Coca Leaf Tea: The Surprising Benefits

Tea made from coca leaves is gaining popularity worldwide due to its incredible health benefits. In addition to its symbolic value in the Andean countries, this drink is a powerful stimulant, the effect of which is similar to that of coffee. In this article you will discover the healing properties of coca leaf tea.

What are coca leaves?

The coca leaf ( Erythroxylum coca ) is native to the Andean regions of Bolivia and Peru, although the plant has also spread to Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina.

In these countries you drink a drink known as coca tea. This is the infusion of this millennial, magical and medicinal coca plant.

The stimulating effect is comparable to that of coffee. It is also usually drunk in the same way: after meals to aid digestion, sweetened with a little sugar or honey.

Although it is a natural stimulant, the coca leaf infusion does not provide energy. The drink can therefore be taken at any time of the day, without risk of nervousness or insomnia.

Is it a legal product?

This drink is primarily intended to combat mountain sickness or altitude sickness, as it has no side effects for health.

Coca has always been used for chewing over the years. This is to increase the supply of oxygen to the blood and brain.

Chewing coca leaves is also known as ‘chaqchada’. This means that the coca leaves are chewed until it forms a bolus. This bolus is then dried and can be smoked like a cigarette.

We must mention the following: the consumption of coca leaf tea is legal. The cocaine concentration in the leaf is very low (between 0.1 and 0.8%), so it does not cause poisoning or dependence.

Health Benefits

The coca leaf is rich in vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C and E) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium or potassium). It also contains tannins and a whopping 14 alkaloids, one of which is cocaine.

Below we describe the health benefits of the coca leaf tea:

• It regulates blood pressure and improves oxygenation in the blood and brain.
• It stimulates the respiratory system.
• It facilitates digestion and the emission of gases. It also regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates. This can help people who can’t digest flour and sugars well.
• It prevents spoilage and osteoporosis thanks to its calcium content (which is higher than milk).
• It can help fight iron deficiency anemia.
• It has analgesic properties. It can relieve all kinds of pain, such as arthritis or rheumatism.
• It improves liver function and cleanses the blood of toxins. The consumption of coca leaves helps to remove the fat that accumulates in the liver and convert it into energy.
• It has diuretic properties.
• It improves attention, concentration and memory and increases physical endurance.
• It helps prevent obesity and bulimia, thanks to its appetite control effect (without completely eliminating appetite).
• It cleanses the urinary tract and prevents infections. It is also astringent, so it is very suitable for remedying diarrhea.
• Reduces high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Prevents premature aging.
• It strengthens the intestinal flora. This in turn has a positive effect on the immune system.

What is the symbolism?

Coca is a sacred plant in Inca culture. The indigenous people of Peru consume the coca leaves to gain some mystical abilities such as clairvoyance or being able to read auras through fasting and certain rituals. However, it heals the body in a holistic way: physically and spiritually.

How do we make coca leaf tea?

We can get the coca leaf in bulk or in individual bags:

in bulk

• We bring water to a boil. When it boils we add 5 or 6 leaves per drink.
• Then let the leaves cook for up to 5 minutes.
• After pulling, we can strain out the coca leaves. You can drink the drink with a little honey or some brown sugar.

In sachets

• We pour boiling water into a mug containing a tea bag and leave it for 5 minutes.

The coca leaf is also sold in the form of flour, which we can add to our stews.