the reason why it aids in the altitude sickness is due to the narcotic within it. There are other ways to aid altitude sickness like, quit smoking cigerettes, and to be in good physical shape. This will allow more oxygen absorption in the lungs and combat the altitude illness.....
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people who mind don't matter, and people who matter don't mind- Dr. Seuss
drink a lot of water the day before and the days of, and you'll be fine. there's some herbal stuff (that I've used in Colorado skiing at 14,000) that works pretty well also. Google is your friend. If you're not exerting yourself, like just riding in a train you'll probably will be fine. Sleeping above 8,000 feet can be difficult as your central nervous system thinks that you're not getting enough O2 and you'll tend to keep waking up just when you doze off. Don't do the coca leaves.
I would keep away from them if that was me. Reminds me of licking the bag!
BTW I read in the new basic text...that they once had the world service convention......in Columbia! Yes we can go to slippery places, but you better have a good program working for you!
Well, I stumbled across this thread while looking for NA meeting for a friend in Lima Peru and I can't seem to move on with out posting some experience.
You say it "seems like a crazy question" BUT it's not. I had no idea there was Coca tea or that the question to drink it would be in my life either but it was:
A few years ago I was in Arequipa, Peru (altitude of 7000 ft and we traveled as high as 15000 ft) with my husband. We were visiting long time friends and soon after we arrived the altitude got to me...I didn't know what was wrong I just felt AWFUL. I was in good shape and well hydrated. They said it could be the altitude. I thought since my husband wasn't affected like I was, I must be getting sick. A day later still feeling bad my friends suggested I drink a tea the Peruvians drink that helps with altitude sickness.
Yep, you guessed it, coca tea.
Well, I interrogated my nurse friend who was living in Arequipa. I was assured that the affects, if any, besides relieving my altitude sickness, would be like drinking a cup of coffee or tea with caffeine.
We, discussed the mental aspect of this choice too. Some say, just taking an aspirin could triggers someone who was a pill user. Well, ff I was looking for an excuse to use any excuse would do....just going to another country could be enough.
So, reluctantly I drank the tea and ONLY felt the nausea from the altitude sickness go away, I didn't feel anything else. I was able to enjoy our trip. It was a great trip!
I was so relieved to feel better and NOT have to see a Peruvian doctor that the name of the tea didn't matter any more.
That is my experience, I had many years clean at that time and still do. Decades.
I AM NOT SAYING TO DRINK THE TEA OR NOT TO DRINK THE TEA. I am just telling you my experience. I know it may not be the one many people want to hear but, it is what it is.
As someone has already mentioned there are other herbal remedies here in the States that you can get before you go a or to ask your doctor as others have suggested. Goggle is definitely our friend and you can get great info there too.
I think it is great that you are asking the "crazy question" and getting info before you go and that the tour guide let you know that it could be a problem for you. As I stated the altitude didn't affect my husband nearly as bad as it affected me.
I say, it is good to plan a head but don't expect the worst, it takes to much energy away from the great stuff happening.
I hope you have an EXCELLENT trip! I would have never in my life think that I would ever go to another country. I have been to Peru 4 times and Paris and Africa too. It may not mean a lot to someone else, many people travel all over the world, all the time, but for me it is a great gift of recovery to be able to travel anywhere other and to get "more".
