Traveling to high-altitude areas such as the Andes or regions of the high plateau can be an incredible experience, but also a challenge for the body. One of the biggest obstacles is altitude sickness, also known as soroche, which affects many people who ascend rapidly to high elevations (over 2,500 meters above sea level).
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness occurs when the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high elevations. The most common symptoms that may appear include:
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Headache
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Fatigue
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Difficulty sleeping
Medicinal plants that help with altitude sickness
In traditional Andean medicine, there are several plants that have been used for centuries to relieve soroche. The most well-known is the coca leaf, but it is not the only one.
🍃 Hoja de Coca (Erythroxylum coca)
The coca leaf has been used by Andean cultures for over 3,000 years. It is consumed as a tea or chewed.
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Relieves headaches and nausea
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Increases energy and endurance
🌿 Muña (Minthostachys mollis)
An Andean plant with digestive and energizing properties. It is used as an infusion and can relieve common stomach discomfort at high altitudes.
🌱 Chachacoma (Senecio nutans)
Native to high-altitude regions of Bolivia and Peru, chachacoma is beneficial for the lungs and improves breathing. Ideal when prepared as an infusion.
How to Prevent and Relieve Altitude Sickness
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Your body needs time to acclimate. If possible, ascend gradually and avoid large altitude changes in a single day.
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Stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and coffee, as they can dehydrate you.
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Eat light, easy-to-digest foods. Avoid fatty and heavy meals.
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Avoid intense physical activity upon arrival at high altitudes. Give your body time to adjust.
Recommendation
Altitude sickness is common, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With proper acclimatization, hydration, rest, and the help of traditional plants like coca, you can enjoy the wonders of the mountains without major issues. Always listen to your body.
