It is basically a consequence of the lack of oxygen. It usually occurs in non-acclimatized people who ascend above 1,500 meters above sea level. In less than 1 or 2 days. Tourists who arrive in Cusco by plane are the most likely to suffer from altitude sickness, better known as soroche. It also happens to Cusco residents when we leave for a while. And when we return we feel a bit dizzy (it’s the change in climate).
SYMPTOMS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
- Agitation
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Physical exhaustion
- Sleep disturbance
- Cough
- Feeling of suffocation
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS
- Before traveling to Cusco, take pills such as Soroche Phills or Alti Vital, these two are the most common, consult your doctor before taking them.
- Upon arrival in Cusco, rest and avoid physical effort
- Eat light, avoid heavy foods. Preferably, eat easily digestible foods.
- Hydrate constantly, at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day, since altitude can cause dehydration.
- Avoid tranquilizers or sleeping pills, these can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Very hot coca tea is one of the best natural remedies to combat altitude sickness, it is not recommended to drink it before going to bed because you will not be able to get to sleep, since this plant contains alkaloids that act as energizers.
- Muña tea is another highly recommended natural remedy to combat altitude sickness.
NATURAL REMEDY FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Coca leaves:
Known as the sacred leaf of the Incas, it is one of the most important food sources for the population living in the Andes. The plant called “coca” is not a drug at all, although one of its compounds can be concentrated and converted into a narcotic. The coca leaf has proteins, vitamins and minerals that make it not only an excellent nutritional option, but also a way to cure various diseases, especially in infusions for altitude sickness or soroche to have better blood circulation and breathe better.
Where to buy it?
- In Cusco, you can find coca leaves in the San Pedro market.
- During your tours, you can find them in different shops in the communities.
How to consume it?
- You can soak about 5 coca leaves in a cup of very hot boiled water, and it is recommended to consume it without sugar.
- You can chew it and swallow the juice, but not the coca leaves, which you have to throw away after they are finely chopped.
- Almost 100% of the accommodations in Cusco will offer you free coca tea, as it is a very good remedy for altitude sickness.
Without a doubt, coca leaves have been a medicine for most of the tourists who came to visit our wonderful city of Cusco and also most of the high altitude places in Peru.
So, if you feel sick, consume coca!!! Of course, in leaves!!!