Altitude sickness, or what many people call soroche, is a physical discomfort caused by poor adaptation to high altitude and lower oxygen levels in the atmosphere. Many travelers use medicinal plants to help relieve its effects. The symptoms of soroche appear in almost 25% of people who go above 2,500 m.a.s.l. and in about 75% of those who travel above 4,500 m.a.s.l.
Do you want to visit Vinicunca? An awesome place better known like Rainbow Mountain, we recommend you not to lose this oportunity of visit this place, realize the Rainbow Mountain Full Day and live the best experience with us.
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 Medicinal Plnats?
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 medicinal 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.
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.
3. Capulí
This medicinal plants 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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore more tourist destinies and more of Perú in our travel blog and plan your next trip with us!
