What to know about altitude sickness before treating it with medicinal herbs

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body cannot acclimate to high elevations, resulting in headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Prolonged exposure to high altitudes can lead to negative health impacts, including increased risk of heart problems, respiratory issues, and even death. Medicinal herbs such as Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola Rosea, and Siberian Ginseng can help alleviate symptoms by improving oxygen delivery to the body and reducing inflammation.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions.

This article explains in detail what altitude sickness is, how it affects your life and what are its causes. Then, it lists what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results. Lastly, it revals what other natural remedies to use in conjunction with herbal medicine to aid with this problem.

What is altitude sickness and how it affects your life?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to adapt to high altitudes.

It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, which can significantly impact daily life. For instance, fatigue and weakness can make it difficult to perform physical tasks, leaving one feeling lethargic and unmotivated.

Additionally, altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting, making everyday activities like eating, sleeping, and even thinking clear, challenging. It can also lead to decreased cognitive function, affecting one's ability to make decisions, solve problems, and concentrate. Furthermore, altitude sickness can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness, making it hard to engage in activities like hiking, biking, or even simple chores like cooking and cleaning.

Moreover, in severe cases, altitude sickness can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

What are the main causes of altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person travels to high-altitude areas, such as mountains or plateaus, and their body is unable to adapt to the lower air pressure and oxygen levels.

The symptoms of altitude sickness can be mild, but also severe, and can have a significant impact on a person's life. For example, a hiker may experience fatigue and shortness of breath, making it difficult to complete their trek.

A traveler may have trouble sleeping due to the discomfort of not being able to catch their breath, affecting their mental and physical well-being. In extreme cases, altitude sickness can cause nausea, headaches, and even swelling of the brain, which can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Additionally, altitude sickness can also disrupt daily activities, such as work, school, and social events, and can also affect a person's appetite and digestive system, further complicating their daily life.

What are the best medicinal herbs for altitude sickness?

The best medicinal herbs for altitude sickness are those that help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and ease respiratory issues.

Peppermint and lemon balm can aid in digestion and relaxation, making it easier to adapt to high altitudes. Purple coneflower's anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate headaches and joint pain.

English lavender's calming effects can reduce stress and anxiety, while dandelion's diuretic properties can help alleviate water retention caused by high altitude.

The most effective medicinal herbs that help with altitude sickness are listed below.

• Peppermint: Helps reduce inflammation and improves circulation to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.
• Lemon balm: Natural adaptogen that helps the body adapt to high altitudes and reduces stress.
• Purple coneflower: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain caused by altitude sickness.
• English lavender: Aids in relaxation and reduces anxiety associated with high-altitude environments.
• Dandelion: Acts as a natural diuretic to reduce water retention and alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Pot marigold: Contains antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by high-altitude conditions.
• Chamomile: Helps reduce anxiety and stress associated with altitude sickness and promotes relaxation.
• St John's wort: Has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from damage caused by high-altitude conditions.
• Golden root: Stimulates circulation and helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Valerian: Aids in relaxation and reduces anxiety associated with high-altitude environments.

What are the most effective herbal preparations for altitude sickness?

The most effective herbal preparations for altitude sickness are versatile and can be tailored to individual needs.

Teas, made by infusing herbs in hot water, are a gentle and easily digestible way to deliver herbal compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote circulation to the brain. Decoctions, which involve boiling herbs in water, can be more concentrated and are often used to treat more severe cases of altitude sickness, as they can help reduce oxidative stress and improve oxygen delivery to the body.

Tinctures, which are highly concentrated extracts, are often used as a supplement to teas and decoctions and can be taken as a quick dose of herbal compounds to help alleviate symptoms. Capsules, which contain powdered herbs, can provide a sustained release of herbal compounds and are often used as a long-term treatment for altitude sickness.

Finally, ointments, which are topical preparations, can be applied to the skin to help reduce inflammation and promote local circulation, providing targeted relief for symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.

The most used herbal preparations that help with altitude sickness are listed below.

• Teas: Help the body acclimate to higher altitudes by increasing oxygen delivery to the body's cells.
• Decoctions: Contain anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in the brain and body caused by altitude sickness.
• Tinctures: Rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that occur during high-altitude exposure.
• Capsules: Contain herbs like ginkgo biloba that help increase oxygen flow to the body's cells.
• Ointments: Soothe headaches and body aches caused by altitude sickness with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Creams: Provide hydration to the body and help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• Glycerites: Deliver herbs like ginger and ginseng that help increase oxygen levels in the body.
• Tablets: Contain herbs like andrographis that help reduce inflammation and promote acclimatization.
• Syrups: Soothe respiratory issues caused by high-altitude exposure.
• Salves: Provide topical relief for headaches and body aches caused by altitude sickness.

What precautions to take when using herbal remedies for altitude sickness?

When using herbal remedies to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, it is crucial to exercise caution and follow proper guidelines.

Some herbs like ginkgo biloba and rhodiola rosea can increase blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which may worsen high-altitude headaches or exacerbate existing conditions. Additionally, certain herbs like yohimbine and ma huang can stimulate the nervous system and increase heart rate, which may be contraindicated for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies at high altitudes, as they may interact with medications or worsen symptoms.

Furthermore, start with small doses and gradually increase as needed, monitoring body responses carefully, and be aware of potential allergic reactions or interactions with other herbs or substances.

The most important precautions to take when using herbal remedies for altitude sickness are listed below.

• Research thoroughly before taking any herbal remedy for altitude sickness
• Consult with a healthcare professional before starting treatment
• Choose a reputable supplier for your herbal remedy
• Follow the recommended dosage and guidelines carefully
• Monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen
• Start with small doses and gradually increase as needed
• Be aware of potential interactions with other medications you are taking
• Keep track of any side effects or allergic reactions you may experience
• Consider combining herbal remedies with conventional treatment options
• Be patient and do not expect immediate relief