Coca tea for altitude sickness

Discovering Inca Trail recommends to visitors to our beautiful city the Coca tea, to combat altitude sickness, it is a millenary tradition of the Incas related to the coca leaf.

In this sense to acclimatize and avoid the soroche, in Cusco and in the whole mountain range of Peru, an infusion of the Coca leaf is taken.

What is altitude sickness?

It is a set of symptoms caused by lack of adaptation to height. Up to 2,000 meters few feel, between 2,500 and 4,000 meters a good part, and from 4,000 meters high, the vast majority note the effects.

Altitude sickness is the name given to the physiological reactions of the human body, which occur as a consequence of the low oxygen pressure that exists at high altitude.

As we ascend, there is a progressive decrease in atmospheric pressure and also the partial pressure of oxygen in the air we breathe. Oxygen is essential for life and its abrupt decrease produces important alterations.

When climbing a mountain or traveling to a higher altitude region, many travelers notice variations in their body. Fatigue is greater than normal, you need air, sometimes a certain drowsiness, dizziness, headache; even a kind of drunkenness. These are some of the symptoms of the so-called “altitude sickness”.

Frequent symptoms of altitude sickness:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sleep disorder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vertigo
• Digestive disorders
• Agitation

Coca tea for altitude sickness

The infusion of coca leaves is also known as mate and its stimulating effect is similar to that of coffee. Also, it is usually taken after eating to facilitate digestion.

Coca tea for altitude sickness is increasingly popular around the world thanks to its incredible health benefits.

In addition to its symbolic value in the Andean countries, this remedy is a powerful stimulant similar to coffee.

What is the Coca leaf?

The coca leaf is native to the Andean areas of Bolivia and Peru, although it has also spread to Colombia, Ecuador, Chile or Argentina.

Its stimulating effect is similar to that of coffee, and in the same way it is also usually taken after the meal to facilitate digestion, accompanied by a little sugar or honey.

Although it is a natural stimulant, the infusion of coca leaf is not an exciting, so it can be taken at any time of day without the risk of nervousness or insomnia.

Health benefits

The coca leaf is rich in vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C and E), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium or potassium).

It also contains tannins and fourteen alkaloids, one of which is cocaine.

Below we detail the benefits of the coca leaf infusion for health:

• It regulates blood pressure and improves the oxygenation of blood and brain.
• Stimulates the respiratory system.
• It facilitates digestion and the expulsion of gases. It also regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, which is very suitable for people who do not digest well the flours and sugars.
• Prevents decay and osteoporosis thanks to its calcium content, which is higher than milk.
• Combat iron-deficiency anemia.
• It has analgesic properties, so it calms all kinds of pains, such as arthritis or rheumatism.
• Improves liver function and cleanses blood of toxins. The consumption of coca leaves helps to eliminate the fat that accumulates in the liver and convert it into energy.
• It fights the retention of liquids thanks to its diuretic properties.
• It improves attention, concentration and memory and increases physical endurance.
• Prevents obesity and bulimia, thanks to the control exercised over the appetite without nullifying it.
• It cleans the urinary tract and prevents infections. It is also astringent, so it is very suitable for cases of diarrhea.
• Reduces high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Prevents premature aging.
• It reinforces the intestinal bacterial flora and, as a consequence, the immune system.