They are very effective in treating the symptoms of altitude sickness. The properties of the Coca leaf are considered a miracle medicine. Something that many of the visitors to Cusco tend to experience. Many of them even drink tea for breakfast as a way to start the day.Ĭoca leaf tea is best used for the treatment of altitude sickness. As you walk the streets of Cusco, you will often see locals chewing on the leaves. And while you enjoy tourism in Peru, you will be able to see how the locals make use of this plant in open spaces. Today its qualities and health benefits continue to be used. The Incas used the Coca leaf for headaches, sore throats, and stomach problems. In Inca times, the coca leaves were sacred and believed to have many healing powers. COCA LEAF TEA – NOT A DRUG, BUT A CULTURAL HERITAGE A good analogy is that Coca leaves are to cocaine what Poppies are to heroin. Unless you were consuming them by the ton. But the leaves in their pure form are in no way addictive or harmful to health.

It is true that the coca leaf is the main and basic ingredient in cocaine. It is known for helping both tourists and locals cope with the symptoms of altitude sickness. Usually marketed freely in supermarkets, open-air markets, and in the streets of Cusco. Today it forms a vital part of the Peruvian national identity, becoming part of the cultural heritage. Even these leaves were sacred to the Incas and have been used medicinally ever since. The coca leaf was used by the indigenous peoples of America for thousands of years. Among the best-known facts about Peru, you will find how the coca leaf is a clear representation of our Andean traditions.

In addition to the fact that more than 125 kilos of coca leaves are needed to only produce one kilo of the narcotic. Keep in mind that the plant has to go through a synthesizing process.

Despite being related to this drug, the consumption of the coca leaf in its natural state has no health consequences. It has great nutritional potential and a great variety of compounds with different pharmacological effects.

Traditional forms of consumption of the coca leafĬoca leaf is a plant native to the Andean region in South America.

Altitude sickness is not an impediment to visit Cusco.

Top tips for preventing altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness, a problem in the Peruvian highlands.

Coca leaf tea – not a drug, but a cultural heritage.

Since in Peru, the Coca leaf carries a much deeper meaning and is rooted in its great culture. We invite you to abandon all the prejudices you have about this wonderful plant. Therefore, together with the Machu Travel Peru team we have prepared an article about this product. Coca tea has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. They usually roll it into a ball and put it in their mouth most of the day.

Local people use these sheets to help them get to work and get through the day. Even for many centuries, the coca leaf has been helping the highlanders of Peru cope with the altitude. However, in Peru, the coca leaf is sold openly in markets, supermarkets, and on the street. When most people hear the words Coca Leaf, they think of the negative side of the leaf.

Altitude calca peru