A trip to the Museo de la Coca provided some of the most interesting cultural knowledge I gained on this unexpected trip to La Paz. The history of coca—arguably one of the most controversial plants on the planet—is so fascinating that I took vigorous notes (which I am known to do when traveling) at this museum. I shall relay my findings in what follows.
A Sacred and Social Symbol
The coca plant, from which cocaine is made, is a highly valued and sacred plant to the Andean people of Peru and Bolivia. In fact, it is considered a symbol of Andean identity. Though the entire plant is outlawed in the US, it is legal to use to plant parts here for teas, chews, and other purposes.
Coca leaves have served very important spiritual and cultural purposes for the indigenous people of these regions for over 4,500 years. Coca, a quintessential symbol of the sacred, is used in ceremonies, spiritual offerings, marriages, and more. It is considered a means of connecting to pachamama, or mother earth. The museum literature aptly equates this herb’s religious function to the wine of Christian traditions.
A brief timeline of the Coca plant
While this is an abbreviated (and by no means definitive) history of the illustrious and contentious coca plant, I hope I have chosen the some of most interesting parts to recount here.
2500 BC—first traces of coca leaf use discovered in Northern Peru date back to this year
1400s— With knowledge of this plant’s analgesic effects, the Incas use the coca plant to perform brain surgery.
1500—Western Christians declare coca to be diabolical and outlaw its use. They reverse this position after discovering that coca enables indigenous slave laborers to work longer hours before reaching exhaustion.
1860s—The beginning of the cocaine boom
1864—French winemaker Mariani adds cocaine to their wine. Its popularity rages for many years and inspires the creation of Coca Cola, first sold in 1886 in Georgia.
1884—Sigmund Freud, famous father of psychoanalysis, becomes the first (?) cocaine user. He produces a publication entitled “About Coca.” He later develops nasal cancer.
1880s—Parque Davis and Merck Pharmaceuticals produce cocaine
1914—Use of cocaine is prohibited in the United States
1964—A scientist by the name of Einhorn discovers how to make synthetic versions of cocaine for medical use.
1985—Coca Cola buys 204 tons of coca from Bolivia. Until 1903, the drink contained 60 mg of cocaine per serving. Coca leaves are still used to add flavor to this popular beverage.
US AND COKE: Though only accounting for 5% of the global population, the United States consumes 50% of all the world’s cocaine.
Scientifically Proven Effects of Coca:
--As mentioned above, coca consumption increases tolerance for physical labor and increases endurance
--Though consuming the plant does not increase lung capacity, coca does dilate the bronchioles, helping to increase oxygen absorption. This is an excellent attribute for a plant relied upon by people who dwell in one of the highest areas in the world. Also why coca leave tea is so highly recommended for travelers in acclimatizing to the altitude.
--Coca prevents the aggregation of blood platelets, thus decreasing the risk of thrombosis. (Perhaps this should be touted as a pre-flight beverage???)
--Has a diuretic effect on the body (as does high altitude I quickly discovered in Cuzco)
--Increases the body’s ability to regulate insulin levels
--When chewed, coca leaves act as a mild stimulant, suppressing hunger, thirst, pain, and fatigue.
Properties touted on my government-made Peruvian mate de coca tea bags:
--restorative and energetic
--excellent for diet
--good for digestion
--relieves tiredness of voice (I get a kick out of this one for some reason)
--regulates the metabolism of “carbohidrate”
I find the political implications and polar treatment of the coca plant remarkable. I personally regard coca tea as an enjoyable beverage and drink it regularly here. And, despite the US government’s reproachful attitude towards this plant (and inability to understand the distinction between a plant and drugs derived from a plant…duh), this doesn’t put me at risk or make me a druggie. The end.
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