Andean Sacred Medicinal Plants

Mama Coca

Any description of Andean life would be incomplete without the mention of coca. This plant is one that has been grown for at least 2,000 years in the highlands of South America, with Peru being one of the largest producers and consumers of the plant. Coca is more than just a plant to the Andean peoples: it is the most sacred of all plants. Its most ancient employment is use in religious and shamanistic rituals, as its narcotic effects that enable deep trances when used in excess. Offerings of coca are routinely given to ask for good crops, health, protection, or as gifts/signs of respect.

Chewing coca leaves is part of everyday life, as well. Just as they did in ancient times, today people carry small bags around with them containing the leaves, which they periodically put in their mouths. They chew and suck on the leaves, creating a ball with the coca and saliva. 

Coca is used in a great deal of health preparations, but there are a wide variety of benefits from the leaf itself. It is also popular to make tea by boiling the leaves: "mate de coca." This tea also has many health benefits itself, particularly for internal problems like digestion and also for psychological stress and depression (20).

I was able to chew coca leaves quite frequently in the mountains. They helped me with altitude sickness, but if you chew too many your mouth becomes numb! We had mate de coca often as well, usually after dinner. It is good for helping the body process food, but also very bitter! 

Health Benefits and Cultural Issues of Coca

Most notable benefits of coca:

Reduces muscular exhaustion
Relieves hunger and thirst
Increases endurance
Acts as an anesthesia
Rich in vitamins (B1, riboflavin, C, calcium)
Alleviates respiratory problems associated with high altitude
Helps pain from rheumatism, external sores, and headaches
Acts as an aphrodisiac

Many people misunderstand the cultural practice of using coca leaves for various purposes because they contain the cocaine alkaloid is made from. Despite popular belief, coca leaves are not addictive and contain only trace amounts of cocaine. Coca is a plant with countless benefits for health and rich in tradition, but has also served as a basis for discrimination against indigenous Andean peoples who use it legitimately (20).

This information originally appeared in traditionalmedicineinperuandes.weebly.com

To find out more about Etnikas Coca leaf ceremonies & readings click below.

http://www.etnikas.com/therapies-ayahuasca-cusco-peru?tabactivo=2