Natural Remedies for Altitude Sickness

A lot of people feel sickness and uneasiness when they are faced with high altitudes. This condition is called altitude sickness and it can become a life-threatening condition. The basic reason for the sickness is the inability of acclimatization of the body at a certain elevation. The human body fails to adjust in terms of homeostasis of fluid chemistry and balance. Symptoms can be seen within 12 to 24 hour of arrival and they increase at night. Some of the symptoms are breathing problems, sleeplessness, nausea, tiredness and headaches. The higher you are, the less oxygen your body has in order to breathe. To compensate for this, you can do some deep breathing exercises. Also, here are a few tips to overcome altitude sickness naturally.

• Drink Water

When your breathing becomes quick and heavy, your body gets dehydrated faster. Pay attention to your drinking water habits and stay away from alcoholic drinks. In order to avoid the dehydration issues, drink a lot of water and natural tea. If your body receives all the water it needs, it will work perfectly. Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water a day.

• Garlic

Garlic enhances the blood flow, which helps the body be more efficient. If the body works faster, then the use of oxygen is even better. Since high altitude affects breathing, it makes sense that garlic helps with attitude sickness.

• Lemon Juice

This can be taken in order to prevent nausea and vomiting. Before going on a climb, we suggest you drink a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Its properties will fight against your symptoms and will help you get on your way.

• Eat Digestible Meals

If you are planning to climb at a higher altitude, then avoid eating junk food or fatty and heavy foods. It is recommended to eat little meals instead of a big one. Foods that are easily digestible don’t require extra energy from your body.

• Lavender Oil

Lavender is extremely useful when it comes to treating stress, anxiety and depression. Its relaxing and sedative effects can help anybody willing to consume this herbal treatment. Also, it can prove itself useful when it comes to easing digestive problems, spasms and bile stimulus.

• Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba can decrease the intensity of altitude sickness. According to a study, if you consume Gingko Biloba pills a week before a climb, the symptoms disappear. However, the results are mixed and more research is needed for this natural remedy.

• Rhodiola

This is a plant native to the Himalayas. It is found in high places and it can be extremely useful in altitude sickness. The seeds, flowers, toot and leaves have antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. Rhodiola enhances mental and physical energy and improves concentration and mental acuity. It increases the blood supply to the muscles and brain. Also, it combats the effects of excess adrenaline which causes high blood lipids and blood pressure.

If you suffer from altitude sickness, we recommend you to visit a specialist before taking these natural remedies.