Taos Tea: Altitude Air Stealing Lip Lasers?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

December 18, 2025

Forget the postcards and the “I climbed a mountain” t-shirts. You’re heading to Taos, New Mexico, or maybe Aspen, Colorado, and you’re worried about that creeping headache, the nausea, the general feeling of being utterly useless. Altitude sickness is a real buzzkill. But can a cup of Taos Tea really save the day? Let’s dive into the science, the folklore, and the practicalities of surviving high altitude, with or without a steaming mug.

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), isn’t some mystical ailment. It’s a physiological response to lower oxygen levels at higher elevations. Your body struggles to adapt quickly enough, leading to that delightful cocktail of symptoms.

The primary culprit is the reduced partial pressure of oxygen. This means less oxygen is available to your lungs and, consequently, to your bloodstream. Your body tries to compensate by increasing your breathing rate and heart rate, but this can lead to other problems like dehydration and fatigue.

Now, let’s talk about Taos Tea. It’s typically a blend of herbs, often including yerba mate, green tea, ginger, and sometimes other local ingredients. The purported benefits range from increased energy to improved circulation and, crucially, altitude sickness relief.

Does it work? The answer is a qualified “maybe,” leaning heavily towards “probably not as a standalone cure.” Let’s break down the ingredients.

Yerba Mate and Green Tea: These contain caffeine, a stimulant. Caffeine can temporarily mask the symptoms of altitude sickness, like fatigue and headache. However, it’s a diuretic, meaning it can contribute to dehydration, which worsens altitude sickness. Think of it as putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.
Ginger: Ginger is a well-known anti-nausea remedy. It can help alleviate the stomach upset associated with AMS. This is perhaps the most legitimate benefit of Taos Tea, but you can get the same effect from ginger chews or ginger ale.
Other Herbs: The specific herbs vary depending on the blend. Some might have anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically help with the inflammation associated with AMS. However, the evidence is weak, and the concentration of these herbs in a typical cup of tea is unlikely to have a significant impact.

So, Taos Tea isn’t a magic bullet. It might offer some symptomatic relief, particularly for nausea, but it’s not a substitute for proper acclimatization and preventative measures. Relying solely on it is a common mistake that can lead to serious consequences.

Here’s a DIY Taos Tea recipe, but remember, it’s for comfort, not a cure:

1 teaspoon yerba mate
1 teaspoon green tea
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
Optional: A pinch of peppermint or lemon balm

Steep in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste.

Now, let’s get serious about preventing altitude sickness. The key is acclimatization. This means gradually increasing your altitude over several days, allowing your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.

Here’s a practical acclimatization plan for a trip to Taos, New Mexico (elevation 6,969 feet):

If flying: Spend a night or two in Albuquerque (elevation 5,312 feet) before heading to Taos. This gives your body a head start.
If driving: Break up the drive with overnight stops at intermediate elevations.
Once in Taos: Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours. Take it easy.
"Climb high, sleep low": If you’re hiking, ascend to a higher altitude during the day, but return to a lower altitude to sleep.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: The dry climate of New Mexico exacerbates dehydration, which worsens altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aim for at least a gallon a day. Consider adding electrolytes.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These can dehydrate you and mask the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Eat light, frequent meals: Avoid heavy, greasy foods, which can be difficult to digest at high altitude.
Consider medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a prescription medication that can help prevent and treat altitude sickness. Talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you. Start taking it a day or two before you ascend to high altitude.

A common pitfall is pushing yourself too hard too soon. Many visitors, eager to explore the Taos Ski Valley or hike Wheeler Peak (the highest point in New Mexico), overexert themselves on their first day. This is a recipe for disaster. Listen to your body and take breaks when you need them.

Another challenge is recognizing the symptoms of altitude sickness. They can be subtle at first, and it’s easy to dismiss them as fatigue or a hangover. Be aware of the following:

Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping

If you experience any of these symptoms, descend to a lower altitude immediately. Don’t try to “tough it out.” Altitude sickness can be life-threatening.

For those planning trips further west, similar principles apply. If you’re heading to Flagstaff, Arizona (elevation 6,909 feet), or even Denver, Colorado (the “Mile High City” at 5,280 feet), acclimatization is crucial. The higher you go, the more important it becomes.

Remember, Taos Tea might offer a comforting ritual and some minor symptom relief, but it’s not a substitute for proper preparation and acclimatization. Focus on hydration, gradual ascent, and listening to your body. That’s the real recipe for enjoying the breathtaking beauty of high-altitude destinations. So, skip the magical thinking and embrace the science. Your body will thank you.