Staying at high altitude can be hard on anyone, especially Summit County visitors, who often experience nausea, headaches, insomnia, joint pain and more as a result of altitude sickness.
Local apothecaries and natural medicine shops offer many remedies for those looking for natural ways to ease and prevent symptoms. While not a substitute for traditional medicine, especially in emergencies, owners of apothecaries and natural medicine stores say their products help customers lead healthier lives.
“We always say, why not try natural first and go from there?” said Laura Eickhoff, owner of Backcountry Herbal Apothecary in Frisco. “The less chemicals we can get in our system these days, the better.”
Located in the same building as Mountain River Naturopathic Clinic, which is home to two naturopathic doctors treating patients, Backcountry Herbal offers customers a range of products, including herbal blends, tinctures, supplements, minerals, teas and more.
Around half of the store’s customers are visitors to Summit County, and many of the products are tailored to address symptoms of altitude sickness, Eickhoff said.
The store sells Acli-mate, a natural sports drink filled with vitamins and minerals to specifically combat symptoms of altitude sickness. The store is also working to get Altisnooze, a sleep aid tailored to combat issues with sleeping at high altitude, back in its stock, Eickhoff said.
Acli-Mate, a natural sports drink made to alleviate the effects of altitude sickness, is sold at apothecaries across Summit County since most towns are above 9,000 feet. Andrew Maciejewski/Summit Daily News
In addition to remedies for high altitude, the store sells products to address common issues, like digestion problems, sunburns and joint pain. Those feeling a cold coming on might want to go for the store’s Killer Blend, a mix of herbs that support the immune system, and people with digestion issues may be interested in MediClear, a detoxifying pea and rice protein supplement, Eickhoff said.
“It’s not one pill for one ill in herbs,” Eickhoff said. “You can do so many things, and it’s fun to educate people when they come in.”
Another popular remedy for a range of health issues is CBD. Pharmstrong, a mostly online store that ships across the country with a brick-and-mortar shop in Breckenridge, specializes in CBD, nootropic and functional mushroom products for common health issues, like digestion problems, menopause, insomnia and more.
The number one seller at the store is the HD2000 Gel Rollers that help with joint pain, Pharmstrong Owner Eric Pomeroy said. Customers visiting the store can sample the rollers for the day to see how they help with pain.
Killer Blend is a popular item at apothecaries. Andrew Maciejewski/Summit Daily News
“I can’t tell you the number of people who have come in, and I’ve put the roller on their hands, their shoulders, their backs or their necks,” Pomeroy said. “And I say, ‘Yeah just go walk around. I’ll see you later.’ Over 90%t come back and purchase.”
The store also sells mushroom products called Brain Boost, which are targeted toward addressing brain fog, a common symptom for women experiencing menopause, melatonin to ease insomnia and gummies to help with relaxation.
Pharmstrong is also a go-to for people looking to experience direct relief from altitude sickness. The store has a built-in oxygen bar, called PS Oxygen Bar, which serves customers needing that relief from headaches, nausea and shortness of breath due to high altitude.
Backcountry Herbal Apothecary owner Laura Eickhoff grabs a tincture at her store in Frisco on April 17, 2026. IMG_0792
“In terms of products that are going to help actually alleviate altitude sickness, there really isn’t anything. It’s a lack of oxygen they’ve got,” Pomeroy said. “That’s why we’ve got the oxygen bar in there.”
Pharmstrong even offers products for pets, including CBD dog treats and calm dog chews.
Most of Pharmstrong’s products are able to be sampled in the store, which helps people overcome initial skepticism about natural remedies, Pomeroy said.
“That’s one of the reasons we have the sample bar,” he said. “Don’t believe me. Try the products for yourself.”
Backcountry Herbal Apothecary has a large variety of teas, tinctures and natural products. Andrew Maciejewski/Summit Daily News