Medicinal plants for Altitude Sickness or Soroche

mal de altura

Altitude sickness or what many people call, soroche, is a physical discomfort because of the messing of adaptation in the altitude, and the increase of the atmosphere pressure in the big altitude. The symptoms of the soroche appear to almost 25% of the people that cross places above the 2500 m.a.s.l and 75% of the people that travel above the 4500 m.a.s.l

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The frequent symptoms are:

  • Headache.
  • Oxygen Missing.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Fatigue.

We know, that throughout our development as a civilization, human beings were at the mercy of a wide variety of illnesses, ailments, and diseases. In this way, humans start with the alternative of natural medicine with the finally of alleviating different types of general discomfort.

What is the Natural Medicine?

Natural Medicine or phototherapy is part of the wide variety of techniques and natural treatments that have been used for many years with the finality of cure and treating different health conditions. The principal objective is to improve the quality of human life support to prevent and treat some illnesses and ailments in general.

Which are the medicinal plants that were used by the Incas?

The principal medicinal plants that were used by the Incas were the following: Coca leaf, muña, cachamona, menta, and capuli. This botanic species presents cure effects that serve as a remedy for altitude sickness.

The Incas practice a traditional medicine based on medicinal plants and rituals related to the spiritual and energy. Were they the principal exponents of the use of the native plants for the altitude illness and natural medicine in our geographic zone. The use of the medicine plants since then allowed for a quick and feasible solution, without the use of drugs, to counteract the symptomatology of soroche.

Properties of the Medicinal Plant for Altitude Sickness

1. Coca Leaf

It is mainly used using infusions. Is a stimulant, analgesic, digestive, and regulated of bloody pressure. The coca leaf has medical effects for help in digestion. Is an excellent tranquilizer for altitude sickness. The persons who not are accustomed to living in the Andine high zones consume this infusion in a mood that always in the hotels offer “Coca leaf” to the newcomers.

altitude sickness

2. Muña

The benefits of muña take advantage of it, mostly, as an infusion. The sheets are extracted with delicacy and are brought to boiling water and become a powerful elixir that soothes stomach ailments. Have a medical use that helps to treat the headache, gastritis, and altitude mountain sickness. After this, the coca leaf is a botanic traditional species in the Inca cultural medicine.

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3. Capulí

This plant is used to soothe colic, and and the discomfort of rheumatism. Is effective in fighting flu discomfort and soroche. It also relieves cough, which is why is used for bronchitis, choking, and bluish color due to lack of oxygen, respiratory tract catarrh, and convulsive cough.

Capuli

4. Menta

The Infusions of this plant help with the heaviest digestion. In addition, reduces abdominal bloating caused by gas and flatulence. And for last, its aroma activates the salivary glands of the mouth and those that secrete digestive enzymes.

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5. Chachacoma

Is a bush of 20 to 50 cm of altitude, branched and covered with leaves up to the apex. According to various studies carried out in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, the use of this plant in infusions served principality for the altitude sickness of mountains. In the same way, relieves stomach pain.

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How to avoid the Soroche in Perú

In addition to the diversity of native medicinal plants that present Perú for alleviating altitude sickness or soroche, it should consider the following:

  • Drink a lot of liquid
  • Avoid the food in abundance.
  • Rest the necessary hours.
  • Avoid alcohol.

Exist various remedies for curing the soroche. In the case of planning a travel to a high zone or Cusco, it is worthwhile to dedicate time for acclimatization and the symptoms disappear graduality. There is no need to be afraid of soroche, just use the medicinal plant that we have, to make you feel better and be ready to enjoy your incredible travel.

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