Traveling to high-altitude areas like the Peruvian Andes can be an enriching experience. However, altitude sickness, or soroche, is a common problem for those not accustomed to these conditions. This condition, caused by the lower oxygen levels in the air, can cause discomfort that affects your well-being during the trip if not properly managed.
Fortunately, natural and traditional medicine used by the Incas and Andean communities offers effective options to prevent and relieve altitude sickness.
What Is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, known as soroche in Peru, is a condition that affects many people when reaching elevations above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, where oxygen levels are lower. It occurs when the body doesn’t have enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen levels.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
The most common symptoms include:
- Headache: The most common symptom, often persistent and worsens with physical effort.
- Nausea and vomiting: Caused by the body’s struggle to adapt to high altitude.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness even with light activity.
- Dizziness or vertigo: A feeling of imbalance or instability.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing due to reduced oxygen.
- Loss of appetite: Not wanting to eat, which can worsen overall weakness.
- Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings.
- Increased heart rate: The body tries to compensate for lack of oxygen by speeding up the heart.
- Mild swelling: May appear in hands, feet, or face due to fluid retention at altitude.
These symptoms usually appear within the first 6 to 12 hours after arriving at high altitude and can last a few days until the body adjusts.
What Is Natural Medicine and How Does It Help?
Natural medicine uses plants, herbs, and traditional practices to prevent and treat various conditions naturally. In the high Andes, the Incas and local communities have relied for centuries on medicinal plants to combat the effects of soroche. These plants, rich in therapeutic properties, help improve oxygen intake and relieve symptoms associated with altitude sickness.
Traditional Medicinal Plants Used by the Incas
Coca Leaf
Considered sacred, coca leaves were used to relieve altitude sickness (soroche), fatigue, and hunger.
- Traditional use: Chewed directly or brewed as tea to improve oxygenation and physical endurance.
- Benefits: Stimulates the nervous system, helps adaptation at high altitudes, and reduces headaches.
Muña
Known as “Andean mint,” muña is an aromatic plant with multiple benefits.
- Traditional use: Brewed as tea to relieve digestive problems, stomach discomfort, and altitude sickness symptoms.
- Benefits: Has digestive and analgesic properties and helps clear the airways, making it easier to adapt to altitude.
Chachacoma
Chachacoma is a native Andean plant recognized for its healing properties.
- Traditional use: Brewed as an infusion to counter soroche and improve breathing at high altitude.
- Benefits: Acts as a natural bronchodilator and supports oxygen absorption.
Mint
Mint is widely used for its calming and refreshing properties.
- Traditional use: Consumed as tea or applied as essential oil to the temples.
- Benefits: Reduces nausea and improves digestion.
Wira Wira
Wira Wira is an Andean medicinal plant used to relieve respiratory problems.
- Traditional use: Brewed as tea to ease cough, congestion, and shortness of breath—common symptoms at high altitudes.
- Benefits: Has expectorant, anti-inflammatory properties and strengthens the respiratory system.
Matico
Matico is a medicinal Andean plant known scientifically as Piper aduncum.
- Traditional use: Used to heal wounds and reduce inflammation. Also brewed as tea to ease physical discomfort.
- Benefits: Offers healing, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties that support overall well-being.
How to Naturally Prevent and Treat Altitude Sickness
Proper Hydration
- Prevention: Staying hydrated is crucial, as your body loses more fluids at higher altitudes. Drinking water regularly helps avoid dehydration, which worsens altitude sickness symptoms.
- Treatment: In the case of symptoms, increasing fluid intake supports adaptation and overall well-being.
Coca Tea Consumption
- Prevention and Treatment: Coca tea is one of the most traditional and effective remedies in the Andes. The leaves help improve oxygenation, relieve headaches, and fight fatigue. Chewing coca leaves is also helpful.
Using Muña
- Prevention and Treatment: Muña is known for its digestive and pain-relieving properties. Brewed as a tea, it helps relieve nausea, headaches, and stomach discomfort caused by altitude sickness.
- Preparation: Boil a handful of muña leaves for 10 minutes.
Chewing Chachacoma Leaves
- Prevention and Treatment: Chachacoma helps improve breathing and combat soroche. Chewing the leaves or drinking them in an infusion can ease the transition to high altitude.
- Preparation: Use fresh or dried leaves for teas. Also available in extract form.
Avoiding Alcohol and Heavy Meals
- Prevention: Alcohol and heavy foods can worsen symptoms by promoting dehydration and hindering adaptation. Avoiding them is key upon arrival at high altitudes.
- Treatment: Cutting back can improve overall comfort and reduce the effects of altitude sickness.
Mint Infusions
- Preparation: Add fresh mint to hot water and sweeten with honey if desired.
- Recommended Use: Drink in the morning to reduce nausea and dizziness.
Altitude Sickness Pills and Supplements
Although medicinal plants are effective, some travelers prefer to combine natural remedies with pharmaceuticals. Common options include:
- Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Helps the body adapt faster by reducing acid buildup in the blood and improving oxygen absorption. - Dexamethasone
A steroid used in severe cases like high-altitude cerebral or pulmonary edema; it reduces swelling in the brain and lungs. - Iron Supplements
Useful for individuals with iron deficiency to improve oxygen transport in the blood and reduce symptoms. - Ginseng
An herbal supplement used to boost energy and physical stamina, aiding altitude adaptation. - Vitamin C and Antioxidant Supplements
Support cellular protection and improve the body’s stress response to high-altitude environments.
Note: Always consult a doctor before using any medication or supplement.