:00 energy low!) It’s also regulated my cycle and cut down on cramps. It has also helped with my hypoglycemia.
It’s powder from the GODS!
Love that you posted about maca since i’ve been researching it and considering it for the last few months. My sister introduced me to it after her extensive research and great results from taking it. She is a medical professional that probably leaned more towards man-made drugs instead of herbs most of her life. Her job requires quick thinking, quick moving/high energy and long hours. After being on some crazy hormonal bc for 10+ years, she wants to get pregnant. MONTHS of being off of bc and she hadn’t even gotten her period yet. She tried maca (pill form) and w/in a week or so, got her first period. Her energy is way boosted and she can definitely tell a difference if she goes through a spell of not taking them. Through all her research, she has said the same-balances out hormones. I pray this will include eliminating some of the monthly crazies because i need it! Thanks for the confirmation and thanks for the topical info too. always love that!
Anyone else thinking that mask looks delicious? I kind of want to eat it…. yum :o)
I’ve been taking maca (both in powder and capsule form) for a few months now and I’d say I’m pretty happy with it. I went to a Vega nutrition seminar hosted by Brendan Brazier and he was raving about it so I gave it a try. He said it helped keep down cortisol levels and support the adrenals, and as an athlete that’s important when you continually put your body through stress. He also mentioned that it does help you get a better quality sleep, so even if you can’t get a full 8 hours you will feel more rested.
I’d put the powder form in my morning smoothies at first but eventually got sick of the taste so I got the capsules and have enjoyed taking those more.
I do notice that I feel MUCH more rested when I get up and throughout the day regardless of how much sleep I get (drastically small amounts though I am still tired like usual haha).
I am training for a marathon and I have noticed that I’m not as stiff and sore as I was before, but that can also be attributed to getting better at running marathons.
I have lost weight but running lots will do that to you, and I don’t notice any difference with my menstrual cycles (usually regular and painful).
But the sleep thing is GREAT. I take it for that alone. As with anything, try it, see if it helps, if it stops helping, stop taking it. Everyone’s different.
I love your description of maca root as lusty. Perfect.
The nutritional data you linked to gave a 100 gm portion and the calories were sky high. Can you tell us roughly how many calories are in the teaspoon you take, or the gms per teaspoon? I’m highly intrigued as I’ve lost almost 85 pounds in a little over a year and my hormones are all over the place with some of the worst PMS symptoms I’ve ever had (horrible mood issues both at ovulation and menstruation, heavy day 1 & 2 with debilitating cramps etc.) Some natural help in regulating them a tad would be wonderful!
No problemo. All of the brands at Vitacost state that there’s 20 calories in a teaspoon.
Thank you for the quick reply!
Hi Haven Please can you tell me where i can find pure maca root powder for bigger butts. thx
Since maca affects hormone levels, wouldn’t it have potential negative interactions with hormonal birth control? Have you found any information on this?
That’s a good question, Eliska, and I don’t think anyone has a proper answer for it, because studies haven’t been done to check. I just did a good deal of searching, and it sounds like the common wisdom – ESPECIALLY in the case of something as serious and important as birth control – is to not even try it. I’d have to agree with that, from just a personal standpoint. I’m not going to make any uneducated guesses. I’m just going to say: I wouldn’t try to naturally change my hormone levels if I was already pharmaceutically doing it. Better safe than sorry, especially in this situation.
Just to clarify…are you saying I shouldn’t take maca root powder internally if I am taking birth control?
I am very curious about this! I am on birth control and add maca powder to smoothies 1-2 times per week. I will make a note to check with my Dr!!
I have been taking 1000mg of maca capsules daily for about 2 months now and I’m on a birth control pill and luckily I haven’t gotten pregnant. I have a bf but we’re not ready for that kind of addition.
You should introduce maca slowly to your body, the first time i started adding it to my smoothies i was putting in about 2 tbsp per smoothie. I am on birth control and i am regular, however after two days of smoothies i started my period 1 1/2 weeks before i was due. It definitely will have an effect on your cycle and you jump into it too quickly.
I have to say, I am new to this website but this response alone has earned you a new, devoted reader. So often, you see people shouting from the mountaintops to try these supplements with no regard for traditional Western medicine (which I do personally believe has its place – I tried the NFP birth control method religiously and still ended up not only getting pregnant, but miscarrying – back to hormonal BC for me).
Not only making sure you have the science to back something up before making a claim (“studies haven’t been done to check”) but advising to err on the side of caution with these things is so much more responsible than what is typically done. Thank you for being not only “crunchy” and helpful, but wise!