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
Let us start with the origin of the mineral resources. The answer lies in the water cycle of the earth. Rainwater penetrates the earth as usual, then seeps through several rocks and finally accumulates minerals in deeper layers of the earth. Cracks in the surface of the rocks make the water reabsorb and we can collect it in drinking water springs, for example. There the water can unfold its healing effect during a drinking therapy. Ironically, many mineral springs were not searched for intentionally. In many places a certain spring was only discovered through test drillings for oil.
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.
Sulphur
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.
Magnesium
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.
Calcium
Like magnesium, calcium guarantees stable bones and teeth. It also counteracts osteoporosis.
Natrium
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.
Fluoride
You probably know fluoride from the dentist. And rightly so: it protects against caries and ensures strong teeth.
Calium
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.
Iron
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.
Radon
For back pain, rheumatism, or joint diseases, a therapy with the right dose of radon can be a good choice.
Iodine
Iodine is mainly mentioned in connection with the treatment of thyroid diseases. But it can also relieve allergies and breathing problems.
Manganese
Manganese is the insider tip for diabetes. Manganese deficiency is also associated with osteoporosis.
Boron
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
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
Zinc heals muscles, skin, teeth and hair. It can also help with stress, tiredness, and lack of concentration.
Lithium
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.
The Donat spring in Rogaska Slatina, Slovenia
The medicinal water from Rogaska Slatina in Slovenia is also called "genie from the bottle". 300 mg of magnesium are contained in 0.3 l of water from the Donat spring. This corresponds to about ten bananas! The spring reaches a depth of 600 m and contains calcium, sulphates and bicarbonates in addition to magnesium.
Geyser spring in Karlovy Vary, The Czech Republic
The Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary has a total of 79 health springs. However, one of the most famous mineral springs is the "Karlsbader Sprudel" (geyser spring in Karlovy Vary). The spring is located in the centre and pours an average of 2,000 litres of mineral water per minute. It reaches a height of up to twelve metres.
Mineral springs in Bad Kissingen, Germany
Many of the Bavarian spas and health resorts also have considerable mineral springs and an amazing history of drinking therapies. Visit Bad Kissingen, for example. Here you can enjoy the healing water in a magnificent foyer. It is based on seven mineral-rich healing springs, the waters of which have been used to treat various illnesses for over 500 years.
Medicinal waters in Bad Hévíz, Hungary
Bad Hévíz is one of the most famous places for mineral springs in Hungary and, just like the spa towns presented above, has a long tradition of drinking therapies. With Salvus, Parádi, Ferenc József, Mira and Hunyadi János, there are five different types of medicinal waters, which can be drawn from several wells in the Hévíz drinking hall. The most common treatments are liver diseases and digestive disorders.
Sulphur and thermal springs of Montegrotto Terme, Italy
The idyllic Montegrotto Terme was already known to the Romans for its important thermal and sulphur springs. There is a total of six springs here, which rise at a depth of up to 3,000 metres and supply nine thermal baths. Main indications are chronic rashes, gout and syphilis. The beautiful landscape and the mild climate also ensure a high degree of relaxation.
