questions & answers

Questions and Answers:

Why should certain people with certain illnesses avoid maca?
Are there any contraindications with Amma therapy for clients?
I am concerned that I may get an erection during the massage
My Wife lost Interest in sexual relations...
I am having trouble sleeping...
Will Meditation help?
What is Wheat Grass?
What is Noni Juice?
Should I take Sam-e?

Dear Michèlle,

I would like to know where I can find detailed and documented evidence on the contraindications and harmful effects of maca?

I take maca and love it. I see the good information out there, so I recommend it to family members. My brother found warnings and contraindications on the 'net and asked me to get to the bottom of it. As of yet, I still haven't. There are all these warnings with no evidence or information.

Where is the evidence about people who have have estrogen sensitive cancers, thyroid or liver problems? See, I know people who have cancers (my brothers mom), and I know people who have liver problems (my mom). They are family members and love the good things they've heard about maca, but they want to see documented information on why maca is supposedly bad for people like them.

On the one hand they sure want to be cautious when they see warnings, but on the other hand no one can show us any documented information to corroborate these warnings. You see? They feel they are being cheated of taking a possibly beneficial supplement/food because of unsubstantiated warnings.

Because I can find no scientific documented evidence of why maca is bad for some people, the warnings are starting to smell really fishy to me. My brother and I are frustrated because we want to help our mom's and these "red herring" type of warnings are a road block in our way, and we at this time feel this road block is a fake, but because we are susceptible to seeds of doubt being planted in us -- even without evidence -- we refrain from suggesting maca to our moms. It's very irritating.

Thanks for your time,

Krista

Dear Krista,

I did contact Whole World Botanicals to request scientific data on the contraindications I listed. I searched medical and botanical sources and came up blank except for a study in China on mice that showed that maca had aphodesiac effects.  Many practitioners of wholistic health recommend World Health Botanicals Royal Maca because it is organic and not sprayed with chemicals. If you do not have estrogen sensitive cancers, thyroid or liver problems it might be a beneficial thing for you. I did try it, it gave me abdominal cramps after taking one tsp in hot water. I tried it for three nights consecutively and the cramps occurred each time.  Each individual can react differently to the same herb or medication.  I am someone who feels that I cannot recommend something without thorough investigation and personal trial. I appreciate your determination to find answers. Are you sure royal maca is the only answer to your difficulty. Maybe if you explain why you feel you need to take this I can suggest other alternatives that do not include ingestion of any chemical be it herbal or medicinal.

Hopefully we will find the answers by working together.

Best regards,

Michelle

Thank you, Michelle.

I already wrote to World Botanicals, so you don't need to on my behalf, although who knows if they will provide different info to you, than to me? It would be interesting to see.I thank you so much for your honest and thorough answers.

Take care.

Krista

Dear Krista,

I do agree that the company is trying to protect itself and I must do the same. I can not advise people to take herbs without considering their physical situation and any herb-drug interactions. Many herbs have been proven dangerous to certain people. Kava Kava has been documented in scientific studies to cause some liver dysfunction and I must respect that data since I do not know for sure it does not. I always choose to err on the side of safety in all cases. I am aware that lipitor and similar medications cause liver dysfunction as well, but the medical community feels that the benefits outway the risks in certain situations with blood monitoring at frequent intervals. If you research Royal Maca and find that it is beneficial to you it is your decision to take it or not. I just want people to be aware of all information not just the benefits. Awareness of side effects, drug-herb interactions and contraindications are part of being a well-informed consumer and provide valuable information to make an educated decision about your own health care. I looked at the World Botanicals website and could not find much info. I will write the consumer affairs to see if they will provide more precise data.

Best regards,

Michelle

Wow!

I would like to see documented evidence of these facts.

I find them hard to believe. When we know what we do about how devastating chemical based cholesterol medication and chemical estrogen is I am distressed to learn that something that is reported to be helpful to people with these and other maca contraindicated problems is being labeled as potentially harmful.



I find the contraindications suspect since there is NOWHERE that I can find any detailed facts or information.

Thank you so much for your time. :-)

Krista

Hi Krista,

The company itself makes these statements. It may be wise to contact the company directly about these contraindications. Their contact information is below. It is my understanding that Royal Maca works like a phytoestrogen and can promote the growth of cancer in some estrogen-sensitive cancers. Soy has been associated with this as well. Ginsing has some hormone affects as well. The biochemistry of the body in combination with herbs can sometimes have untoward effects. I will need some time to research more concrete information for you. Perhaps the company can help you faster.
Whole World Botanicals, Inc.
PO Box 322074 Ft. Wash. Station
New York NY 10032
Toll-free phone 1 (888) 757-6026
Phone 212-781-6026    Fax 212-781-0440
postmaster@wholeworldbotanicals.com

Michelle

Dear Michèlle,

Are there any contraindications with Amma therapy for clients?

Artie

Dear Artie,

Yes there are some contraindications to amma therapy. Most acute situations such as trauma, stroke, post-operative, chemotherapy and many others need consideration before any massage therapy is provided. The use of pressure points over fractures, incisions and some skin conditions is contraindicated. Pressure points cannot be used during pregnancy because they may cause a descending energy and initiate labor. I usually evaluate each individual according to their own situation. When in doubt I check with the client's medical provider.

Dear Michèlle,

I am interested in the massage that you provide. Massage is new to me and I
am hesitant upon one thing. I am concerned that I may get an erection
during the massage. Do most men get erections during your massages? I
wouldn't want to offend anyone but would want to let myself be as relaxed as
possible. Thanks.

Sean

Dear Sean:
In response to your question ... massage is a therapeutic technique to relax the muscles and increase circulation. It is also raises the endorphin levels that help diminish pain and promote pleasure. Many times it promotes sleep. It is possible to have an erection during a massage. Usually this occurs if the client attaches an erotic perception to it. Most of my clients enjoy the massage for relaxation and benefits to their health and do not attach any sexual overtones to it. Hopefully the fear of this occurrence will not deter you from enjoying massage.

Dear Michelle,

My wife does not seem to have any interest in sexual relations anymore. She says she is tired and feels too hot. I think she may be going into her “changes”. Is there any thing I can do to restore her passion for me? I heard about this “Royal Maca”. What is it and will it help?

Signed, Rejected Husband

Dear R.H.,

There are many reasons a woman may not be “in the mood.” Poor diet, lack of exercise, stresses of employment or family problems, or hormone imbalances can cause disinterest. Communication and patience is one way of trying to determine the cause of the declining libido. Royal Maca^TM is the brand name for a Peruvian root called Maca (Lepidium peruvianum chacon) produced by the Whole World Botanicals Company.

The root grows at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains. It seems to stimulate the endocrine glands (ovaries, testes, adrenals, pancreas and thyroid) but is not a hormone itself. It prompts the pituitary gland to exert its influence over the endocrine glands. This effect results in increased energy in men and women, increased libido, increase in vaginal lubrication and more youthful skin among other things. It should not be used in the presence of breast or prostate cancer or allergy to the root. The company suggests that after 4 months of use that it be discontinued for 1 month. I suggest your wife have appropriate hormone testing done by her health care provider to determine if this is the cause of her disinterest. I recommend seeing a Wholistic practitioner or herbalist before taking any herbal product.

Please be aware that there are contraindications to the use of Royal Maca^TM. Any breast, prostate or other hormone sensitive cancer can be affected by its use. High blood pressure, gall bladder and liver disease are conditions that require medical monitoring. The company states, "The use of ginseng along with Royal Maca^TM is not recommended."

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Dear Michelle,

I am having trouble sleeping. Is there anything natural I can take?

Regards, Sleepless in Seaford

Dear S.I.S.,

Eating too heavily or too late can interfere with sleep. Too much caffeine or alcohol will disturb sleep. Worry or “mind talk” can prevent sleep. Progressive relaxation techniques with yogic breathing may be helpful. There are many audiotapes available on the market. Passionflower, Chamomile or Valerian root teas may relax your mind, body and spirit so that you can rejuvenate yourself.

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Dear Michelle,

I heard that meditation is really beneficial for many things. I am trying to do it as a stress reduction tool. I am having trouble “centering”. Do you have any suggestions?

Very truly yours, All Stressed Out

Dear A.S.O.,

I suggest that you set aside the same time everyday to meditate. Early morning is best. Find a quiet space and eliminate distractions. Calming music, candles or incense can be used. Sit in a comfortable upright position with your legs crossed and your head centered. This allows “Qi” or “Prana” to flow freely. Your shoulders should be down, back and relaxed. Your face should be relaxed. Your hands can rest on your knees. Close your eyes.

Concentrate on the area around your navel called the “Tan Tien”. Breathe into this area. Observe your breathing. Thoughts may enter your mind. Acknowledge them and put them on small sailboats to float away and return later. Scan your body for areas of tension and let it go. You can also say a “mantra”. This is a word to help you concentrate and let everything else go. It can be any work that you like. “OMMMMM” is a popular one.

Books on meditation and related subjects by Deepak Chopra, Caroline Myss and Jon Kabat-Zinn may be helpful. Relax and enjoy.

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Dear Michelle,

What the heck is Wheat Grass and what is it good for?

Signed, Confused

Dear Confused,

Wheat and barley grass are members of the Triticum grain family. They are known as cereal grasses. They contain a high level of chlorophyll. They appear as green grass and can be obtained in powder and tablet form.

Wheat and barley grass is a very good source of vitamins. It contains Beta-Carotene, B Vitamins, Folic acid, Vitamin C, Biotin, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. It has many minerals such as selenium, phosphorous and potassium. It contains amino acids and enzymes like Superoxide Dimutase (SOD); Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) like Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid. Large amounts of mucopolysaccharides to strengthen body tissues, decrease blood fat and reduce inflammation reside in cereal grasses.

A Lithuanian born woman named Ann Wigmore used natural products and Wheat grass to heal her shattered legs after an automobile accident. Her medical doctors suggested amputation. She refused and maintained a diet of vegetables, grains and greens. When the weather grew cold and she could not grow the grasses outside she brought them inside and then juiced them. In l958 she turned an old Boston mansion into the Hippocrates Health Institute. She assisted people to heal themselves using natural means including Wheat grass. (See Phyt Cancer with Plants).

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Dear Michelle,

I have some friends who think I should take Noni Juice for my depression. What is it? Should I take it? I value your opinion.

Desperate in Detroit

Dear Desperate,

Noni Juice is known as Morinda Citrifolia. It grows in Tahiti, India, Samoa, Southeast Asia, Australia and in Hawaii. It is supposed to be a cure all. Companies that produce it like Morinda, Inc. once made claims that it can cure Arthritis, depression, hemorrhoids, diabetes and even Cancer, but have since retracted these statements.

It should be taken on an empty stomach so that the enzymes in it will be activated. The enzyme pepsin that is present in the stomach deactivates it. An empty stomach is believed to contain less pepsin so that the Noni Juice enzymes have a better chance of being effective. The Hawaiian preparation tastes terrible. The South Pacific product has a milder flavor. It should be taken about a half hour before breakfast. Avoid coffee, tobacco or alcohol. Clients with kidney problems taking Noni Juice can have resulting hyperkalemia despite a low potassium diet. Noni Juice is contraindicated in renal patients. The potassium content of Noni Juice is about the same as orange or tomato juice. If depression is your problem, I would consult a professional psychologist or psychiatrist instead! If the depression is mild or occasional a mental health professional and a herbalogist may be sufficient treatment. I do not believe that a cure all tonic like Noni Juice will substitute for professional help. Any depression symptoms should not be ignored.

Symptoms of Depression may include many of the following:

Headaches
Irritability
Social Withdrawal
Changes in eating habits
Sleep disturbances
Sadness
No motivation
Decreased energy and fatigue
Poor concentration
Agitation
Restless
Memory problems
Guilt
Self-blame
Delusions & Hallucinations

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Dear Michelle,

I have arthritis and I am depressed about it. Someone at my health food store recommended I take Sam-e. They said it would work for arthritis and for the depression. What is it? Should I take it?

In pain, Louisville, KY

Dear In Pain,

Sam-e, Sammy or S-adenosyl methionine was first discovered in Italy in 1955. It is an amino acid (building block of proteins) that outsells Prozac in that country. Sam-e is formed in the body by combining adenosine triphosphate (ATP) [energy used by the cell] and the amino acid methionine. It is a natural mood enhancer and decreases inflammation resulting in vascular, neurological and psychiatric effects.

The anti-inflammatory properties are useful in Osteoarthritis. Anti-depression effects are achieved by increasing the synthesis of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Sam-e is ultimately transformed to homocysteine in the body. Increased homocysteine levels have been implicated in the development of coronary arteriosclerosis! The use of Sam-e is contraindicated in mania or bipolar disorder. Do not use Sam-e while taking any antidepressant medications. It is usually recommended as enteric-coated formulas of 1600-2000mg in divided doses. It can cost up to $30 or $40 a week.

Should you take it? I would suggest investigating any product you might consider taking into your body. For its uses, and adverse effects, consult a Wholistic health care provider. For some suggestions on Osteoarthritis visit A Story About Lizzie.

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