In order to avoid Acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema are the three main types of altitude sickness. you should drink Coca Tea. The majority of those who ascend higher than 2,400 meters or 8,000 feet experience acute mountain sickness, which affects more than 50% of climbers.
It is brought on by the reduced oxygen levels in the air at high altitudes, which makes it difficult for your heart and lungs to keep your blood oxygenated because your lungs can’t take in as much oxygen as they normally can.
Acute mountain sickness symptoms include grogginess, exhaustion, nausea, headaches, and trouble sleeping. Once your body naturally adjusts, acute mountain sickness typically goes away within a few days as long as you stay hydrated and at the same altitude until the symptoms subside.
The Andean people consider coca leaves to be sacred, and they have been used to treat moderate altitude sickness, headaches, sore throats, and stomach problems.
Chewing or preparing tea with coca is one way people have historically treated the signs of moderate altitude sickness. Coca leaves are commonly used in Central and South America by laborers who spend a lot of time at high elevations, particularly those in Peru’s Andes.
Alkaloids found in the coca plant’s leaves can be chemically removed to produce cocaine base. However, the raw leaves only contain a little quantity of non-addictive cocaine alkaloid. 4.2 mg of organic coca alkaloids are present in a cup of coca tea made from one gram of coca leaves. These alkaloids give you more energy, much like a cup of coffee or tea, which is great if you’re going on a hike or sightseeing tour.
Chewing on coca leaves alleviate altitude sickness?
Chewing on coca leaves is a traditional practice that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in the Andean region of South America, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia. The leaves come from the this plant, which contains small amounts of cocaine alkaloids, including the main active ingredient, cocaine.
Chewing on coca leaves is said to have a number of effects, including increased energy, reduced hunger and thirst, and relief from altitude sickness. It is also used in religious ceremonies and as a symbol of cultural identity.
It’s important to note that chewing on it is not the same as using cocaine, which involves the extraction and purification of the alkaloids. When coca leaves are chewed, the amount of cocaine that enters the bloodstream is relatively small, and the effects are mild.
However, the use of this plant is illegal in many countries outside of South America, as the leaves are classified as a controlled substance due to their cocaine content. It’s important to be aware of the legal status and potential health risks associated with any substance before using it.
Although the effectiveness of the leaves in treating soroche, or symptoms of altitude sickness, is not well supported by scientific research, many hikers and travelers have found success with them.
Everyone of our Sparrow Explorer trekkers who we questioned gave a different response, but they all agreed that they enjoy partaking in the morning Peruvian custom of drinking coca tea, especially when a wonderful Sparrow Explorer guide brings it to their tent as a wake-up call for all your activities hiking over the mountains.
Drink Coca Tea
This drink is a traditional beverage made from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. It is a popular drink in the Andean region, where it has been consumed for centuries for its stimulating properties and medicinal benefits.
Coca tea contains small amounts of cocaine, a powerful stimulant that can have both positive and negative effects on the body. While coca tea is legal in some countries, it is illegal in others, and it is important to check local laws before consuming it.
If you are considering drinking coca tea for medicinal purposes, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional first, as the tea may interact with certain medications or have adverse effects on some individuals.
Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid consuming coca tea due to potential risks to the fetus or infant.
