What are Coca Leaves?

Coca is any of the four cultivated plants in the family Erythroxylaceae, native to western South America.

Coca leaf consumption has been a part of Andean culture for centuries. The use of coca leaves dates back to ancient times, when the indigenous people of South America believed that coca leaves had healing properties and could help them in their daily lives.

The traditional method of chewing coca leaf, called acullico, consists of keeping a saliva-soaked ball of coca leaves in the mouth together with an alkaline substance that assists in extracting cocaine from the leaves.

Today, coca leaf consumption is still prevalent in many South American countries, but it is also subject to controversy, as it is associated with illegal drug production.

In this article, we will explore the origins of coca leaf consumption, where it grows, its health benefits and risks, how to grow coca, and its legal status.

Origins and Geography

Coca leaf consumption dates back to pre-Columbian times, when the indigenous people of South America used it for its stimulating effects and for medicinal purposes. The leaves were chewed to alleviate altitude sickness, hunger, and fatigue, and to increase endurance and mental clarity. The use of coca leaves spread throughout the Andes, and eventually became an integral part of the culture of many South American countries, including Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia.

Coca plants grow in the Andes Mountains of South America, where the climate and soil are ideal for their growth. They can be found in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador, at elevations of between 600 and 2,000 meters above sea level.

What does Coca look like?

The coca plant (Erythroxylum coca) is a shrub that typically grows to be about 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) tall. It has small, oval-shaped, dark green leaves that are approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long.

The plant produces small white or yellowish flowers that are clustered together, and these eventually develop into small red berries.

Coca leaf Chemistry 

The coca leaf contains a number of different compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and other plant chemicals. The most well-known alkaloid in coca leaves is cocaine, which is found in small quantities (usually less than 1%) along with other alkaloids such as ecgonine and methylecgonine.

Here are some of the major compounds found in coca leaves:

1. Alkaloids: The most important alkaloids found in coca leaves are cocaine, ecgonine, and methylecgonine. Cocaine is the most well-known of these alkaloids and is responsible for the plant's stimulant effects.
2. Flavonoids: These are a class of plant chemicals that are known for their antioxidant properties. Flavonoids found in coca leaves include quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin.
3. Tannins: These are a group of compounds that are found in many plant species and are known for their astringent properties. Tannins found in coca leaves include catechins, gallic acid, and ellagic acid.
4. Other compounds: Coca leaves also contain a number of other plant chemicals, including vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. These include vitamins C and E, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

Health Benefits of the Coca Leaf

Coca leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and recent research has suggested that they may have several health benefits. Coca leaves contain several alkaloids, including cocaine, which has been used as a local anesthetic and a painkiller.

However, the amounts of cocaine present in coca leaves are very small, and the leaves are not considered to be addictive or harmful when used in moderation.

Cocaine was first isolated in 1860 by Dr. Albert Nieman from leaves of cultivated coca. It is also the most studied and discussed alkaloid in the scientific literature.

Studies have also suggested that coca leaves may have benefits for cardiovascular health, as they can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, coca leaves may have anti-inflammatory properties, and may be useful in treating conditions such as arthritis.

When chewed, coca acts as a mild stimulant and suppresses hunger, thirst, pain, and fatigue.

It helps overcome altitude sickness via it's unparalleled ability to oxygenate blood. 

Coca plants are naturally higher in protein, iron, Vitamins A & B, riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium than 50 other vegetables on the INCAP Food Composition Table – the international food nutritional database.

Sipping coca leaf tea or chewing leaves also results in a caffeine-like energy uptick, without the jittery rush we associate with coffee. The oldest man ever recorded, Carmelo Flores Laura, credited his age to his daily, nonstop coca leaf chewing. He lived to be 123 years old.

It's an scientifically validated hangover remedy - before drinking, chewing  

coca leaves reduces alcohol absorption. It's also an effective PMS therapy and topical pain and arthritis relief.

What does chewing coca feel like?

Chewing coca leaf can produce a mild stimulant effect that is similar to drinking coffee or tea. When the leaves are chewed, they release small amounts of cocaine, which can produce a feeling of alertness, energy, and euphoria.

However, the amount of cocaine present in coca leaves is much smaller than in processed cocaine, and the effects are much milder and shorter-lasting.

Chewing coca leaves can also have a numbing effect on the mouth and throat, similar to the effect of local anesthetics. This can be helpful for alleviating pain or discomfort, particularly related to dental or oral health issues.

Some people also report feeling a sense of calm and relaxation after chewing coca leaves, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

It's worth noting that chewing coca leaves is a cultural practice that is typically done in moderation and with a specific purpose, such as to alleviate altitude sickness or to increase energy and focus during work or other activities. It is not meant to be a recreational drug. 

You can read about peoples experiences with coca lead over at Erowid - here are a couple of extracts..

"When I woke up at my hotel at the summit of the famous Machu Pichu ruins, I ran downstairs after I changed to prepare some mighty potent tea for the day (it's excellent for altitude sickness and really perks you up better then coffee at the beginning of the day). I was going to venture the ruins today and tried to see if I could sustain myself like the Incas, a day where all I would consume is water and coca. After my drinks, I felt a super warm rushing sensation to every tip of my nerve endings. A comfortable and relaxed euphoria could be felt at the back of my head. I walked over to the bus station afterwards and caught a bus up to the main ruins. It's pretty big place, and I checked it out pretty quickly, and decided to try the famed challenge of the area. I was climbing to the top of Huaynu Pichu, the tallest peak that jets out at the far end of the ruins, I busted out my big bag of coca( a bargain by at $5) I didn't know what to do with it all. I shoved a fat wad in the side of my cheek and chewed slowly on the leaves, sucking the precious nutrients out of them. I made sure not to get any near my tongue or the inside my jaws because it's supposed to be jammed on only the gums. Soon after I started chewing I was high as a kite, marching up the steep and treacherous hillside with the energy of a god damn energizer bunny. The experience was a success. I didn't eat a thing, felt healthy as ever, and conquered a mountain. Coca is the bomb."

"I am not a frequent psychoactive user but was interested in mate de coca as it became available where I live.I steeped a couple of bags in a cup of hot water for five minutes. At the time I was sucking a nicotine lozenge (pretty alkaline I would guess) and my first sip of the mate numbed my tongue but in a milder way than dabbing coke. I was tired after a long week at work and I was curious about whether coca tea would give me a little burst of energy.After about fifteen minutes I noticed a calming and focussing effect but no effect on my physical tiredness beyond feeling that I could continue with my tasks for the evening. The effect wore off after about an hour. Much as I have read in other sources mate de coca is a benign herbal tea with an effect similar to that of caffeine but milder and without the nervous jittery feeling that too much coffee can cause." 

What does Coca leaf taste like?

Coca leaves have a slightly bitter and earthy taste, with a subtle sweetness and astringency. The flavor can be described as herbal, grassy, and slightly minty, with some variations depending on the region where the leaves were grown and the specific type of coca plant.

When chewed, the flavor of coca leaves can be intensified by the addition of an alkaline substance such as lime or bicarbonate of soda, which helps to release the active alkaloids in the leaves.

This process, known as "llipta" or "acullico," is a traditional method of consuming coca leaves in many Andean cultures, and can also help to reduce the bitterness of the leaves.

Overall, the taste of coca leaves may be an acquired taste for some, but it is an important part of the cultural and medicinal traditions of many South American countries. 

How is Coca leaf prepared?

Coca leaves can be prepared in several ways, depending on the intended use and cultural traditions. Here are some common methods of preparing coca leaves:

1. Chewing: The most common method of consuming coca leaves in South America is by chewing them directly. The leaves are usually harvested fresh and then washed, dried, and packed into small bundles or "chuspas." To use, a small bundle of leaves is placed in the mouth and chewed slowly, allowing the juices to mix with saliva and be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. The leaves can be mixed with an alkaline substance such as lime or bicarbonate of soda to enhance the effects.
2. Tea: Another common way to consume coca leaves is by brewing them into a tea. To make coca tea, the leaves are first washed and then steeped in hot water for several minutes. The resulting tea is often sweetened with honey or sugar and can be served hot or cold. Coca tea is popular in many Andean countries as a traditional remedy for altitude sickness and other ailments.
3. Powder: Coca leaves can also be ground into a fine powder and used as a condiment or seasoning. This powder, known as "coca flour" or "coca powder," can be sprinkled on food or added to drinks for a mild stimulant effect. It is often used in traditional Andean dishes such as "ajiaco" or "chairo," and can also be used as a flavoring for cocktails and other beverages.

Risks of Coca Leaf

Coca chewing and drinking of coca tea is carried out daily by millions of people in the Andes without problems, and is considered sacred within indigenous cultures. 

While coca leaves themselves are not considered to be addictive or harmful when used in moderation, they can be processed to produce cocaine, which is a highly addictive (and illegal). 

Excessive use of coca leaves may have some negative health effects, including increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and digestive problems, but there isn't much data on this. 

Growing Coca

Coca is traditionally cultivated in the lower altitudes of the eastern slopes of the Andes, or the highlands depending on the species grown, in particular in Bolivia, Colombia and Peru.

However, coca is a relatively easy plant to grow. In the late 19th century, colonial powers replanted coca outside its natural habitat. 

Growing coca requires a warm and humid climate, with plenty of rainfall and good soil. The plants are typically grown from seeds or cuttings, and require regular watering and fertilization.

Coca plants can take up to two years to mature, and are harvested by hand, with the leaves being dried and processed for use.

Legal Status

The legal status of coca leaves varies depending on the country. In many South American countries, the cultivation and use of coca leaves is legal, and they are considered to be an important part of the culture and tradition of these countries.

However, the production and trafficking of cocaine is illegal in most countries, and is subject to harsh penalties.

In the United States and many other countries, coca leaves are illegal, and their possession, sale, and use is punishable by law.

Some countries, such as Peru, have recently taken steps to decriminalize the use of coca leaves, and to promote their use for medicinal and cultural purposes.

Final Thoughts

Coca leaf consumption has a long and complex history, and remains an important part of the culture and tradition of many South American countries. 

As with any substance, do your research first and if you do try it, start low and go slow. 

The legal status can create excess risk Vs simply the drug itself in this plants case.