Maca For Pain Relief
Maca root (scientific name Lepidium meyenni), has enjoyed increasing popularity after being associated with a wide variety of health benefits. Typically known for energizing and hormone balancing capabilities, more recent reports suggest that maca may contribute to pain relief. But can maca really help you manage pain? If so, what kinds of pain can maca reduce? How do you best take maca for pain relieving purposes? In this article we’ll have a detailed look at those questions and more. You can use the links below to go directly to various sections of the article.
- What Is Maca Root?
- Is Maca Good For General Pain Relief?
- What Does Science Say About Using Maca Root For Pain?
- What Customers Say About Maca For Pain Relief
- Which Maca Is Best For Pain Relief?
- How To Take Maca For Pain Relief
- Final Words
What Is Maca Root?
Maca root is a cruciferous vegetable that grows at high altitudes in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It is part of the family of vegetables that includes horseradish, but is very unique among them. Maca has an incredibly dense nutrient profile, including some nutrients that are totally unique. It has been cultivated for thousands of years in and is prized for its ability to enhance endurance, stamina, and hormonal balance. Maca is available in several forms, including powder, capsules, and extracts, making it accessible to people worldwide.
Is Maca Good For General Pain Relief?
Pain in the body can have a variety of causes. Adding maca root to your diet does not lessen all types of pain, but it can have a positive effect in these types of cases:
Pain caused by stress related inflammation – maca is an adaptogen and helps the body to cope with physical and emotional distress. In this way, taking maca may indirectly reduce pain caused by inflammation and tension.
Pain from inflammation such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and muscle soreness. Maca contains natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help mitigate inflammation. While research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that maca can reduce oxidative stress, which is a known contributor to inflammation.
Pain related to unregulated hormones such as menstrual cramps, migraines and chronic fatigue. Maca is widely known for its hormone-balancing effects, particularly in women experiencing menopause or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). By regulating hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, maca may help alleviate pain associated with hormonal imbalances.
Pain caused by muscle and joint overuse. Athletes and active individuals often experience muscle soreness and joint pain due to intense physical activity. Maca’s rich amino acid profile and energy-boosting properties may support muscle recovery and reduce exercise-induced pain. Some users report improved endurance and less muscle fatigue after supplementing with maca.
Some types of nerve pain. Emerging animal studies suggest that maca can support brain function and can also help protect nerve cells from damage.
What Does Science Say About Using Maca Root For Pain?
While user reports along with traditional use suggest that maca can help relieve pain, there are only a few studies that have explored this benefit of maca. Here are the highlights.
- A study from 2020 suggest that maca’s unique nutrients, macaenes and macamides help alleviate inflammatory pain.
- A 2017 study found that administering maca to rats relieved persistent articular and neuropathic pain.
- A recent (2024) study from the journal Menopause found that maca supplementation helped reduce menopausal symptoms, including joint pain and muscle discomfort, in women experiencing menopause.
- A comprehensive study from 2023 concluded that maca root has strong anti-inflammatory properties which may help to reduce pain when taken consistently.
- A 2014 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that maca extract exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. These findings suggest that maca may be helpful in conditions where inflammation plays a significant role.
- A study in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that maca improved endurance and reduced fatigue in athletes, which could indirectly contribute to reduced post-exercise muscle soreness.
While these results are indeed promising more research and even human trials are needed to establish maca’s effectiveness for pain relief.
What Customers Say About Maca For Pain Relief
In over 20 years of sourcing and selling maca we’ve received 1000s of customer testimonials. Here are a few that relate to maca and pain relief.
"I recently had a fall down an escalator before I started taking the Premium Raw Maca powder. As I expected, I was in a lot of pain during the 1st week. But at age 66, I'm really impressed that I'm recovering quickly and almost have full mobility of my right shoulder, knee and ankle after 2 only 2 weeks. I weigh 180 lbs. so I mix 3tsps with almond milk. I have noticed a little constipation and my feminine body odor is changing, which I'm hoping will alleviate itself by adding more water to my diet. Since this is my 1st time trying Maca, maybe I'll try a different one on my next order." - Holly
"Just want to say thank you so much! I’ve been in pain (severe leg cramps) for over a year and I went to every doctor under the sun, had all the tests, bloodwork and all of it and no one could tell me what was causing it. I lost 25 pounds from the pain causing nausea and was in the lowest spot I’ve ever been in. Started taking red Maca and it has completely given me reason to hope, the pain has all but vanished and I just wanted to thank you! My two dogs thank you as well since mommy can take them on super long walks again" - Brittany Luba
"I have been struggling with fibromyalgia for years and this is the first supplement that I have found that really really helps. My energy levels are up, and my muscles actually feel better. I can definitely tell on days when I am unable to use it. And as an added bonus, the taste is absolutely amazing--very much like a sweet caramel flavor to me. I cannot say enough amazing words about this product and I am forever grateful to the maca team for what they do." - Karissa
Which Maca Is Best For Pain Relief?
Maca root comes in a variety of colors and presentations. There are important differences between them. But before exploring those, if you are interested in trying maca to help relieve pain you should always be sure that any maca you purchase:
- Comes from the high Andes of Peru (preferably the Junin region)
- Was grown organically
- Was harvested at the correct time
- Was dried and stored properly to avoid mold
- Is as fresh as possible (maca has a 3-year shelf life, but always go for the most recent harvest possible)
- Comes from a reputable, well-established company
When it comes to choosing a color of maca for pain relief, we typically recommend red maca for that purpose as it has been shown to be higher in several phytonutrient categories than either black or yellow maca products. That doesn’t mean that black or yellow maca won’t provide some benefits, just that red maca is likely to provide more.
Red maca comes in raw or gelatinized (pre-cooked) form. If you have sensitive digestion, use gelatinized maca as it is easier to digest since the starch content has been effectively removed.
Finally, you can choose maca powder (the most economical), maca capsules (the most convenient) or maca extracts (the best tasting). 
How To Take Maca For Pain Relief
It’s most effective to take maca about 30 minutes before breakfast to allow for quicker absorption of its nutrients. The standard serving size of maca is 3-9 grams per day. And it’s important to be consistent and dedicated. Most people start feeling initial benefits only after several weeks of consuming maca products.
While maca has no known side effects, it’s important to check with your doctor before starting to take it if you have any specific health conditions or questions.
Final Words
Maca is indeed a powerful functional food that shows potential as a natural support to relieving pain. This is particularly true when the pain is a result of inflammation, hormone imbalances and muscle use/overuse. While more scientific research is needed to fully validate its effectiveness, existing studies and traditional use suggest that maca can be a valuable addition to a holistic pain management approach. If you are looking for a natural alternative to support pain relief, maca may be worth exploring as part of your daily wellness routine.
Key Takeaways:
- Maca may help with pain relief through its anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and hormone-balancing properties.
- It may be particularly beneficial for muscle soreness, joint pain, nerve pain, and menstrual discomfort.
- It’s important to take a quality, organically grown maca product for the best results. Red maca is our top recommendation.
- To see the best results, take maca consistently for 4-6 weeks.
If you have any further questions, please let us know.
Thanks, and enjoy the day!
