For years, cocaine has been treated as a destructive drug that inflicts direct damage to the brain.

Now, it is proven that the effect of the drug can be put into good use by means of properly using it in the correct way. It is mostly used in the field of medicine by doctors and other medical personnel. Also, the drug is an essential part in the beliefs of the Andean Indians. Cocaine must not be regarded as an abusive drug but instead as a helpful one for it has its uses particularly in the field of medicine and religion of the Andean society.

The drug known as cocaine is one of the most important alkaloid of the leaves of the Coca (Erthroxylem coca) bush. It is a plant with a height of 2.4m (18 feet tall) which is mostly found in Africa, Northern and South America, Southeast Asia and India. It is a one of a kind plant that serves many purposes and brings benefits to the natives of the land where it could be found. Its leaf is associated with an areolated pattern with two curved lines from its axis and also underneath the leaf. Tiny flowers were packed in groups wherein the corollas composition is five of its yellowish white petals. Its heart shaped anthers and three carpeled pistil make up an ovary with three locules which when ripen becomes berries as red as blood itself. A dry habitat, just like a clean part in a forest, is a well suited for this plant. The best quality of the leaves is most likely found on the sides of the hills. If the leaves break upon bending, this is a sign that the leaf is ready for drying and upon drying is contained in socks and in order to retain the freshness of the leaf, it must be kept in distance from wet

places. What makes up coca leaves is something really not certain of. A high quality leaf will have a scent like that of a strong newly brewed tea. Upon chewing, a burst of soothing warmth engulfs your mouth with a pleasant pungent taste. Upon preparation, there is no physiological reaction but internally, opium is equivalent in the physiological action of coca. There are many alkaloids present in the leaf which can be obtained by adding plant ashes to it (Safra 2007; Friedman 2004).

Cocaine (C17H2NO4) is a crystalline alkaloid is mostly used for medical treatment of some diseases. The compound has many different forms. It can be modified as a salt, basic substance, and crack cocaine and coca-leaf infusions. The salts can be hydrochlorides and sulphate compounds. Cracks have a lower purity form of the bases cocaine and contain sodium bicarbonate as impurity. Coca herbal infusion is used in coca leaf producing countries (Licker 2002; Safra 2007).

In the 1800s, cocaine was promoted in Europe by Sigmund Freud. It was originally used in his operations but the patients become addicted to the drug. Pure cocaine was first introduced by Niemann in 1859. During this era, people have become interested on the potential of the drug in the field of medicine and during this period, the actions and the effects were shown (Simer 2000).

With the knowledge of the potential of this drug, people became curious of what different purposes this drug may serve to us. Many products were released with cocaine as its main component but the one that stood out and popularized the use of the drug was the Coca-Cola Corporation (Safra 2007).

It was in 1886 when an Atlanta pharmacist, John S. Pamberton (18311888) produced a tonic that has cocaine derived from the leaves of coca and extracts from the caffeine rich kola nut. The tonic was originally used for most common ailments at that time. The name Coca-Cola was given by Pambertons bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, from the ingredients this tonic contains. After it has been used as an ingredient in Coca-Cola, cocaine became famous and was named as the wonderdrug. By that time, many things commonly used in our household contains cocaine. Prescription drugs, soda drinks are among of its products (Safra 2007).

Coca-Cola is not the only one that harnesses the potential of the drug. Several tinctures and drinks were made before cola was popular. At that time when Coca-Cola was still putting cocaine in their product, sixty nine replications of the drink, still with quantifiable number of cocaine were produced.(Mikkelson 2008).

Upon discovery of the euphoria effect cocaine produces, the drug was abusively used by many and it was banned by the law. Objects containing

cocaine were no longer seen but then first ever legalized soda drink which has cocaine as one of its components was produced by the Coca-Cola Corporation. It was named Cocaine Cola. The soda drink contains a minimal amount of cocaine in it which controls the abusive use of the drug. Even though it is banned at present time, researches are being conducted by curious people of science so that the hidden potential of cocaine and even its origin coca can be unlocked. (Grinspoon and Bakalar 1981).

According to Safra, Jacob, E. (2007), Cocaine acts as an anaesthetic because it interrupts the conduction of impulses in nerves. This property of cocaine was first found by A. Niemann in 1859. It was then later used by Carl Koller in 1860 as an anaesthetic in his eye surgeries. Koller was the first to use the drug in surgeries. A patient with glaucoma was treated upon using the said drug. At that time, people were amazed of the amazing powers this substance contains so it was made legal and was highly endorsed by the United States government and Western medical experts as a wonder drug or panacea that can cure various ailments.

The drug was also introduced in the field of dentistry by Hall by directly applying the drug to the patients. The drug usually prevents tooth decay (Simmer 2000).

Coca can be used as an effective anti pain that makes the lining of the mouth, nose and throat numb upon application in just a short period of time. Medical specialists also use it to reduce the bleeding that is caused by operations and surgeries because cocaine makes the blood vessels constrict (Bigelow 2006; MedicineNet 2001).

Cocaine may be used as an anaesthetic effectively if it is used in the proper way. It is used inside the mouth, nose or throat by the doctor assigned to you before your operation begins. This can be done by pouring, spraying or applying it with a cotton swab. There are still some restrictions in using this kind of anaesthetic. Contact with eyes is not allowed. Chewing of gum or even eating one hour after the operation is strictly prohibited. This may case choking since the drug makes swallowing difficult. Also, biting the tongue or mouth should be avoided, If the drug will be used, use the product with extreme caution (MedicineNet 2001).

It was William S. Halsted who discovered an important characteristic of the drug. He found out that when the drug is used with direct contact to the skin, its ability to lessen pain will also increase. Upon usage, the effect will be noticeable. If the drug is applied directly to the skin, the risk of being addicted to the drug will decrease (Levetin and McMahon 2003).

It was proposed by the United States that the drug will be used as a panacea for ailments from headaches to hysteria. It was proven to be one of the most effective anaesthetic and contractor of blood which makes it a good drug to be used in operating procedures of the sinus or any nasal parts wherein the patient may be hurt or feel sudden loss of blood (Pho 2001).

The drug is not only used as an anaesthetic. Most of the doctors who will use the drug will most likely use it in moderating the amount of blood loss in operations (Pho 2001). According to Thomas, J. Many surgeons use cocaine during the sinus surgery to minimize post operative as well as minimize interoperative bleeding. Use of cocaine also significantly decreases risk of nosebleeds after sinus surgery as well as minimize need for nasal packing.(Pho 2001).

Medical personnel will effectively apply the effect of cocaine in the prevention of the bleeding of the nasal part of the humans (Pho 2001).

When the drug was banned, no further studies of it were made. This made the Western medical specialists lose interest in the once renowned wonder drug. As a result of this action, cocaine loses its name as a medical drug and completely disappeared.

It was between 1991 and 1995 when a study was made to further discover the attributes of cocaine and even its foundation, the coca leaf. The World Health Organization (WHO) teamed up with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) to bring about a holistic project that aims to discover the wonders of the coca leaf and cocaine. The team is composed of forty five international researchers including professors from five different American universities that collected data from twenty two cities in nineteen continents in five continents. According to Alan Forsberg, The traditional use of cocaine and the coca leaf appears to have no negative health effects and that it serves positive therapeutic, sacred, and social functions and show that its most important recommendation holds that: WHO/Program on Substance Abuse (PSA) should investigate the therapeutic benefits of coca leaf and whether these effects could be transferred from traditional contexts to other countries and cultures. (Samsha 1998).

The drug can also be used to treat headaches and those which experience dizziness since the drug has an effect on the nerve impulses of the brain. The ability of the drug as an effective antidepressant and mood elevator was also seen. (MedicineNet 2001).

It also fights obesity since it regulates blood sugar level. It is also used to treat diabetes and also has slimming properties (Safra 2007).

With the amazing effects this drug has to offer, it is no wonder that in the future, researches will be conducted to harness the full potential of the drug. The drug has many beneficial effects for the human race. Despite of the misconception that it only imposes negative effects, the drugs effect can be put into good use . It acts as an effective anaesthetic because it temporarily disrupts the conduction of the nerve impulses particularly those which are located in the mucous membranes, eyes, nose and throat. The blocking of the nerve impulses will result in numbness which is good if the patient doesnt want to feel pain in an operation that will took place for several hours. The feeling of euphoria is inevitable if large amounts of the drug were consumed. Too much consumption of the drug will result in a big disruption of the nerve impulses and will result in the addiction to the drug. The only possible solution not to be addicted to the drug is by having a professional specialist to require the necessary amount to be used in the operation. Once, this is done the positive effect of the drug can be experienced and the drug will effectively ease the pain that is felt when undergoing surgeries and operations (Licker 2002).

In addition to the euphoria or sense of well being felt when it is used, it also decreases the appetite of the user. It also relief fatigue and increase mental awareness and alertness. The Andean Indians use this drug to withstand hunger when subjected to long journeys in the wild. The drug makes them sturdy even

without food for days. This is because the drug can manipulate the carbon metabolism of humans in a productive way that it may give the missing components of a deficient diet. The drug is very important to the Andean society since they depend on hunting for them to have something to eat and hunting takes a long period of time so they need something that will keep them strong for days even without eating. The drug is also used to cure gastrointestinal disorders which the Andean Indians may experience when travelling. They must also be alert and aware of the situation since animals that they must catch may sense them and move away from them. They must know when and where to attack the animal. Cocaine imparts the alertness and awareness that they need in hunting. They also use cocaine as a barrier for the feeling of stress during hardworking conditions (Licker 2002).

Cocaine also constricts the blood vessels hence making the flow of blood slower. With the use of the drug excessive swelling or hemmorhage can be avoided. The drug is commonly used during operations that will mostly involve loss of blood. Cocaine stops the bleeding which will make the survivability of the patient larger. The drug will stop a significant loss of blood and at the same time makes the patient ease the pain that is felt without the anaesthetic cocaine. It was Wiliam Halsted that triggered the full potential of this attribute of the drug. He found out that when the drug is injected in the site of operation, it will be more effective and bleeding will be evitable (Bigelow 2006).

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However, excessive usage of the drug must be avoided because addiction to it may occur. According to Safra, Jacob, E. (2007.), When cocaine was taken in large amounts and upon prolonged and repeated use, it can produce depression, anxiety, irritability, sleep problems and chronic fatigue, mental confusion, paranoia and convulsions that can cause death.

The abusive use of the drug will result to the negative effect that most of us know. Cocaine when used in excess, will only impart its bad side rather than the good effects that will really be useful in everyday lives.

In addition to its medical benefits, it has a great magical and religious significance for the people of the Andean nation. The coca leaf, where cocaine was obtained shows a sign of the nature of the universe, society and man which is seen in the appearance of the leaf. The leaf also is used as a sacrifice for the blessings that is given for the locals and also for a safe voyage of their aquatic vehicles in Lake Titiaca.(Cultural Survival 2010).

One major activity that must be done in order to show the gratitude for everything that is given to us by mother earth is coca chewing. Since the plant is considered holy, the masticated leaf is not directly thrown away but instead buried in ones field or placed in a certain part of the house so that they can assure fertility, security and well-being (Forsberg 2007).

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According to Forsberg (2007.), Coca is not just a food supplement or medicine to the native Andean people, but it is also a ritual tool which has great meaning to the participants who use it. Coca chewing carries a way of life with it ... to chew is to affirm the attitudes and values -- the habits of mind and body -that are characteristic of Indigenous Andean culture ... it is how the Ayllu coheres as a social entity."

The drug is also a part of the festivity of the mutual aid of labor. It is a festivity wherein a house will be constructed or even in rotating agricultural exchange labor. The owner of the house must provide the coca plant first before anything else. Coca will be given to the workers so the beneficiary of the house must be ready to support the needs of the labourers (Cultural Survival 2010).

The Andean people designate the drug as reparation and relegate to it as multitude in similarity. The drug has been so important to the Andean society that some of the agricultural communities use it as their form of currency (Forsberg 2007).

According to Forsberg (2007.), These meanings and the symbolism of the coca leaf for native Andeans have carried through to contemporary times. Today coca is still traditionally employed in indigenous polytheistic religious ceremonies. Coca also signifies "the presence of social and spiritual bonds" between the

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people and their land as we shall see coca continues today to be an important symbol of indigenous identity and resistance to neo-colonialism.

The overwhelming effect of the drug for the past years must be enough evidence that the drug still has its positive side. Its benefit cant be left unnoticed. Having the potential to save lives, cocaine must retain its reputation as a wonder drug. The ability to ease the pain felt during operations and surgeries, decreasing the loss of blood, manipulation of the carbohydrate metabolism resulting in loss of hunger and an effective anti stress are just some of its major benefits. Once the full potential of cocaine is unlocked, the drug will again be popular and serve the human race. It also has a magical and religious significance to some of our native people especially the Andean Indians which treat the drug as a major part in their life. Cocaine is not actually a tool for evil but indeed a tool that is used to serve the human race. The one that should be blamed for the misconception for this drug are the abusive users that only use cocaine for their pleasure. Everything in this world has a benefit, even the known evil pill, cocaine, has its benefits. The good side of something will only be seen when used at the right way and time. So, cocaine must not be treated as a drug that can cause addiction but it must be treated as a good drug because of the benefits that it brings to us.