5 Effective Natural Remedies For Altitude Sickness

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Altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness, is a series of symptoms that people not accustomed to high altitudes experience in the mountainous regions, usually above 8000 feet. Dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite and sleeping difficulties associated with altitude sickness are caused due to reduction in oxygen supply at high altitudes. However, the symptoms of altitude sickness subside in a few days once you become acclimatized. Nevertheless, there are certain natural remedies that help you cope with altitude sickness and overcome the symptoms in a short time. Therefore, if you are planning to visit a mountain resort or go on a hiking trip, these natural remedies can help in lessening your altitude sickness.

Below Are The 5 Effective Natural Remedies For Altitude Sickness:

1. Drink Water

When you are on high altitude, drink at least four liters of water a day. At high altitudes when your breathing becomes heavy, you tend to dehydrate fast.[1] In addition to drinking sufficient amount of water, avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks that act as diuretic.

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is the best herbal tea for dealing with altitude sickness. It helps in alleviating nausea and loss of appetite that hikers experience at high altitudes.[2] Add two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger to two quarts boiling water and steep for about seven minutes. Sip the warm ginger tea.

3. Garlic

In the mountainous regions of Asia, garlic is considered an effective antidote for altitude sickness. The garlic compounds assist in relaxation of the vascular smooth muscles.[3] They help in reducing vasoconstriction of the pulmonary blood vessels. Hence, breathing problems at higher altitudes become less severe by chewing garlic.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is also known to help in overcoming the symptoms of altitude sickness.[4] The antioxidant rich tea helps the body cells to utilize oxygen more efficiently. Green tea helps in improving blood circulation and reducing breathing difficulties, thereby helping in maintaining your health at high altitude.

5. Coca Leaf

Coca leaves are widely used in South America as a remedy for altitude sickness.[5] Chewing the leaves or drinking tea prepared with the leaves help in increasing oxygen uptake. Furthermore, coca leaves contain compounds that help in reducing the risk of coagulation at high altitude.