**Taos Tea: Is Altitude Air Crashing Summer Guts?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

September 25, 2025

Forget those generic travel brochures promising digestive bliss in Taos. Let’s talk real talk about high-altitude bloat and how to actually fix it, using the land around us. We’re diving deep into the world of gut-friendly teas, brewed with local wisdom and ingredients, specifically designed to combat the Taos tummy troubles.

Taos, New Mexico, a land of stunning beauty, sits perched at over 7,000 feet. This altitude, while breathtaking, can wreak havoc on your digestive system. The lower oxygen levels can slow digestion, leading to gas, bloating, and general discomfort.

But don’t despair! The solution isn’t some expensive supplement shipped from afar. It’s in the plants, the brewing methods, and the local knowledge passed down through generations.

Let’s start with the science. At high altitude, your body produces more red blood cells to compensate for the thinner air. This process, while essential, can also lead to dehydration, further slowing digestion.

Dehydration thickens the intestinal contents, making them harder to move. This leads to constipation and increased gas production as bacteria work overtime to break down the stagnant material.

So, hydration is key, but not just any hydration. We need to focus on gut-supporting hydration. This is where our Taos Tea comes in.

The DIY Taos Gut-Soothing Tea Recipe

This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, some of which you might even find growing wild around Taos (always be 100% certain of your plant identification before foraging!).

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried Osha root (Ligusticum porteri). Osha is a powerful local herb known for its respiratory and digestive benefits. It helps to increase circulation and reduce inflammation. Important: Osha is often confused with poisonous look-alikes. Purchase from a reputable source like Taos Herb Company.
• 1 tablespoon dried Chamomile flowers. Chamomile is a classic digestive aid, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
• 1 teaspoon dried Fennel seeds. Fennel helps to reduce gas and bloating by relaxing the intestinal muscles.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Ginger root. Ginger stimulates digestion and helps to relieve nausea.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Anise seed. Anise is a carminative, meaning it helps to expel gas from the digestive tract.
• 4 cups filtered water.

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the herbs to fully release their beneficial compounds.
3. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
4. Allow to cool slightly and enjoy warm.

Why this works:

• Osha: This is the star of the show. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe the gut lining, while its circulatory benefits can counteract the effects of altitude.
• Chamomile, Fennel, Ginger, and Anise: This combination is a powerhouse for reducing gas, bloating, and inflammation. They work synergistically to promote healthy digestion.

Brewing Considerations for High Altitude:

Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes. This means you need to simmer the tea for a longer period to extract the full benefits of the herbs.

Simmering for 15-20 minutes ensures that the herbs release their essential oils and other beneficial compounds.

Where to Find Ingredients in Taos:

• Taos Herb Company: This local institution is your go-to for Osha root and other high-quality herbs. They also offer expert advice on using herbs for digestive health.
• Taos Farmers Market (seasonal): You might find fresh herbs and spices here, depending on the season.
• Cid’s Food Market: A good source for dried chamomile, fennel seeds, ginger root, and anise seed.

Local Taos Businesses Offering Gut-Friendly Teas:

• World Cup Cafe: While known for their coffee, they often have a selection of herbal teas that can aid digestion. Ask about their ginger or chamomile options.
• The Love Cafe: They offer a variety of organic teas, including some with digestive benefits. Check their menu for options containing ginger, peppermint, or fennel.

Advice from New Mexican Herbalists:

New Mexican herbalists often emphasize the importance of adapting traditional remedies to the specific needs of the individual and the environment.

For high-altitude digestion, they recommend:

• Starting slow: Don’t overdo it with the herbs. Begin with small doses and gradually increase as needed.
• Listening to your body: Pay attention to how your body responds to different herbs and adjust your tea accordingly.
• Combining herbs with other lifestyle changes: Drinking tea is just one piece of the puzzle. Also focus on staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:

• Using low-quality herbs: The quality of your herbs matters. Opt for organic, sustainably sourced herbs whenever possible.
• Not simmering long enough: At high altitude, you need to simmer the tea for a longer period to extract the full benefits of the herbs.
• Overdoing it: Too much of a good thing can be harmful. Start with small doses and gradually increase as needed.
• Ignoring other lifestyle factors: Tea is not a magic bullet. You also need to focus on staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise.
• Assuming all digestive issues are altitude-related: While altitude can contribute to digestive problems, it’s important to rule out other potential causes, such as food sensitivities or underlying medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist.

Real-World Application:

Imagine you’re visiting Taos for a summer art retreat. The first few days are filled with breathtaking scenery and inspiring workshops, but then the dreaded bloat sets in.

Instead of suffering in silence, you head to Taos Herb Company, pick up the necessary ingredients, and brew yourself a batch of Taos Gut-Soothing Tea.

Within a few hours, you start to feel relief. The gas subsides, the bloating diminishes, and you’re able to fully enjoy the rest of your retreat.

Beyond the Tea:

While this tea is a powerful tool, it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Other strategies for combating altitude-induced digestive issues include:

• Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals: This can help to prevent overloading your digestive system.
• Avoiding processed foods: These can be difficult to digest and can contribute to bloating.
• Getting regular exercise: Exercise helps to stimulate digestion and reduce stress.
• Chewing your food thoroughly: This helps to break down food and make it easier to digest.

By combining the power of local herbs with these simple lifestyle changes, you can conquer the Taos tummy troubles and fully enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer. Don’t let altitude hold you back from experiencing the magic of Taos. Embrace the local wisdom, brew yourself a cup of Taos Tea, and breathe easy.