Examines how this drug is used in certain societies as a medicine to cure many ailments.
Cocaine is an effective topical anesthetic and it provides significant blood flow stimulation. Cocaine hydrochloride is a fine white powder derived from the leaves of the plant Erythroxylon coca. “Coca” comes from the Aymara word “khoka” meaning “the tree”. The Spaniard’s adopted the practice of chewing coca leaves after conquering Peru in the 16th century. There are many different nations that continue to use coca and cocaine actively within the indigenous medical cultures. Cocaine provides benefit to the body and the spirit.