Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Coca (Erythroxylum coca) has a long history of traditional use among indigenous peoples of the Andes, particularly in Peru and Bolivia. Traditionally, coca leaves have been chewed or brewed as tea to combat fatigue, hunger, and the effects of high altitude. The use of coca as a general tonic is rooted in Andean cultural practices, where it is believed to help sustain energy and promote well-being. Some ethnobotanical sources and anthropological studies suggest that these effects may be due to coca’s influence on the stress response, potentially supporting adrenal function indirectly by helping the body cope with physical stressors like altitude and exertion.

However, there is little direct scientific evidence specifically linking coca leaf use to support of the adrenal cortex or its hormones (such as cortisol). While coca contains alkaloids (notably cocaine) that can stimulate the central nervous system and increase alertness or reduce fatigue, this is not the same as supporting adrenal health in a medical or physiological sense. Most modern research focuses on isolated cocaine's pharmacology and abuse potential, rather than the whole leaf’s traditional uses for adrenal support. Overall, the association between coca and adrenal support remains grounded in traditional practice rather than validated scientific evidence.

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