While you may not have ever used them or their derived products, if you’re ever traveling in the mountains of Peru, you’re bound to be confronted with coca and muña leaves.
When traveling to many of Peru’s fascinating attractions, it is likely that you may experience altitude sickness. Everyone experiences altitude in different ways, so while some only experience mild sorochi, others may become very ill. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include dizziness, headaches, nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. To combat the effects of altitude sickness, the native people of the Andes have two main herbal remedies: coca and muña leaves.
Most commonly known around the world as being the plant from which cocaine is extracted, the coca leaf has many extraordinary properties that have been utilized by the native people of the Andean region for centuries and which recommend it to travelers in Peru’s Andean highlands. Traditionally chewed or brewed as a tea, the coca leaf is a mild stimulant that also works to suppress hunger, thirst, pain and fatigue. In the Andes today, coca is chewed daily to counteract the effects of altitude sickness.
As mentioned previously, Coca has been used for centuries by the Andean people of South America. The Incas and pre-Incan cultures of Peru would use coca in religious ceremonies as offerings to the Pachamama(Mother Earth), and to ward off curses and bad energy. In addition, coca leaves were used as currency in some communities and were an important item of trade. Because of its long history, many uses and current notoriety, coca leaves are hugely popular in Peru and are consumed by locals and tourists alike.
When coca leaves are chewed they leave behind a peculiar numbing sensation in the mouth. Moreover, while it is believed that coca can be consumed without causing any harm to human health, as a stimulant, it is not recommended that you consume coca if you have issues with high blood pressure.
A lesser known but equally important herb of the Andes is the muña leaf. Muña is an herb that grows in the cold highlands and has a pleasant minty smell that entices travelers along the trekking routes around Machu Picchu. Traditionally muña leaves were used to repel insects, preserve food, and to make a soothing, delicious tea. However, this herb has a number of health benefits and medicinal properties that make it ideal for travelers in Peru.
Muña’s main benefit is digestive. It can help to ease stomach spasms, indigestion, diarrhea, colic and many other gastric issues. For that reason, muña is an excellent alternative to its more controversial coca counterpart for treating some symptoms of altitude sickness. Moreover, there are no known health effects of muña and this herb is believed to be safe for human consumption.
Yet despite the widespread, popular, and safe use of coca and muña throughout the Peruvian Andes, many countries around the world enforce tight restrictions and do not allow these herbs to pass through their borders. For that reason, you might as well enjoy as much coca and muña tea as possible during your stay in Peru!
