Medicinal plants for altitude sickness

The Incas were among the first to make use of natural medicine in our geographic region. That is why we present natural remedies for altitude sickness.

The use of medicinal plants includes a wide variety of techniques and treatments that have been used over the years to cure and treat different illnesses that affect health.

The use of medicinal plants for altitude sickness is a viable solution, without the use of pharmaceuticals, to help counteract the symptoms of altitude sickness.

What is altitude sickness?

Better known as soroche, it is a condition that can affect some people who visit places located at high altitude, such as Machu Picchu, due to the decrease in oxygen in the air.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

The most common symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion

Coca leaf

Coca, or Erythroxylon coca, is mostly used in infusions. It is a stimulant, analgesic, and blood pressure regulator, which stimulates blood oxygenation and reduces respiratory discomfort. It also works as a digestive aid, reducing nausea and stomach pain.

Muña

Muña, or Minthostachys mollis, is used in infusions. It has medicinal use for treating headaches, gastritis, and altitude sickness. It helps improve breathing and reduce fatigue and stomach discomfort. Like coca, it is a botanical species traditionally used in the medicine of Inca culture.

Capulí

Prunus serotina subsp, being a tree that grows up to 20 meters tall, has three forms of use: the fruit is used as a cleansing agent, the leaves as a regulator of heart rhythm and for altitude sickness, and the bark as an antirheumatic. This plant is also used to relieve cough, bronchitis, and lack of oxygen.

Mint

Mentha piperita has a biochemical composition that mainly includes eugenol and rosmarinic acid, which are anticoagulants. These may improve blood circulation, but in minimal doses in the case of people with diabetes. It also helps fight dizziness and headache. Its use, like the plants described above, is mainly based on infusions.

Altitude sickness pills (over the counter)

Medicinal plants are usually the first option for altitude sickness; however, they often take time to work.

• Sorojchi Pills: One option in case medicinal plants do not work is Sorojchi Pills. These capsules help relieve the symptoms caused by altitude sickness and stimulate the nervous system.
• Diamox: Acetazolamide is a very common option that helps you breathe better and reduces symptoms. This pill should be taken with plenty of water and works best before reaching high altitude.