Essential Oils For Altitude Sickness are becoming a trusted natural remedy for travelers exploring the chaotic bliss of the Himalayas. Altitude sickness is a fairly common occurrence here, caused by air thinning as altitude rises. This lack of oxygen in the air often leads to acute mountain sickness.
Headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, and nausea are common symptoms that characterize altitude sickness. In a tourism-celebrating country like Nepal, 15 percent of all inflows are for mountain climbing and trekking.
Altitude sickness is a frequent occurrence in Nepal’s dense altitude, usually combated through emergency helicopter rescue and medication use. However, people are turning towards natural medicine nowadays, and essential oils are gaining popularity as a safe, holistic alternative to ease symptoms and support recovery.
How Concerning Is Altitude Sickness?
Hiking above 2500m altitude is already a high-risk zone for developing altitude sickness, and in Nepal, the base camps are located way beyond that altitude, making even a general trek challenging!
The probability of catching altitude sickness rises if an individual has had a previous episode of altitude sickness, is very young by age, female by sex, or presents with medical conditions such as migraine.
A published study revealed that in the Everest region, the prevalence of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) was 57%. Most emergencies may not have sufficient time to rely upon emergency evacuations and modern sickness.
This is where the science of natural remedies to cure AMS steps in.
How Beneficial Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are unheard of yet carry brilliant health benefits. It is estimated that more than 200 compounds may be present in these oils.
The general health benefits of these magic range from significant boosts in the immune system to blood circulation.
Each essential oil renders its own set of benefits such as peppermint oil’s ability to ease headaches. Likewise, the eucalyptus oils and peppermint oil are beneficial at high altitudes!
These essential oils are a natural way of working the body, providing a holistic approach and working with the body’s natural rhythms, such as increasing the oxygen levels in the blood and countering altitude sickness.
Learn About: Diet To Prevent Altitude Illness
Best Essential Oils For Altitude Sickness
Approaching higher altitudes can lead to several health issues. It is highly recommended to know which essential oils serve the best during which ailments. Let’s identify through this list:
- Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil is a wonderful cooling oil, excellent for relieving headaches and boosting blood circulation. As soon as the body begins to feel a little affected, this oil can save one from catching altitude sickness.
- Eucalyptus Oil: Shortness of breath is a common issue in the mountains, congestion and blocked passages being the other! Eucalyptus oil is a powerhouse for respiratory health, ensuring clear breathing and sufficient inhaling of oxygen intake in the body.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil supports the immune system and is rich in antiseptic properties. These medicinal properties help in preventing infections that may be the cause of a prolonged altitude sickness.
- Thyme Oil: Thyme oil is a very useful oil in stimulating blood flow and improving blood pressure. Individuals who have a difficult time adjusting to the new high altitude changes benefit tremendously by carrying this oil as a travel essential.
- Clary Sage: Thanks to its soothing properties, Clary sage oil can alleviate anxiety and improve relaxation. It can also provide relief against headaches as well as other symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Lavender Oil: Lavender is particularly helpful due to its soothing properties, which make it easier to lower the stress and anxiety typically experienced during exposure to higher altitudes.
- Rosemary Oil: This oil may improve memory and focus, which may be compromised at elevated heights, as well as enhance blood circulation.
- Ginger Oil: For people struggling with nausea and digestive issues, indeed, ginger oil can work since altitude change can trigger stomach aches.
- Frankincense Oil: The anti-inflammatory features of Frankincense may serve as effective relievers for pain and swelling, particularly headaches triggered by altitude sickness.
- Chamomile Oil: Chamomile has always been branded as very effective in the treatment of sleep disturbances, which are quite common when at high sea levels.
