6 Potential Health Benefits Of Coca Leaf Tea

Coca leaf tea is a herbal concoction made with the leaves of the coca plant. It is also known as mate de coca and has been used in traditional medicine by the indigenous people of South America for centuries. The benefits of coca leaf tea can be attributed to its rich phytonutrientⁱ  XChemicals naturally produced by plants that keep them healthy and protect them from bacterial or fungal infections. , alkaloid, and vitamin (A, C, E, B2, and B6) composition and antioxidant properties that are helpful in treating many ailments. Drinking this herbal tea promotes weight loss, boosts energy and mood, enhances the immune system, alleviates altitude sickness, and reduces diabetes risk. In this article, we have discussed the health benefits and possible side effects of coca leaf tea. Keep reading!

Know Your Ingredient: Coca Leaf Tea

What Is It?
A herbal concoction made from the leaves of the coca plant.

What Are Its Benefits?
It increases energy and boosts the immune system.

Who Can Consume It?
Everyone. Travelers or hikers can consume it to alleviate altitude sickness.

How Often?
Up to 3 to 4 cups of coca tea per day.

Caution
Avoid consuming it if you are pregnant or have asthma and other heart ailments.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Coca Leaf Tea?

1. May Promote Weight Loss

Mice studies state that coca tea may have a beneficial effect on weight loss (1). Alkaloids found in the tea may have the ability to promote weight loss. These compounds may play a role in increasing lipolysis (breakdown of fatty acids in the body for energy).

The intake of coca tea helps with appetite suppression (2). This also may contribute to weight loss. Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking tea regularly may increase the body’s natural ability to burn fat.

2. May Boost Energy

Some theories suggest that individuals often use coca tea for its purported stimulantⁱ  XA class of drugs or compounds that increases the activity of the central nervous system and makes one more alert, energetic, awake, and confident. properties (3). The leaves are a good source of carbohydrates, calories, minerals, and vitamins that helps boost energy levels, thus also increasing alertness (3). This tea’s stimulatory effect is similar to coffee. But coca leaves lack caffeine – their tea could be ideal for those intolerant to caffeine.

3. May Boost The Immune System

Coca tea leaves contain various minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin A, calcium, iron, and riboflavinⁱ  XA variant of Vitamin B which is water soluble and is essential for cell growth, breakdown of fats, and energy production.  (4). These may play a role in boosting your immune system (5), (6). Though direct research is lacking, the rich nutrients in the tea may help in this regard.

4. May Alleviate Altitude Sickness

Coca tea has been used to relieve the various symptoms of altitude sickness for centuries. A study conducted by the SUNY Upstate Medical University found that consumption of coca leaf products may decrease high altitude sickness (7).

Another study conducted on 136 travelers found that the intake of coca tea reduces altitude sickness (2). Coca tea may help in improving the oxygen uptake and blood flow at high altitudes.

5. May Reduce Diabetes Risk

Coca leaves have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (8). They contain nutrients, such as vitamin A, calcium, iron, and riboflavin, that may help managing diabetes and its associated complications (9), (10), (11). This, in turn, enhances metabolism and may lower the risk of diabetes.

6. May Relieve Indigestion

The presence of alkaloids and vitamins in coca tea makes it an effective remedy for issues relating to digestion. It has been used to treat stomach pain, nauseaⁱ  XA symptom of motion sickness, illness, and many such conditions that causes an urge to vomit but does not lead to vomiting. , bloating, and vomiting for centuries (12). It is commonly used in South America as an effective natural treatment for many problems that are associated with indigestion.

If you want to learn how to make coca tea, we’ve got you covered. In the following section, we have discussed the recipe.

How To Make Coca Leaf Tea

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of coca leaves
• 1 teaspoon of honey (or sugar)

Procedure

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil. Reduce heat and allow it to simmer.
2. Add coca leaves to the hot water (195^o F).
3. Allow the mixture to brew for 4-5 minutes; the longer it steeps, the stronger the tea.
4. Strain the mixture into a cup, separating the leaves.
5. Add honey or sugar if desired.

Quick Tip

Should you find the tea’s flavor too strong, you can dilute it with the juice of a fresh lemon.

Side Effects of Coca Leaf Tea

Decocainized coca tea, or the tea made of leaves without cocaine, is safe for most people when taken in normal amounts (13). Excess consumption of coca tea may lead to irritability, headaches, and some issues during pregnancy.

• May Cause Irritability

Excess consumption of this stimulant beverage can result in irritability due to the concentration of cocaine, which is a very powerful stimulant drug (14). While only decocainized coca products are legal in the USA, they do contain trace amounts of cocaine (13). However, when taken in moderation, coca tea does little more than a strong cup of coffee.

• May Cause Heart Issues

The little cocaine in coca tea may strain the cardiovascular system (15). Hence, patients with heart disease should avoid coca tea.

• May Cause Problems During Pregnancy

Cocaine present in coca leaves may cause preterm birth, low birth weight, and certain birth defects (16). Hence, pregnant women should avoid the intake of coca tea. It may also cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)ⁱ  XThe sudden, unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby under the age of one year, during sleep due to low levels of oxygen in the blood. (17). Breastfeeding mothers should also stay away from coca tea as it may have adverse effects on infants.

• May Lead To Addiction

Coca is nature’s addictive plant (18). If you consume coca tea in excess, it is possible you may get addicted. While a chemical process is required to extract cocaine in high concentrations from the same leaves, drinking this tea every day may result in addiction.

Did You Know?

The USA has made it illegal to import coca leaves into the country. The cocaine present in the leaves is a Schedule II narcotic substance (20).

• May Worsen Asthma

The cocaine present in coca leaves can cause respiratory issues. Even in trace amounts, may make asthma worse (19). People who have asthma should avoid the consumption of coca tea.

Infographic: Coca Leaf Tea: Benefits And Side Effects

The dried, raw leaves of the coca plant are used to make a tea that helps treat gastrointestinal issues, motion sickness, and depression. Also, it is often used as a substitute for coffee in certain cases. Whether you are aiming for weight loss, beating tiredness, or boosting your immunity, this tea can help you get there. Check out the infographic below to learn about its wellness benefits and potential side effects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much coca tea can I drink?

You can have 3 to 4 cups of coca tea per day.

How long does coca tea stay in your urine?

Ccoca tea with detectable concentrations of cocaine metabolites can stay in your urine for at least 20 hours (13).

Does coca leaf increase blood pressure?

Yes, coca leaves contain cocaine, which may lead to a rise in blood pressure levels (20).

What does coca tea taste like?

Coca tea tastes similar to green tea – a little bitter but slightly sweeter than green tea.

Discover the amazing health benefits of coca leaf tea in this enlightening video! Learn how this traditional tea can help improve your overall health and well-being.

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Gabrielle KaneMS, RDN, CSP, LD

   

Gabby is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 11 years of experience. She is also the founder of Peak Performance Nutrition LLC in Houston, Texas. She coaches both adults and children to their peak health using the power of sustainable lifestyle change. In addition to a BA in Nutrition and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, she also has a Master's...more

Sindhu KogantiHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

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Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. She aims to use her knowledge of...more