Maca root and the manayupa plant are important resources in the traditional medicine of Central and Latin America. Both are natural remedies that deserve to be better known. Their mode of action ranges from supporting liver activity and boosting the immune system to energizing the body. These ancestral treasures continue to make their way through time to meet today's shortcomings of modern life, such as high stress, nutrient deficiencies and low immunity.
Are you familiar with maca and manayupa?
Maca
Maca is a tuberous root that has been an essential source of energy and stamina for the Incas living in the Junín highlands of Peru for over 3,000 years. Rich in vitamins and minerals, amino acids, phytosterols and antioxidants, it is considered a superfood. It is one of the adaptogenic plants, providing support for body and mind during periods of stress.
Historically, the Incas reserved the use of maca for nobility and combatants, enabling them to redouble their ardour and strength. Today, maca is recommended for physical fatigue, mild depression and low energy. It is also recognized for its effectiveness against lack of concentration, memory problems, menopausal symptoms, sexual vigour, etc.
To benefit from all its essential nutrients, maca powder can be added to morning oatmeal, smoothies and/or salad dressings, yoghurts, juices or simply in a glass of water.
Incorporate maca into your recipes to benefit from all the benefits of maca, including boosting energy and concentration. Here are a few ideas:
Chocolate-hazelnut spread with maca
- Palm oil free
- Vegetarian with vegan option
- Gluten-free
- Peanut-free
Maca piña colada smoothie
- Palm oil free
- Vegetarian with vegan option
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Peanut-free
Incorporate maca into your :
- Smoothies
- Teas / herbal teas
- Plant-based drinks
- Fruit juices
- Desserts
- Yogurt
- Etc.
Maca from Inka Nature is 100% natural and organic and is available in powder and in capsules.
Manayupa
Manayupa was discovered by Pierre and Anne-Marie Tubery in Cameroon in the 1960s. It is native to West Africa and widespread in Latin America in several equatorial zones. Manayupa (also known as Desmodium) grows at altitudes of over 2,000 meters, its slender stem adorned with rounded leaves, and small, clustered flowers with mauve petals at the top. Picked when ripe, the leaves are infused to purify the blood and the body, and to counter numerous health problems.
Manayupa activates the emunctories, so it is used to free the liver and intestines, promote good respiratory health, calm flu and/or allergic symptoms such as asthma (bronchodilator effect on lung tissue), and is a good kidney tonic. In short, it plays a major role in immune health and regulates inflammation.
8 benefits of manayupa (desmodium)
Detoxifies and heals the liver
Manayupa protects and regenerates liver cells against damage caused by viral activity, medication or substance abuse. Manayupa can be taken in cases of jaundice and in the early stages of hepatitis A and B. 1
Antiasthmatic and bronchodilator
The three saponins (phytochemical compounds) present in the plant's aerial parts have calming properties on respiratory muscles, facilitating breathing in the event of infection and preventing the development of asthma.. 2,3
Antiallergic
Manayupa acts as an immune system modulator and could be used in the treatment of certain primary allergies due to the presence of immunoglobulin (IgG) E. Research is currently underway to validate its therapeutic effects on anaphylactic allergies. To date, no recommendation has been issued to this effect. on this subject. 3,4
Anti-inflammatory
Traditionally used to soothe muscular and/or joint pain, as well as to counter gynecological disorders of origin. inflammatory origin. 5,6
Digestive soothing
Helps combat acute or chronic gastritis and reduce burning. heartburn. 6
Kidney tonic
An excellent diuretic, manayupa reduces kidney inflammation, helps purify the body and blood, and accelerates the loss of fat. weight loss. 6
Contraceptive
Manayupa's ability to prevent pregnancy and act as an emergency contraceptive has prompted the Peruvian government to make it a recognized contraceptive that is natural, has no side effects and is available at low cost. available at low cost. 6
Anticonvulsant
Its neuroprotective role makes manayupa the remedy of choice for epilepsy. 7
How to take manayupa (desmodium)
Infusion is the most popular way to consume manayupa. To reap its full benefits, we recommend taking it three times a day for six weeks.
Manayupa is also excellent for seasonal cures. Find out more in our article 6 reasons to use manayupa for a seasonal cure.
Manayupa from Inka Nature is 100% natural and available in powder.
Need advice?
The Quebec company Inka Nature markets maca and manayupa. Find these products in your supermarket health La Boite à Grains.
La Boite à Grains is there to help you make your choice! 7 days a week, our health advisors and certified naturopaths are at your service.
We wish you good health!
The team at La Boite à Grains
________________________
Research & Writing
Marie Couture, certified naturopath
Véronique Cousineau, certified naturopath
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Sources
1: Magielse J, Arcoraci T, Breynaert A, van Dooren I, Kanyanga C, Fransen E, Van Hoof V, Vlietinck A, Apers S, Pieters L, Hermans N. Antihepatotoxic activity of a quantified Desmodium adscendens decoction and D-pinitol against chemically-induced liver damage in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Mar 7;146(1):250-6.
2: Addy ME. Several chromatographically distinctive fractions of Desmodium adscendens inhibit smooth muscle contractions. Int J Crude Drug Res. 1989;27:81-91.
3: Nature's medicines. Reader's Digest selection. 2003. Desmodium, Fabaceae. P. 86.
4: Rastogi S, Pandey MM, Rawat AK. An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC.J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jun 22
5: Rainer W Bussman, Ashley Glenn, Douglas Sharon. Antibacterial activity of medicinal plants of Northern Peru - Can traditional application provide leads or modern science? Indian Journal of traditional knowledge. Vol 9(4), Oct 2010, p. 747.
6: Manayupa (Desmodium) Inka Nature. Kairos naturals.
7: N'gouemo P, Baldy-Moulinier M, Nguemby-Bina C. Effects of an ethanolic extract of Desmodium adscendens on central nervous system in rodents. J Ethnopharmacol. 1996 Jun;52(2):77-83
