Coca Tea and the Controversy

Also on our way to Urubamba, we stopped at a woman's house to discuss coca tea and its use among Peruvians. The coca leaf is used commonly (daily) among Peruvians to help with digestion, altitude, and other ailments. It makes it possible for workers to work longer, they don't get hungry, and they have great stamina. They usually chew the leaves, though they also use it in tea that tastes somewhat like chamomile. For those who live in the villages, the coca leaf is an important part of their commerce and is not an adictive substance. The woman with who we spoke harvests the coca leaves from her family farm a few miles away, and every week she can sell 6 pounds to the government. She mades about 30 sols ($10) for her leaves, which is how she makes her money. That is not enough to support her and her family, however, so she manages to find other ways to bring the leaves into the town - under her dress, between sheets, and the like. She then sells her leaves to the local people. The controversy comes with those who take the coca leaves and process it into cocaine, which is addictive and has ruined many lives. Cocaine is an effective medicinal when used correctly, but unfortunately, it finds its way to people who use it illegally. Peru is trying to squash the production of coca leaves because of the illegal drug trafficking, but in so doing, it will cause many to lose not only their livelihoods but a substance that helps them in their daily lives. What is the answer? There is not one that will work for both those in the cities and in the country. We will be paying more attention, however, to the way this country resolves this issue.