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Updated: Nov 30, 2024

8 Herbal Tinctures For Altitude Sickness

herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Herbal tinctures are a natural way to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness.

When you're at high elevations, your body has trouble getting enough oxygen, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Herbal teas, made from plants like Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, and Astragalus membranaceus, can help relieve these symptoms. Ginkgo biloba, for example, is known to improve blood flow and increase oxygen delivery to the brain, which can help reduce headaches and improve cognitive function.

Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe nausea and digestive issues. Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese herb, can help boost your immune system and increase your body's adaptability to high altitudes. Drinking herbal teas made with these plants can help you acclimate to high elevations and feel more comfortable in your surroundings.

By using herbal tinctures, you can reduce your reliance on medication and enjoy the benefits of a natural and holistic approach to health.

This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for altitude sickness and wh.

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1. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Ginkgo biloba tinctures contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which are responsible for its beneficial properties.

Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol have antioxidant properties that help to protect the body from damage caused by high altitudes. Terpenoids like ginkgolides and bilobalide improve blood flow to the brain, which can become impaired due to altitude sickness. This improved blood flow helps to counteract the effects of low oxygen levels at high altitudes.

By reducing oxidative stress and improving blood flow, ginkgo biloba tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.

  1. Gather 1 cup of Ginkgo biloba leaves and 2 cups of vodka or 80-proof spirits. Make sure the vodka is clean and pure.
  2. Combine the Ginkgo biloba leaves and vodka in a clean glass jar. Make sure the leaves are fully covered by the vodka.
  3. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar every day to help the tincture mix.
  4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
  5. Label the tincture bottle with the date and the dose (usually 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day). Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.

2. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Zingiber officinale tinctures contains a compound called gingerol, which helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

The anti-inflammatory properties of gingerol make it effective in easing the pain and discomfort caused by altitude sickness. Zingiber officinale tinctures also contain a compound called shogaol, which has been shown to improve blood circulation and reduce nausea. The warming properties of shogaol help to increase blood flow to the brain, which can alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness.

By reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation, Zingiber officinale tinctures can help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Zingiber officinale (Ginger) roots, 2 cups of 80% Vodka, and a clean glass jar.
  2. Chop the ginger roots into small pieces and place them in the glass jar.
  3. Pour the Vodka over the ginger roots, making sure they are completely covered.
  4. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
  5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar, discarding the solids. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.

3. Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus membranaceus herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Astragalus membranaceus tinctures contains triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These compounds help to improve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress, making it easier for the body to adapt to high altitudes. Astragalus membranaceus also contains polysaccharides and alkaloids, which stimulate the immune system and help to prevent infections that can occur when traveling to high altitudes. By reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system, Astragalus membranaceus tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches and fatigue.

This makes it a useful supplement for people traveling to high-altitude areas.

  1. Gather 250ml of 80% Vodka or high-proof alcohol and 30g of dried Astragalus membranaceus root.
  2. Combine the dried root and vodka in a clean glass jar. Make sure the root is completely covered.
  3. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
  4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
  5. Label the bottle with the date and the name of the tincture, and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops of the tincture in water 2-3 times a day as needed.

4. Cinchona officinalis

Cinchona officinalis herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Cinchona officinalis tinctures contains alkaloids like quinine and quinidine, which have been found to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.

These compounds work by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation in the body. Quinidine specifically has a vasodilating effect, which helps to expand blood vessels and allow more oxygen to reach the body's tissues. Quinine, on the other hand, has a diuretic effect, which helps to reduce fluid buildup in the body and alleviate headaches and fatigue associated with altitude sickness.

By addressing these underlying issues, Cinchona officinalis tinctures can help reduce the severity of altitude sickness symptoms and make high-altitude travel more manageable.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Cinchona officinalis leaves or 1/2 cup of dried leaves, a glass jar with a lid, and a clean glass measuring cup.
  2. Combine the Cinchona leaves with 2 cups of 80% vodka in the glass jar. Make sure the leaves are covered by the vodka.
  3. Close the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day. This is called maceration.
  4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass measuring cup. Discard the solids.
  5. Transfer the liquid to small glass bottles and store them in the fridge. Use 10-20 drops of the tincture 2-3 times a day for altitude sickness.

5. Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Panax ginseng tinctures contains a variety of bioactive constituents, including ginsenosides, which are responsible for its medicinal properties.

These constituents help to improve blood circulation, increase oxygen delivery to the body's tissues, and reduce inflammation, all of which can be beneficial for people experiencing altitude sickness. Ginsenosides also have a vasodilatory effect, which means they help to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of altitude-related headaches and other symptoms. Additionally, Panax ginseng tinctures have been shown to have a protective effect on the body's cells, which can help to mitigate the damage caused by high altitudes.

By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and protecting cells, Panax ginseng tinctures can be a useful supplement for people experiencing altitude sickness.

  1. Gather 1 cup of 80-proof vodka and 2 tablespoons of dried Panax ginseng root.
  2. Combine vodka and dried Panax ginseng root in a clean glass jar, making sure the root is fully covered.
  3. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
  4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
  5. Label the jar with the date and the name of the tincture, and store it in a cool, dark place.

6. Withania somnifera

Withania somnifera herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Withania somnifera tinctures contains bioactive constituents like withanolides, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the brain caused by high altitude.

Withanolides also work as vasodilators, widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to oxygen-starved tissues. This improved circulation helps reduce symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches and fatigue. Additionally, withanolides have antioxidant properties that protect the body from oxidative stress caused by high altitude.

By reducing inflammation and improving circulation, Withania somnifera tinctures may help alleviate some symptoms of altitude sickness.

  1. Gather 1 cup of dried Withania somnifera roots and 2 cups of 80% ethanol or vodka.
  2. Combine the dried roots and ethanol/vodka in a clean glass jar, leaving 1 inch of space at the top.
  3. Seal the jar and shake it well for 2-3 minutes to mix the ingredients.
  4. Store the jar in a cool, dark place and let it steep for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
  5. After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle, discard the solids and use the tincture as needed.

7. Angelica sinensis

Angelica sinensis herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Angelica sinensis tinctures contains bioactive constituents like ferulic acid, loganin, and hesperidin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These properties help reduce inflammation in the body and protect it from oxidative stress, common symptoms of altitude sickness. The tincture's ability to improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure also helps alleviate the condition. Additionally, the ferulic acid in Angelica sinensis tinctures has been shown to increase the production of red blood cells, which can help counteract the effects of high altitude on the body.

By reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and boosting red blood cell production, Angelica sinensis tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.

  1. Gather 100g of dried Angelica sinensis root, 50% vodka, and a glass jar with a lid.
  2. Combine the dried Angelica sinensis root and 50% vodka in the glass jar. Use 1 cup of vodka for every 2 tablespoons of root.
  3. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
  4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar, discarding the solids.
  5. Store the tincture in the fridge and use 10-20 drops, 2-3 times a day, for altitude sickness relief.

8. Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa herbal tinctures for altitude sickness

Curcuma longa tinctures contains curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin as its bioactive constituents.

These compounds have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. At high elevations, the body's oxygen levels decrease, causing inflammation in the body. Curcuma longa's curcuminoids reduce this inflammation, easing symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

Additionally, curcuma longa's antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by the high altitude.

  1. Gather 1 cup of dried Curcuma longa root and 2 cups of vodka in a clean glass jar.
  2. Fill a clean glass bottle with 2 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of dried Curcuma longa root.
  3. Steep the Curcuma longa root in the water for 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Strain the liquid from the Curcuma longa root into the glass jar with the vodka and discard the root.
  5. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily to mix the tincture.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent altitude sickness from forming?

Drinking herbal tea may help with altitude sickness, but it's not a guaranteed prevention.

Some herbal teas, like ginger and peppermint, have properties that can ease nausea and headaches, common symptoms of altitude sickness.

However, if you're planning to travel to high altitudes, it's still essential to ascend gradually and stay hydrated to reduce your risk of getting altitude sickness.

Is it safe to consume herbal teas for altitude sickness every day?

Consuming herbal teas for altitude sickness every day can be safe, but moderation is key.

Some herbs like ginkgo biloba and ginger can help alleviate symptoms, but excessive consumption can cause stomach issues.

It's essential to listen to your body and adjust your tea intake accordingly, as everyone's sensitivity to herbs can vary.

How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in altitude sickness?

Herbal teas containing ginger, ginkgo biloba, and other herbs may help alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.

Effects can be noticeable within a few hours to a day after consumption.

Some people may feel relief from headaches and fatigue sooner, while others may take longer to experience benefits.

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