peru coca leaf
1.- WHAT IS THE PERU COCA LEAF
The Peru Coca Leaf is one of the main plants in the Peruvian territory and even in neighboring countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia. It is extracted from a shrub that can reach a height of almost 2.5 meters and its leaves have an elliptical shape, measuring around 5 to 7 centimeters.
2.- THE ORIGINS OF THE PERU COCA LEAF
The Peru Coca Leaf has been a very representative symbol of the culture and alternative medicine in the Andes for generations. From pre-Columbian civilizations to the present day, the Peru Coca Leaf has been used for many purposes. Its origin goes back to the indigenous peoples of the Andes, who did not consider it as a food but rather as a spiritual element used mainly in religious ceremonies and rituals.
peru-coca-leaf-inca-time
During the expansion of the Inca culture, the harvesting of the Peru Coca Leaf spread territorially to remote places. The Incas knew the properties that the Peru Coca Leaf had, that is why they took full advantage of it, starting from its characteristic of fighting tiredness and hunger when traveling long distances over the mountains, on the other hand, when mixed with water they could obtain a Coca Leaf Tea Peru that helped with physical and mental pains in some situations. When the Spaniards arrived in Peru they saw that the Peru Coca Leaf was quite beneficial and easy to obtain so they decided to start distributing it as a form of trade and began exporting it to other parts of the world.
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3.- MAIN BENEFITS OF THE PERU COCA LEAF
- Provides energy: Due to the alkaloids it contains, you can get an energy substance that generates the body to feel the sensation of being satiated, without hunger, without sleep and increased physical strength.
- Nutritious: When the Peru Coca Leaf was analyzed, it was found that it contains iron in most of its composition and that in every 100 grams you can consume 8 grams of protein.
- Stabilizer: It also contains Vitamins B and C which help blood sugar to stabilize more easily.
- Against altitude: Coca Leaf Tea Peru allows muscles and breathing to improve making the body oxygenate
- Fights diseases: The Peru Coca Leaf Tea allows to increase the PH in the blood which fights gastric problems, indigestion and constipation.
coca leaf benefits
*Important: These effects are mainly felt when consuming directly the Peru Coca Leaf or also the Coca Leaf Tea Peru, if you only consume the Coca Leaf Candy Peru you will only get help against altitude sickness.
4.- KINTU
The Kintu or Cocakintu is a stacked group of Peru Coca Leaf, which is intended to be used ritually as part of an offering either directed to nature or as a petition to the Pachamama during a ceremony. The process of assembly begins when the Andean priest gives you the group of leaves and you must select the ones you like best, after assembling a bouquet with 3 or 4 leaves are held by the base with both hands (between the index finger and thumb) to make your requests, finally blowing and eating or adding to the offering.
kintu
5.- PERU COCA LEAF PARTICIPATION IN CEREMONIES
Peru Coca Leaf plays a very important role in Andean ceremonies and rituals, since Inca times it was used with the purpose of creating a connection between the human being and the divine implying that it was a bond that was created from its consumption. By having alkaloids in its composition somehow simulate a dose of anesthesia in the body which generates that when consumed in excess can simulate a trance state, this was associated as a sacred state in which an Andean priest could converse with the divinities.
coca-leaf-in-ceremonies
6.- LEGAL STATUS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH COCAINE
Although it is part of nature and it has been possible to obtain varieties such as Coca Leaf Candy Peru, its composition contains elements that allow the production of cocaine, in a direct line “without coca, cocaine would not be produced”.
Cocaine is a variety of the Peru Coca Leaf, is its processed version along with other elements, this is a very addictive and violent stimulant product that has an almost immediate effect on the brain affecting many cognitive functions. Within the Peruvian territory the commercialization and consumption of the Peru coca leaf in its natural state as well as the Peru Coca Leaf Tea or Coca Leaf Candy Peru is completely legal and even recommended to be consumed when doing some kind of extensive trekking or visiting a high altitude place. However, the commercialization or consumption of cocaine is considered illegal and very serious and even implies a prison sentence.
cocaine
7.- AN EXTRA DOSE OF ENERGY
“Did you know that… the Peru coca leaf has more than 9000 years of history? Archaeological evidence and studies show that the coca leaf was already used by nomadic communities after the post-glacial period.”
8.- FAQs ABOUT PERU COCA LEAF
Is it safe to consume Coca Leaf?
Yes, in general it is safe and normal to consume it, being a natural plant the effects that can be achieved are adequate for the body. Although you should take into account that it is a very hot food, so if you have any discomfort such as fever or inflammation it is better to avoid consuming it. During the day, consuming between 3 to 4 cups of Peru Coca Leaf Tea will be enough.
Is it the same to consume a Coca Leaf Candy Peru and a Peru Coca Leaf?
No, but they provide a similar effect in terms of altitude sickness, it is a good alternative and it is easier to get the Coca Leaf Candy Peru.
Can Tourists Purchase and Bring Coca Leaf Products Home?
You can carry with you elements derived from the Peru Coca Leaf, such as Coca Leaf Candy Peru or infusions. But you can not travel with the coca leaf in its leaf version because of regulations and controls.
Now that you know everything about the Peru coca leaf, wouldn’t you like to try it? I assure you that it will make your adventure through the Andes easier. Auri Peru wants you to live an unforgettable experience with the best comfort and in the safest way, start now with your planning by contacting us.
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