For over a thousand years, the coca leaf has been deeply woven into the cultural, medicinal, and spiritual lives of Indigenous South Americans. But from ancient rituals to modern addiction, its story is anything but simple. In this episode of Info On The Go, we trace the journey of Erythroxylum coca—from sacred leaf to scientific marvel, from colonial exploitation to a central figure in the modern drug trade.
We’ll uncover archaeological clues of coca’s ancient use in trepanation surgeries, reveal how European scientists unlocked its potent alkaloids, and examine how early pharmaceutical companies marketed cocaine as a wonder drug for everything from fatigue to heartbreak. You’ll also learn about the surprising links between Freud and eye surgery, Sherlock Holmes and drugstores, and how a stimulant from the Andes found its way into Victorian literature, World War II rations, and even 1980s Wall Street boardrooms.
But we won’t stop at history. We'll dive deep into the science behind cocaine's addictive grip on the brain, the dangerous methods of use, its medical applications, and the modern public health crisis it continues to fuel. Finally, we shine a light on recovery and hope, with resources for those battling addiction today.
This episode is a powerful blend of anthropology, pharmacology, history, and humanity. Whether you're here to learn, reflect, or share—this is a story that connects ancient wisdom with modern complexity.
Thank You for listening and Stay curious,
Kat & William
Email infoonthegopodcast@gmail.com
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