According to the Andes natives, chewing the leaves of the coca plant enhances their work ability and have even refused to work if they were not supplied with coca leaves (Moran 169). It is said that the coca leaf “takes away hunger and thirst, and gives them strength to work” (Bray/Dollery 271) which allows for longer and harder work days despite the lack of oxygen.
Coca; a plant part of the Erythroxylaceae family, elevates the heart rate, decreases the loss of body heat, allowing the core heat in the body to rise. This gives an extreme advantage when working outside where the temperature can get quite cold (Moran 169). Chewers of the coca plant also have the ability to stay awake days at a time allowing full attention when on sentry duty (Bray/Dollery 271). But is the coca leaf the reason all of this is possible or is it just an accessory of their culture?
Coca leaves are actually used in many different cultures and is not just reserved for the ones in high altitudes. The use of these leaves can even be dated way back in history. From accounts made by Columbus and European settlers (Bray/Dollery 270) to ancient ruins where mummies have been discovered with evidence of long term coca chewing habits (Moran 169). Therefore, if the coca leaf is not saved for high altitude cultures alone, there must be other explanations for their ability to complete a hard days work.
Good physical training and lifelong exposure play an important role in their ability to work at high capacities. The longer one has to adjust to the lack of oxygen the higher oxygen consumption they receive. This is also why children who develop at high altitudes become adults that have a high work capacity. They are actually very similar to athletes in the way their bodies work under the stress of lack of air (Moran 169). Another factor is diet. High carbohydrates, low protein and low fat enhance muscle glycogen and help manage hypoglycemia, all helping them become stronger (Moran 170).
In conclusion, though believed to be originated and necessary in the Andes coca chewing is in fact more part of their history rather than a need to chew (Bray/Dollery 274). Yes, the chewing of coca leaves has its advantages in a high altitude society, but it is not the only resource.
Moran, E. (2008) Human Adaptability: An Introduction to Ecological Anthropology. Westview Press, Colorado, 169-171 pp.
Bray, Warwick, and Colin Dollery. "Coca Chewing and High Altitude Stress: A Spurious Correlation." Chicago Journals 24.3 (1983): 269-82. Jstore. Web. 14 Oct. 2009.
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Chewing coca is not only an ancient habit, it has also become part of the folk medicine of urban dwellers in Andean cities. In Jujuy, Argentina chewing coca is hard to avoid. Not only do they chew it for the energy, extra strength and work ethic, it is also good for teas and dietary supplements. Whenever I had a stomach ache or a head ache, my Tia will force me to drink a Coca tea. Coca makes bitter and strong tea, but to my wonderment, it cures your ailments. Without fail, whatever my pain disappeared. Being a fully western college student I was skepticle of even my own perceptions. I was only fully convinced when it repeated it awesome soothing effects over the course of a year. I'm just sad we can't get some leaves through customs.
ReplyDeleteThis plant sounds like it serves many uses to people in society, but I have to wonder what about the plant is so useful in greater work capacity, as well as healing ailments. I would also wonder if there is a strong addictive quality to chewing the leaves of the Coca plant. If these workers are at times refusing to work without the assistance of chewing on these leaves, then they are most likely addicted. If it just makes their work capacity go up, then I don't think they would refuse to earn money, even if they would just rather work with the chewing of the leaves. The Coca leaves come off as an addictive drug to me, but perhaps it is just helpful and abundant.
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