Importance of the Mysterious Coca Leaf

Coca leaf is a plant with a complex array of mineral nutrients, essential oils, and varied compounds with greater or lesser pharmacological effects. It is native to western South America, Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. In different departments of Peru such as Cusco, coca leaves are cultivated with great effort. In fact, there are some companies that are active in the processing and marketing of the coca leaf and its derivatives, as it is the case of Enaco.

Coca leaf reading – Inkayni Peru Tours

History of the Coca Leaf:

The antiquity of coca use is well established through archaeological studies in South and Central America. Analysis of mummified human remains from Northern Chile indicates the use of coca as early as 1000 BC. These records establish that the use of coca has been ongoing for over 3,000 years in the native peoples of the Andes.

It was during the Inca Empire, however, a little before the arrival of the Spanish, that coca attained particular religious and socio-economic significance.

Because of its high value, coca was largely consumed by the imperial Inca elites. During the last days of the Inca Empire, a relaxation of restrictions on coca consumption began. Coca started to be used to dull hunger in lean times. Nevertheless, its association with food for the elite prevailed until the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spanish in 1532.

Coca leaves could serve both as a commodity and a currency. Public officials and regional or local lords were paid for their services to the empire in precious metals, fine textiles, and baskets of coca leaves.

Fresh Coca leaves

The Sapa Inca—the “only Inca,” or the king—rewarded loyalty with baskets of coca leaves. They were also given out to soldiers at feasts to celebrate victories.

Vast amounts of coca, regarded as sacred by the Inca, were used in religious ceremonies. According to history, the Inca burned leaves and blew coca fumes toward the sun—their main deity—and other gods, as part of a ritual to heal the sick. The plant was also revered for its divinatory powers, and some priests were specialists at reading its leaves. Coca was also buried with the dead, included among their grave goods to accompany them into the afterlife.

Spanish conquerors attempted to eradicate the use of coca in the native cultures. However, after the elimination of coca proved unsuccessful, the Spanish then decided to exploit coca growth. Subsequently, coca use became more widespread throughout the former Incan empire, and the custom of giving agricultural workers a ration of coca leaves along with their daily wage began. Coca use continues to be a daily staple in the life of many Andean workers as a symbol of their enduring culture.

Benefits of the Coca Leaf:

• Coca has a variety of beneficial nutritional properties. 
• Has plenty of essential minerals (calcium, magnesium and phosphorus), stacks of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E) and important nutrients such as fiber and protein.
• Improves blood and brain oxygenation 
• Boosts your immune system.
• Can help in weight reduction programs and physical fitness, and may be a fast-acting antidepressant.
• Is an anesthetic and analgesic to alleviate the pain of headache, rheumatism, wounds and sores, etc.
• Use coca tea for its purported stimulant properties. The leaves contain carbohydrates, calories, minerals, and vitamins that offer energy to the user
• It is an effective remedy for indigestion that has been used to treat stomach pain, nausea, bloating, and vomiting for centuries.
• Helps in regulating blood glucose levels in your body.
• Relieves the various symptoms of altitude sickness for centuries.

Coca leaves

How can you use the coca leaf?

• During the pre-inca and Inca time, coca leaf was used for trading goods such as charqui (sun-dried salted meat), potatoes, hot pepper, and cotton.
• Drink coca tea to relieve the pain and nausea that comes with an upset tummy. 
• Coca tea may help in improving the oxygen uptake and blood flow at high altitudes. It also helps to chew some coca leaves, if you can’t drink it.