Coca Tea

[woodley]

I just had an appointment with my Dr. and asked him which I should take for altitude sickness, coca tea or pills. He laughed, then asked how I was getting to a high altitude, gradually or flying. When I told him I was flying he told me to stay away from the coca tea and take the pills. He seemed to think my question was very amusing, am I missing something?

[dr__dawggy]

I just had an appointment with my Dr. and asked him which I should take for altitude sickness, coca tea or pills. He laughed, then asked how I was getting to a high altitude, gradually or flying. When I told him I was flying he told me to stay away from the coca tea and take the pills. He seemed to think my question was very amusing, am I missing something?

 

I do not know why your doc found coca amusing...

 

Just do not plan to bring any of the coca mate leaves home with you. Customs would probably frown on the idea.

 

Where are you flying by the way...Quito or Lima?

[marazul]

He seemed to think my question was very amusing, am I missing something?

 

No, your doctor is. Not part of the US Med School curriculum.

[greatam]

He seemed to think my question was very amusing, am I missing something?

 

Not only not part of US med school curriculum, but coca is ILLEGAL in the USA. US doctor cannot very well encourage you to do something illegal.

 

I personally think you will be far better off drinking LOTS of coca tea. Those pills are nasty and have nasty side effects, not the least of which is you pee A LOT.

[navgal]

Coca tea instantly drove away the flash headaches when I was over 15,000 ft. It also took away the head is a balloon feeling, and eased breathing. Still got tired easily though. Don't worry about the cocaine thig. I was informed it takes 100 kilos of the leaves to make a gram of refined cocaine, and the tea is just a few leaves per cup. Also add lots of sugar - not only makes the stuff palatable, but it aids in the altitude relief,

Andrea