Part 1: A Herb Like No Other

Among the countless herbs that have graced the lives of tea lovers worldwide, none possess the legendary allure and reverence of the coca leaf. Known to ancient Andean cultures as “Mama Coca,” she transcends the role of a mere plant. To her devotees, she is a goddess of joy, light, and plenty—an eternal symbol of vitality.

At Coca Tea Australia, we had the privilege of speaking with Mike the Tea Lover, a lifelong tea enthusiast and coca aficionado, to uncover why he calls coca leaf the “Queen Goddess of Herbs.” With more than two decades of experience sharing the benefits of coca tea, Mike’s passion for this remarkable herb runs deep.

“I have had a lifelong love of herbs and herb lore. When I stumbled upon coca leaf more than 20 years ago, I was instantly intrigued. It didn’t take long for me to find the rich history of the plant and the incredible Inca peoples of South America’s complete reverence for this plant.

Of herbs, I’ve tried hundreds of different types, and I’ve benefitted immensely from consuming all kinds of herbal products. But one stands out above all others for the energy, clarity, and, well, sheer mystical, mythical legend of Mama Coca, the revered Inka goddess to whom the ancients gave thanks for this life-giving plant.

Mama Coca is often portrayed as a humble goddess, spreading joy, light, and plenty upon her adherents. I say, she’s a Queen!”

Mike is quick to emphasize that the title “Queen” is not bestowed lightly. He sees his work with coca leaf as a mission to honor its legacy and share its gifts responsibly.

“As an egalitarian, I don’t place labels like Queen lightly! In my lifetime, I have had the good fortune to spread the word, and the leaf, to thousands of customers who might never have a chance to experience Her. The results, the reviews, speak for themselves.”

And the reviews do indeed speak volumes. From easing pain to supporting well-being, coca tea has left a profound mark on many lives.

“You don’t get reports of people throwing away prescriptions for pain meds, for example, unless something pretty damn special is happening in their lives. And that’s just one of the many benefits we have reported,” Mike explained.

For Mike, this journey has evolved from a personal passion to something far greater:

“How does it feel? Probably about as deeply rewarding and satisfying as my desire to help my fellow humans with their health and their flourishing. It went from a side project to a calling, one that continues to resonate deeply to my core to this day.”

As we continue this series, we’ll delve deeper into the rich history and eternal appeal of coca leaf—Her Majesty, the Queen Goddess of Herbs. Stay tuned for Part 2.