A "mineral spring" is a spring that contains so-called "natural mineral water". This water emerges at a depth of several thousand metres and contains a considerable amount of dissolved minerals which have a healing effect. Because of this positive health effect, mineral springs can also be classified in the category of "health springs". Unlike its sisters, the thermal springs, the mineral springs do not necessarily have to be hot to be considered health springs. The essential factor is the mineral content.
In the health sector, cold mineral water is mainly used as part of a drinking therapy. The medicinal water is either transferred to a drinking fountain or poured into bottles and the patient is then prescribed to drink for several days or weeks.
In the following sections you will learn how mineral springs are formed, what their healing properties are, where the most famous mineral springs are located and how to book your trip to a mineral spring.
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Origin of mineral springs
The curative properties of the mineral springs
In order to understand the healing power of mineral springs, their individual components, the minerals, must be considered. Like us humans, each health resource is very different and therefore should only be chosen with care. The frequency of chemical elements in the source indicates whether or not a water can be useful for a particular health condition. In the following, we will introduce the most common elements in mineral springs with their positive influence on the organism. Remember that these micro- or bulk elements do not always exist in such an undefined form. They often belong to other elements such as oxygen or chlorine and are then present in a chemical compound.
The mineral sulphur or its ionised form sulphate is mainly used to aid digestion. Sulphur helps with constipation, stimulates the liver, gall, and pancreas and prevents the development of certain urinary stones. Sulphur is also said to have a positive effect on rheumatism and joint diseases.
For problems with bones or muscle diseases, drinking patterns with mineral water containing magnesium are often prescribed. Magnesium can also help with stress, fatigue and/or migraines.
Like magnesium, calcium guarantees stable bones and teeth. It also counteracts osteoporosis.
Natrium is said to have a healing effect on rheumatism and skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis. It also regulates the water balance and is therefore suitable for treating headaches and increased sporting activity.
You probably know fluoride from the dentist. And rightly so: it protects against caries and ensures strong teeth.
Calium is used to treat muscle problems. In addition, a sufficient potassium intake is recommended for high blood pressure. The patient's risk of stroke is significantly reduced.
The element iron is known for its healing properties for stress, migraines, and fatigue. But it is also often used to treat allergies and urological and gynaecological diseases.
For back pain, rheumatism, or joint diseases, a therapy with the right dose of radon can be a good choice.
Iodine is mainly mentioned in connection with the treatment of thyroid diseases. But it can also relieve allergies and breathing problems.
Manganese is the insider tip for diabetes. Manganese deficiency is also associated with osteoporosis.
The healing power of boron has not yet been well researched. However, there is evidence that boron is involved in the body's own production of oestrogen, testosterone and vitamin D. Its medicines are mainly used to treat osteoporosis and gynaecological or urological conditions.
Silicon is known as a remedy for skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis, or anti-aging. It can also be used for brittle hair or nails.
Carbon, carbon dioxide
Look out for carbonated or fizzy health water if you suffer from digestive disorders or diseases of the urinary tract and/or bladder.
Zinc heals muscles, skin, teeth and hair. It can also help with stress, tiredness, and lack of concentration.
Lithium is also known as a "super mineral" for the brain and soul. As a result, it can be used in stress, burnout, fatigue, and lack of concentration.
In the table you will find further references to the minerals mentioned:
Indicators for mineral waters
5 important mineral springs in Europe
Finally, we would like to present five important mineral baths in Europe.