Coca (Erythroxylum coca)

Coca (Erythroxylum coca) is a shrub in the Erythroxylaceae family, Andes and Amazon. Leaves contain alkaloids including cocaine in small amounts; traditional chewing of leaves with alkali is an age-old Andean practice for altitude, hunger, fatigue. In Peru and Bolivia it is legal for traditional and medical use.

In centers like Takiwasi coca is on the list of master plants: balance, increased dreaming, relief of physical and emotional pain, wound healing, focus, a sense of being built 'on all levels'. In traditional reading it is the plant of stable energy — without hysteria and without falling apart.

Dieta with coca is described as very 'earthly' in outcome: grounding, clarity, the ability to hold rhythm and responsibility. Not visionary in the sense of hallucinations; rather stabilization and alignment. Guidance only in legal and traditional context (Peru, Bolivia, etc.).

Coca leaves in traditional use (chewing, tea in small doses) in Andean context are considered acceptable; extraction of alkaloids and recreational use are illegal in many countries and dangerous. Contraindications: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, pregnancy, addiction. Only in legal and traditional context under a knowledgeable maestro.