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Last updated: Apr 23, 2024

10 best herbal teas for altitude sickness

Herbal teas, renowned for their medicinal properties, offer a natural remedy for altitude sickness.

Two exceptional choices are chamomile and ginger tea. Chamomile, known for its calming effects, soothes the mind and alleviates anxiety, often associated with high altitudes. Ginger tea, on the other hand, is famous for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, combating nausea and vomiting that may arise due to altitude changes.

Both teas, rich in beneficial compounds, provide a soothing and comforting relief, making them ideal beverages for those navigating higher elevations.

1. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba tea provides relief from altitude sickness due to its active compounds, specifically flavonoids and terpenoids, which strengthen the body's response to reduced oxygen levels.

This herbal tea enhances blood circulation, particularly in the brain and other vital organs, ensuring improved oxygen supply to these areas, thus minimizing altitude sickness symptoms. Additionally, ginkgo biloba tea boosts the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an essential energy carrier that aids in coping with the physical stress of high altitudes. Furthermore, it shields the brain and other organs from free radical damage caused by low oxygen levels at high altitudes.

Ultimately, ginkgo biloba tea's multifaceted action on the body offers a protective effect against altitude sickness by enhancing oxygen utilization, maintaining energy balance, and reinforcing cellular defense mechanisms.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginkgo biloba tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginkgo biloba tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginkgo biloba tea for altitude sickness.

  1. Inject 2 grams of dried ginkgo biloba leaves into a tea infuser.
  2. Place the infuser in a 2-cup (500ml) teapot and add boiling water.
  3. Steep the leaves for 5-10 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
  4. Remove the infuser and let the tea cool to a drinkable temperature.
  5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day, starting 2-3 days before ascent, to prevent altitude sickness.

2. Ginger

Ginger tea helps with altitude sickness due to its potent bioactive compounds, specifically gingerols and shogaols, which alleviate symptoms.

These compounds work by relaxing blood vessels in the brain, thereby improving blood flow and oxygen supply. Furthermore, ginger's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties ease headaches and reduce nausea caused by altitude sickness. Ginger tea also helps settle the stomach and soothe digestion, making it an effective natural remedy for tackling altitude-related discomforts.

Its antioxidant effects combat oxidative stress generated by high-altitude environments, providing overall protection to the body.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for altitude sickness.

  1. Peel and grate 1 inch of fresh ginger, let it steep in boiling water for 10 minutes.
  2. Pour the ginger-infused water through a strainer into a teapot, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
  3. Steep one bag of black tea in the ginger-honey-lemon mixture for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Stir well to dissolve the honey, remove the tea bag and serve.
  5. Sip the hot tea slowly, keeping your body warm and hydrated, to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint tea combats altitude sickness by reducing symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and vomiting.

This herbal tea contains menthol, a natural compound with soothing properties that alleviates constricted blood vessels in the brain, thereby easing painful headaches. Furthermore, peppermint tea's antispasmodic qualities relax the gastrointestinal tract, providing relief from nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects help minimize inflammation in the body, providing further symptomatic relief.

Lastly, peppermint tea's warmth helps stimulate oxygen-rich blood flow, aiding the body in adapting to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for altitude sickness.

  1. In a teapot, combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves.
  2. Steep the mixture, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the active components to release.
  3. Strain the tea to remove the spent peppermint leaves.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey for added soothing properties and to improve taste.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile tea combats altitude sickness by reducing inflammation in the body, a common symptom of high altitudes.

This herbal tea contains antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, allowing the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels more efficiently. Moreover, chamomile tea's calming properties help alleviate anxiety and promote restful sleep, both of which are crucial for combating altitude sickness. Furthermore, chamomile tea's soothing effect on the digestive system helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with high altitudes.

Therefore, drinking chamomile tea provides a natural and effective way to combat altitude sickness.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for altitude sickness.

  1. Measure - Boil 1 cup of water and let chamomile tea bag steep for 5 minutes, releasing its healing properties.
  2. Select - Choose a chamomile tea that contains a high quantity of apigenin, an antioxidant beneficial for altitude sickness.
  3. Hydrate - Drink at least 8 cups of water or herbal teas, including the prepared chamomile tea, daily to prevent dehydration caused by high altitude.
  4. Supplement - Before leaving for the trip, start taking a ginkgo biloba supplement, as recommended by your healthcare provider, to potentially reduce altitude sickness symptoms.
  5. Rest - After consuming the chamomile tea, find a quiet and comfortable spot to relax and rest, allowing your body to recover from the stress of altitude sickness.

5. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm tea provides relief from altitude sickness due to its rosmarinic acid content, an active compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

This acid inhibits the production of prostaglandins, compounds that cause inflammation and discomfort in the body. Additionally, lemon balm has calming effects that alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial for individuals experiencing altitude sickness symptoms.

Furthermore, lemon balm's antispasmodic properties help soothe the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, reducing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Drinking lemon balm tea also encourages hydration, which is essential for countering the dehydrating effects of high altitudes.

Lastly, the soothing aroma of lemon balm tea has a positive impact on mental health, creating a sense of well-being that can help individuals better cope with altitude sickness.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lemon balm tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm tea for altitude sickness.

  1. Harvest 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves, crushing them to release their oils.
  2. Steep the crushed leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove the leaves, discarding the solid residue.
  4. Squeeze half a lemon into the tea for additional vitamin C and flavor.
  5. Drink the lemon balm tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day.

6. Valerian

Valerian tea aids in alleviating altitude sickness due to its natural sedative properties, which originate from its active compounds, including valerenic acid.

These compounds work to promote relaxation, thereby lessening anxiety and restlessness often experienced at high altitudes. Furthermore, valerian tea stimulates the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve cells, contributing to a calming effect on the body. Additionally, valerian's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling in the lungs, a common symptom of altitude sickness, and its ability to improve sleep quality allows the body to better adjust to new environments.

Ultimately, the synergistic effects of these properties make valerian tea an effective natural remedy for addressing altitude sickness.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in valerian tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in valerian tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian tea for altitude sickness.

  1. In a teapot, combine 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root with 8 ounces of boiling water.
  2. Cover the teapot and let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove the valerian root pieces.
  4. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
  5. Drink the tea while it is still warm, up to three times a day.

7. Skullcap

Skullcap tea combats altitude sickness due to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

This herbal remedy contains substances that relax blood vessels and decrease pressure in the head, alleviating symptoms of altitude sickness. Skullcap tea's antispasmodic properties also soothe muscle spasms, a common issue at high altitudes. Furthermore, this tea's calming effects on the nervous system can help combat anxiety and insomnia caused by the harsh conditions of high altitudes.

Drinking skullcap tea before and during ascent to high altitudes provides a natural, effective defense against altitude sickness.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in skullcap tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in skullcap tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap tea for altitude sickness.

  1. In a stove-top teapot, combine 1 teaspoon of crushed skullcap herb with 8 ounces of boiling water.
  2. Steep the mixture, covered, for 10-15 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse.
  3. Strain the liquid to remove the herb particles, preserving the tea.
  4. Drink the skullcap tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day as needed.
  5. Store any remaining tea in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

8. Passionflower

Passionflower tea alleviates altitude sickness by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, as it contains harmala alkaloids and flavonoids.

These compounds interact with brain receptors to lower stress levels, thereby minimizing symptoms of altitude sickness. Additionally, passionflower tea possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help combat swelling in the brain, a common consequence of rapid altitude changes. Its calming effects further contribute to improved sleep quality, which is often disrupted at high altitudes.

Overall, passionflower tea provides a natural, effective solution for managing altitude sickness through its anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and sleep-promoting qualities.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in passionflower tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in passionflower tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic passionflower tea for altitude sickness.

  1. Gather 1 tablespoon of dried passionflower leaves and add to a tea infuser or strainer.
  2. Boil 8 ounces of water and pour over the passionflower leaves.
  3. Steep the tea for 10 minutes to allow the healing properties to extract.
  4. Remove the tea infuser or strainer and discard the passionflower leaves.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, for relief from altitude sickness.

9. Lavender

Lavender tea provides relief from altitude sickness due to its natural properties.

This soothing beverage contains compounds that relax blood vessels, improving circulation and oxygen supply in high-altitude conditions. Moreover, lavender tea boasts anti-inflammatory qualities that alleviate symptoms such as headaches and nausea. Additionally, its calming effects on the nervous system help combat anxiety and promote better sleep, which are common issues at high altitudes.

Lastly, lavender tea's antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress caused by low-oxygen environments, thus aiding in overall acclimatization.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lavender tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lavender tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lavender tea for altitude sickness.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water, reaching a full rollng boil that releases bubbles vigorously.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried organic culinary lavender flowers, allowing them to steep for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer to remove lavender buds.
  4. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey for natural sweetness and added health benefits.
  5. Sip the soothing tea slowly, allowing it to warm your throat and ease symptoms of altitude sickness.

10. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus tea alleviates altitude sickness due to its active compounds, notably eucalyptol.

This compound works as a vasodilator, widening the airways and blood vessels in the lungs, thereby improving oxygen flow in the body. Furthermore, eucalyptus tea has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the swelling in brain tissues caused by the lack of oxygen, a common symptom of altitude sickness. Its antispasmodic effects help relax muscles, while its calming nature soothes the mind, both of which are beneficial in mitigating the discomfort of altitude sickness.

By promoting expectoration, eucalyptus tea also aids in clearing phlegm from the respiratory tract, allowing for easier breathing and increased oxygen intake.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in eucalyptus tea that help with altitude sickness.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in eucalyptus tea that aid with altitude sickness.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eucalyptus tea for altitude sickness.

  1. In a pot, combine 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of dried eucalyptus leaves.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove the leaves, pouring it into a cup.
  4. Add honey to taste, if desired, for added sweetness.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.