Cures on High
What multivitamin/herbal remedy you suggest for overcoming altitude sickness?
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Sign up for Outside+ today.
Question:
We’re going to Peru. What multivitamin/herbal remedy you suggest for overcoming altitude sickness?
Submitted by – S.S., Berkeley, CA
Answer:
Only ginkgo biloba has proven in tests to reduce the incidence and severity of Acute Mountain Sickness. Peter Hackett, MD, the guru of high mountain medicine, recommends 80 mg twice a day, but some others suggest 120 mg twice a day–morning and evening, starting 4-5 days before going high. Nothing else herbal or vitamin-wise has shown measurable results–but taking extra doses of vitamin C and the vitamin B is not contraindicated. And have fun. I love Peru.