The Andeans then adds to the leaves alkaline from an ash ball or 11ipta. This ball is sometimes placed in a gourd or poporo and a stick is used to withdraw the ash and place it in the wad of leaves. The alkaline releases the cocaine contained in the leaves. Coca leaves are used today as they were centuries ago in divination. The leaves are read much like tea leaves might be read to see the future.
Modern herbalists have many uses for coca leaves.
The leaves of the coca plant are used by Andean Indians to relieve fatigue and pangs of hunger, but also provide some nutritive value. E. The Andean culture and the coca plant have thrived for centuries. It is ironic that this same plant that is used as a cure in its homeland is the source for so much abuse and misunderstanding in other parts of the world. Bohm, B.A., F.R. Ganders and T. Plowman. Bray, W. and C. Dallery.