Taos Tea: Altitude Air Stealing Enzyme Power?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe thin air bites at your lungs, each breath a conscious effort. You’re in Telluride, Colorado, a stunning ski town perched at 8,750 feet. Maybe you’re visiting, maybe you live here. Either way, altitude sickness is a real threat, and the whispers of “Taos Tea” as a magical cure are swirling. But does this local brew truly hold the key to conquering the mountain’s breath-stealing grip, or is it just another overpriced tourist trap?
Taos Tea, often found in health food stores and cafes around high-altitude areas like Taos, New Mexico, and increasingly in Colorado ski towns, is typically a blend of herbs marketed as an altitude sickness remedy. Common ingredients include Yerba Mate, Coca Leaf, Guarana, and Green Tea. The purported mechanism? An ability to somehow “steal altitude air enzymes,” a phrase that sounds impressive but lacks any scientific basis.
Let’s be blunt: there’s no such thing as “altitude air enzymes.” The problem with altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), isn’t a lack of enzymes. It’s a lack of oxygen. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases, meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules per breath. Your body struggles to adapt, leading to symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.
The ingredients in Taos Tea do have some physiological effects, but they’re not directly related to increasing oxygen availability. Yerba Mate and Guarana are stimulants, providing a temporary energy boost that might mask fatigue. Coca Leaf contains alkaloids that can act as mild stimulants and suppress appetite. Green Tea is a source of antioxidants.
However, relying on stimulants to combat altitude sickness is a dangerous game. Masking the symptoms can lead you to overexert yourself, potentially worsening your condition and increasing the risk of more severe complications like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), both of which are life-threatening.
So, where can you find Taos Tea in Colorado ski towns? You’ll likely find it in health food stores like the Mountain Market in Crested Butte or specialty tea shops in Aspen. Some cafes might also offer it as a “local remedy.” Expect to pay a premium, often $15-$20 for a small bag of loose-leaf tea.
Is it worth the hype? Absolutely not, if you’re relying on it as your primary defense against altitude sickness. It’s essentially an expensive, potentially misleading, caffeinated beverage.
Instead of chasing mythical “altitude air enzymes,” focus on proven strategies for acclimatization:
Gradual Ascent: This is the gold standard. If possible, spend a few days at a moderate altitude (e.g., Denver at 5,280 feet) before heading to higher elevations like Breckenridge (9,600 feet).
Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Dehydration exacerbates altitude sickness symptoms. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.
Avoid Overexertion: Take it easy, especially on your first day or two. Don’t push yourself too hard with strenuous activities like skiing or hiking.
Acetazolamide (Diamox): This prescription medication helps your body acclimatize faster by increasing the rate of respiration and making your blood more acidic, which encourages the release of oxygen from hemoglobin. Consult your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
Supplemental Oxygen: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, supplemental oxygen can provide immediate relief. Many hotels and clinics in high-altitude areas offer oxygen therapy.
Descend: If your symptoms are worsening despite these measures, the best course of action is to descend to a lower altitude.
A common mistake developers make when dealing with altitude sickness is underestimating its severity. They might dismiss early symptoms as just being tired or having a headache, leading them to delay seeking treatment until the condition worsens. Another pitfall is relying on anecdotal remedies like Taos Tea without understanding the underlying science.
To overcome these challenges, educate yourself about altitude sickness, listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. If you’re planning a trip to a high-altitude destination like Vail or Steamboat Springs, talk to your doctor about preventative measures, including acetazolamide.
Let’s consider a real-world scenario: You’re visiting Aspen for a ski trip. You arrive directly from sea level and immediately hit the slopes. By the afternoon, you’re feeling nauseous, have a pounding headache, and are completely exhausted. You see Taos Tea advertised as a “miracle cure” at a local cafe.
Instead of relying solely on the tea, you should:
- Recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Stop skiing and rest.
- Hydrate with water or electrolyte drinks.
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers for the headache.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
While a cup of Taos Tea might provide a temporary caffeine boost, it won’t address the underlying problem of oxygen deprivation.
In conclusion, while Taos Tea might have a pleasant taste and some stimulating effects, it’s not a scientifically proven remedy for altitude sickness. Don’t fall for the marketing hype. Focus on evidence-based strategies like gradual ascent, hydration, and, if necessary, medication. Your lungs will thank you for it as you enjoy the breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies. Remember, enjoying the slopes of Aspen or the trails of Telluride requires respecting the altitude, not relying on magical tea.