The air feels thinner with every step. Your head pounds, your stomach churns, and no matter how deeply you breathe, it’s never enough. If you’ve traveled to high-altitude destinations like Cusco, Peru, or La Paz, Bolivia, you’ve probably felt the harsh effects of altitude sickness. But what if there was a natural, time-tested remedy to help you adapt?
For centuries, indigenous communities in the Andes have relied on coca leaves, also known as Andean leaves, to combat the draining effects of thin air. Chewed fresh, brewed into tea, or consumed as supplements, these small green leaves have been a trusted ally for surviving and thriving in high-altitude environments.
At Zaca, we’ve spent over 15 years navigating and studying high altitudes, and we know firsthand from all our research how powerful natural solutions like coca leaves can be. Learn how these leaves work, their unique properties, and why they remain a go-to solution for travelers and locals alike.
Coca leaves (Andean leaves) grow in the Andes Mountains of Peru and Bolivia, which is home to large amounts of people that are at higher elevations than most places on earth. They're also used by many people in the Andes Mountains to combat altitude sickness — and it's not uncommon to see people chewing on them. So what's the deal? Do coca leaves actually help with altitude sickness?
The answer is yes, but science doesn't fully understand know how or why.
The merits of this pain reliever have been hotly debated. Some people say coca tea is nothing more than a placebo with a mild stimulant effect. Others say it helps them acclimatize to high altitudes, and relieves headaches and nausea.
(sources: Wiki Coca and Altitude Sickness 1, 2)
Scientists are divided about whether the leaf can help with altitude sickness, but there has been some promising recent research. It suggests that coca leaves might be able to help tourists adapt faster to high altitudes so they can enjoy their travels without experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness.
Coca leaves and plants are unfortunately prohibited and illegal to bring into the United States for any purpose, including something as simple as making tea. They’re only an option if you’re visiting high-altitude regions like Peru, where you can purchase coca leaves locally to help with altitude adjustment.
For those unable to access coca leaves, a great alternative is using supplements designed to prevent altitude sickness, such as altitude adjustment pills or general altitude supplements. These can be an effective way to prepare for high-altitude environments.
The two primary ways to consume coca leaves for altitude sickness is chewing the leaves or drinking it as tea.
This is a fast and easy way to consume Andean leaves, simply place them in your cheek and gently chew, which can allow you to absorb the alkaloids.
Drinking andean leaves is a more popular way for travelers to benefit from the altitude supporting properties. You can steep the dried leaves in hot water for around 10-15 minutes, which gives a slower, more sustained release over chewing.
Whether visiting high-altitude mountains like Bogota Colombia or Quito Ecuador, coca leaves are normally available in these South American cities.
While Andean leaves are a highly effective remedy for altitude sickness, they are not legal in most places and hard to purchase.
Several other herbal remedies can help support your body at high altitudes:
High altitudes are known to cause oxidative stress and deplete glutathione by 45%, so replenishing this antioxidant is important (source: NIH).
Some studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may improve circulation and oxygen delivery to the body, which might aid in ascending elevations (source: NIH).
Research shows that this cherished herb from Asia contains a flavonoid known as dihydromyricetin (DHM) that can enhance physical performance in high altitudes (source: MSSE).
These herbs can be the perfect solution to pack for your next high-altitude trip, whether in South America like Peru or in the United States like Colorado and Utah.
Our Zaca chewables are specially formulated with a blend of all-natural herbs, antioxidants, amino acids, and powerful ingredients like glutathione and Japanese raisin (mentioned herbs above) to keep you feeling your best during adventures. Designed for mountain lovers and travelers alike, these convenient, easy-to-chew tablets provide natural support to keep you hydrated and revived, so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of feeling terrible. Simply take two chewables before your trip and 2-4 per day while traveling to experience their powerful benefits. With a delicious berry flavor and compact size, Zaca chewables are perfect for on-the-go use—no bulky drinks or complicated supplements needed. Try Zaca’s chewable supplement today and feel the difference on your next adventure!
Yes, andean leaves (coca leaves) are illegal in the US due to cocaine content. However, it is permitted in parts of South America including Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
No, you cannot legally bring coca tea home in most countries from Peru or other South American countries. Coca leaves are considered illegal in many places, including the United States, due to their association with cocaine production. Always check your destination country's customs regulations before attempting to bring coca tea or similar products home.
Andean Tea, while widely used for its medicinal benefits and altitude sickness, can have some side effects which could be due to cocaine content.
The alkaloids may act as mild stimulants, which can cause symptoms such as:
It’s best to not take Andean tea at night for risk of these many stimulant side effects.
Yes, chewing coca leaves is generally safe when done traditionally. It’s a common practice in the Andes and provides mild stimulation, similar to caffeine. However, excessive use or processing it into cocaine is harmful and illegal in most places.
Peruvians often use coca leaves to combat altitude sickness. Chewing them or drinking coca tea helps improve oxygen uptake and reduces symptoms like headaches and nausea. Other remedies include staying hydrated, acclimating gradually, and taking Soroche pills.
For travelers heading to South America, Zaca’s chewables are a great option to stay energized and combat high-altitude oxidative stress.
Andean tea leaves, also known as coca leaves, have long been associated with helping the body adapt to high altitudes—a benefit believed to stem from the plant’s unique blend of alkaloids. While not yet fully understood, several studies have highlighted the link between coca leaves and relief from altitude sickness:
These studies suggest that Andean tea leaves may serve as an effective, scientifically supported solution for managing the challenges of high-altitude travel in South America.
Coca tea is one of the most popular remedies locals use to combat altitude sickness. Made from the leaves of the coca plant, it’s a traditional beverage enjoyed for its natural benefits.
To make coca tea, simply follow these steps:
You can easily find dried coca leaves in marketplaces across countries like Peru, perfect for preparing coca tea and helping you adjust to high altitudes during your trek.
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