Study comparing the effect of sludge and peat solutions

A. M. Beer et al.

November 2003

Fango treatment

Peat and mud baths have been used successfully for centuries for therapeutic purposes, particularly due to their thermal effect. An experimental study at St. Elizabeth Hospital investigated the thermal properties of raised bog peat and therapeutic mud from Pomorie (Bulgaria) and compared them with a water bath.

Important parameters measured were the specific heat capacity, the density, the cooling rate, the temperature transfer coefficient and the thermal conductivity. The results showed that peat and mud baths have a significantly higher heat storage capacity than water baths. This is mainly due to the high dynamic viscosity of peloids, which prevents convective cooling and protects the skin better at higher temperatures.

The study thus confirms the superior heat effect of peat and mud baths, which further underpins their effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatic complaints and other chronic diseases.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Rheumatism, chronic conditions
Institution: Department of Naturopathy, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Hattingen, Germany
Title: Study comparing the effect of sludge and peat solutions
Brief description: The study shows: Moor and mud baths store heat better than water baths, which supports their effect on rheumatic complaints.
Original title: Comparative study of the thermal properties of mud and peat solutions applied in clinical practice
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14661533/