FAQ
Tribulus FAQs
What is Tribulus and what is it good for?
Tribulus terrestris is a perennial trailing plant that grows predominantly in India. It has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an herbal tonic for sexual dysfunction and certain urinary disorders. Tribulus seems to work by facilitating the absorption of essential fatty acids (EFA), which are used by the liver to manufacture certain hormones. In men, the secretion of leutinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland appears to be increased. In women, it appears to increase secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Studies of this herb are ongoing. Herbs currently being studied for similar effects are Maca, a Peruvian perennial that grows in the Andes mountains, and Muira puama, an Amazonian plant.
Tribulus is not the same as horny goat weed, a popular libido-enhancer currently on the market. This herb is called Epimedium (Epimedium grandiflorum).
Maca Sex: (Maca Talk): F.A.Q.'s: Sexual Health & Libido Related
SEXUAL HEALTH & LIBIDO RELATED (BOTH SEXES)
This page lists (10) questions and answers related to maca use in relation to sexual health, libido, and performance.
To see other archived questions and answers about maca, click here
For studies relating to sexual performance enhancing properties of maca root, click here
#1- Maca Question:
I have potency problems and short time erections. So which one of your maca products should I choose? I'm a bit confused because there are so many.
#1- Maca Magic Answer:
The extracts, tablets and powders all have been used successfully in laboratory studies and clincal trials. We always recommend the whole raw powders as the most comprehensive method and also the most economical. However, not everyone will use the powers to make malts or smoothies. So if you make shakes everyday, then try the powders, they work perfect. If you don't make shakes, try liquid extract or tablets, which are both convenient to use.
#2- Maca Question:
How long do you have to take maca to start to feel the benefits of increased libido?
#2- Maca Magic Answer:
In regards to the "benefits of increase libido", this highly depends on you body... There are customer testimonials that have felt an increase of libido within a couple of days, however, in some cases, it has taken a couple of weeks or months to notice an increase of libido.
#3- Maca Question:
I listen to the Tiffany Granath show often and they are always talking about this product. I am a female almost 28 years old and I'd like to boost my sex drive...
My question is, am I too young to take this product, or, if not, how often do you recommend taking it? Also, which specific Maca Magic product would be right for me?
#3- Maca Magic Answer:
Yes, many people of all ages do use maca to increase their libido. The suggested use for the Maca Magic powder is 1 teaspoon with an 8 oz to 16 oz beverage. Customers love Maca Magic in their smoothies! We carry Maca Magic in a powder, capsules, tablets, and extracts. In regards to which is best for you, this highly depends on you. Do you see yourself consuming maca in a yummy smoothie? If so, the powder is the best choice. Do you enjoy extracts? If so, the Maca Express is best for you.
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#4- Maca Question:
I had prostate cancer in 2007 resulting in a prostatectomy. I was told that the cancer cells used the testosterone (a steroid hormone) as a food source. My question is obvious; does the Maca increase testosterone?
I’ve been a fan of the product before I ever knew I had cancer, and while I’ve been cancer free (no detectable cancer) for some time, I want to avoid giving it an opportunity to return...
#4- Maca Magic Answer:
Maca is a super food that is full of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and amino acids which directly fuel the endocrine system. It is helpful for hormonal balance. According to clinical research studies, (The Healing Power of Rain Forest Herbs, by Leslie Taylor, ND. page # 342) a 2003 double-blind placebo human trial, men taking maca root extract (1.5-3 grams daily) evidenced no changes in any reproductive hormonal level tested, including testosterone (which actually showed a slight decrease). Maca is contraindicated for individuals that have a history of estrogen positive cancer.
For more information, check out the following web-site: www.prostateawarenessfoundation.org
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#5- Maca Question:
I want to order some maca capsules for both me and my boyfriend. We are both low on energy and sex drive. I am also on Prozac. What dosage do you recommend?
#5- Maca Magic Answer:
Maca is a food loaded with vitamins, minerals, and building blocks to fuel brain function, ease hormone irregularities, and nourish the body. At this time, there is no scientific research showing the effects of Prozac and maca. We highly suggest you consult your practitioner. Many customers have experienced an increase of libido and energy from using maca.
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#6- Maca Question:
I heard about the macaroot product on a radio talk show (Playboy Radio) and understood it from the talk show host to be good as a sugar replacement as well as an incredible energy and libido booster...
My question is this: What product would be the best for use in Ice Tea as a sweetner replacement for sugar if any? FYI - when I make tea (black tea) I use Lipton tea bags and make it in the refrigerator. The size of the pitcher is 1 Gallon and when using sugar as a sweetener I typically use approximately 1/2 cup of sugar.
If using a Macaroot product, what type do you suggest and what quantity would you suggest in a 1 gallon pitcher with trying for a similar amount of sweet taste to sugar? (In other words, 1/2 cup of sugar would equal = ???? Macaroot quantity ?? and type ??)
Also, I have recently experimented using Organic Blue Agave as a replacement sweetener for sugar and I like the results over sugar but am still looking for the added boost overall that I understand the Macaroot products can provide. So if Macaroot is not a very good replacement can you advise me on a suggested dosage in 1 gallon of liquid like tea? (FYI - I typically drink 1/2 to 3/4 gallon of ice tea a day.)
#6- Maca Magic Answer:
Herbs America carries a variety of products which include formulations, syrups, oils, and maca. One specific product we have often used as a sweeter alternative is Yacon syrup, which can be used for baking and in liquids.
Yacon is a relative to the sunflower with edible tubers and leaves. According to scientific research, it contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which passes through the digestive tract unmetabolized therefore providing few calories. Research has also shown that FOS increases production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. It also increases absorption of calcium and magnesium and has a low glycemic index. But, best of all, many of our customers also enjoy the flavor of it, describing it as "malty honey".
Our Yacon syrup product can be viewed and purchased here
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#7- Maca Question:
I have a low hormone level...
I started taking Maca root to help me with my menopause problems. My doctor put me on Prempro but I am scared of the side affects it has. So I will try Maca root. My sexual drive is very low. Do you think I can take 25mg DHEA with two pills a day of MACA ROOT 500 mg/ pill? Will it hurt me to take that much? I am 44 years old. Please help.
#7- Maca Magic Answer:
500 or 100 milligrams of maca root per day is fine for most people. Please consult your doctor however, this is not well understood.
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#8- Maca Question:
Question, and I'm not trying to be funny...
I am a 56 year old male, and I am interested in the aphrodisiac quality of your products. Which product would you recommend, at what point should it be taken before contemplated activity, and how much should be taken?
#8- Maca Magic Answer:
Many people use the liquid maca extracts. We often recommend the whole powders because they are economical but also because they are very comprehensive. However, not everyone likes to take the whole maca powder since you need to blend it in a drink. According to the studies, and our own experiences since 1994, there is a gradual build up of hormone levels, sperm count, etc, usually noticed after several days of use. It makes people feel good mentally so this is not a problem to motivate yourself to take it everyday, since it's a good food, too. Once your "On" you can skip a few days here and there and you problably won't lose potency. Some people can even stop using it for a couple weeks at a time and there will only be a gradual drop in sexual ability.
The key is to take any Maca product for several days in a row...normally everyday for 5-6 days in sufficient (high) doses then you should see a difference. After that point vigor will depend on how much is eaten. It's not noticeable immediately like viagra, since it works with your endocrine system at a natural pace, but more likely after 6-12 hours. Some people don't take enough, or they don't take it reguarly. Again, once your "On", once a day is plenty for most people. There are other people who eat it several times a day, because they like the feeling. Go slow at first and judge for yourself.
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#9- Maca Question:
I'm 22 years old. Are there any harmful effects from taking it at my age?
I am 22 years old and my query on maca is that after taking it, it reduces my libido and energy. Why could this be ? Maca contains lots of nutrients which I may not be getting in my diet, so I thought it might be helpful - but I also got some side effects.
Can you tell me what are the effects of taking it in high doses for a long time ? I was taking it as a supplement for its nutrients but also I wanted to gain weight and muscles.
#9- Maca Magic Answer:
It should be fine to use it from time to time, but we do not recommend large doses. Nor for long term use. Try Blue green Algae instead, or some other super foods. Save maca for when you're older. Why do you want to use it so often? Once in a while should be fine but not in high doses... there is no reason to do that at your age unless you are treating some therapeutic issues.
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#10- Pre-question comment:
Hi, after much research and high anticipation, I bought your product (Maca Magic Express Extract) in hopes that it would help resolve my problem with decreased libido. I am a 45 year old male who has been really struggling with this condition for the last several months. (Very bad timing as I just got re-married when this condition started to hit) I have just completed the whole bottle of your product and am sorry to say that it has had no noticable effect on my problem. For the last couple of weeks I even tried taking a slightly higher dosage than was recommended on your bottle, thinking that maybe because of my size it just wasn't enough to take effect. (I'm 6' 2" and 205 lbs., athletic and in pretty good shape).
#10- Maca Question:
I would like to know with all your experience in Maca products if I am doing something wrong or what?
I would think after over a month of taking your maca product it would have some kind of effect, but it did not. I'm very disappointed and want to find a natural alternative to the conventional prescription of Viagra or whatever. Do you have any recommendations other than the obvious one, keep taking your product and see what happens? Thanks for any input you might have.
#8- Maca Magic Answer:
Thanks for writing. Its possible your problem is not related to conditions that Maca corrects, or that the dose was not high enough. About 80% of the people who use Maca regularly will notice a big change in their libido and energy levels. I used it a few times over the course of two years while working in Peru and did not notice anything. Then, I wanted to get away from using coffee and started to use Maca powder in high quantities (about 4 heaping spoonfuls per day in a blended drink). I weigh 165lbs/. and at that level I started to really understand what Maca could do. It's a member of the radish family, a food plant rather than an herb, and needed to be taken in higher doses.
While other people feel a lift from just 2-3 maca tablets a day and others use the extract for a sexual boost, it doesn't hit everybody right away. We do shows and give out hundreds of samples of Maca and have about 80% positive response. During a show we often take 4-5 times the recommended dose, and many of us feel a stronger effect when taking the whole powders. It's possible Maca might not be a help to your particular condition. I would not try to sell it to you just to make a quick sale, so I'm hesitant to even recommend you try it again. But If you do try it again, I would try the whole powders and try them at higher doses for 4-5 days in a row. If you don't notice anything from that, then it's possible Maca may not work for your condition.
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MORE MACA QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
Click on a subject of interest to see more archived questions and answers about maca.
Women's issues, HRT, etc.
Adrenal & endochrine system related
Sports nutrition related
Maca Magic product particulars and general questions about maca
Side effects, concerns, how maca works with other substances, etc.
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STORIES & TESTIMONIALS
Over the years, housewives, doctors, husbands, the elderly, and people from all walks of life have sent in their stories to the HERBS AMERICA COMPANY offices. The subjects cover many experiences relating to Maca root.
If you have an interesting Maca experience of your own you'd like to share with others as a testimonial, please email us and we'll publish it online with your permission.
