Bolivian Coca Tea: Tradition, Energy, and Controversy in 2025
Bolivian Coca Tea: An Andean Tradition in 2025 Coca tea, or mate de coca , is a traditional herbal tea made from the leaves of the coca plant, native to the Andes Mountains in South America, particularly in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina. For centuries, indigenous Andean cultures have revered the coca plant for its medicinal and energizing properties. In 2025, coca tea continues to be a significant part of Bolivian culture, deeply intertwined with its history, traditions, and daily life. It's more than just a beverage; it's a symbol of national identity and a connection to the past. The preparation of coca tea involves steeping coca leaves in hot water, similar to how other herbal teas are made. The resulting brew has a mild, slightly bitter taste, often compared to green tea. While the coca plant is also the source of cocaine, coca tea contains only trace amounts of the alkaloid, far too little to produce any psychoactive effects. Instead, it offers a gentle stimu...