Mountain Medicine & Herbology
- Mountain medicine deals with acclimatization, which according to the International Society for Mountain Medicine, is the process of adjusting one's body to decreased amounts of oxygen at high altitudes. This process is for those currently living at high altitudes, those moving to high altitudes or those planning a trip up into high mountains. The Society considers anything above 5,000 feet to be a high altitude, but altitudes can soar higher than 18,000 feet. Because the barometric pressure decreases with higher altitudes, people consume fewer molecules of oxygen the further they ascend. Mountain medicine is available to help people become accustomed to the changes that the body experiences in high altitudes.
- Typical symptoms that people experience at high altitudes include hyperventilation, which is breathing faster and/or deeper; shortness of breath during exertion; change of breathing patterns at night; awakening frequently at night or increased urination. These symptoms can usually be cured with the process of acclimatization, which uses common sense principles, such as slowly traveling to higher altitudes and not continuing until symptoms disappear. However, many other conditions occur when the body does not become acclimatized. Acute mountain sickness causes headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness and difficulty sleeping. High altitude cerebral edema causes confusion and symptoms similar to intoxication, such as loss of coordination. These conditions could become life-threatening if not treated.
- Western medicine and herbal remedies are used together to treat high altitude conditions. The International Society for Mountain Medicine recommends simply taking acetaminophen, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for a mild case of acute mountain sickness. Drinking lots of fluids and resting are natural cures. Acetazolamide is a medication prescribed to people with hyperventilation. It forces the kidneys to release bicarbonate, which balances the pH of the blood and returns breathing patterns to normal. Dexamethasone is a steroid medication prescribed to treat people with brain edemas. This medication relieves the symptoms of those having trouble sleeping. These medications help relieve symptoms but do not help acclimatize you to the altitude long-term. These medications also come with a list of side effects.
- Herbal remedies are popular among people living in the mountains and looking for natural remedies to treat uncomfortable symptoms. The International Society for Mountain Medicine states that gingko biloba extract has been used to prevent the symptoms of acute mountain sickness before they occur. It should be taken daily during ascension to a higher altitude and continually after that. According to an article from "The Southern Herbalist," numerous teas made with natural mountain ingredients can help with a number of symptoms. For example, wild cherry bark tea can help with sinus issues, and inhaling the steam from a boiling pot of chickweed or Queen Anne's Lace can help control weight gain. Yellowroot tea is recommended for digestion issues and red maple or black cohosh tea is used to treat women's issues.
- Mountain medicine also deals with injuries to the skin, joints, bones, tissues and other areas of the body. These injuries could occur from a fall, frostbite, sunburn and other common conditions at high altitudes. An article written by Colin Fuller, MD, on mountain medicine, he states that medicines and herbs to always have on hand include codeine for severe pain; moleskin for blisters; bandages and gauze; a roll of adhesive cloth tape for broken or sprained joints;00 Aloe Vera straight from the plant for sunburn, cuts or wounds; hydrogen peroxide for sterilizing a wound; a topical antibiotic ointment, Bilberry plant for diarrhea or skin inflammation; and a Swiss Army knife to cut bandages and moleskin. Doctors or people venturing into high altitudes on their own should always have these items on hand.