Healing springs in Marienbad
Mariánské Lázně lies in an area extremely rich in natural healing resources. In a small area, there are approximately 100 various sources with carbon dioxide and mineral salts. The Healing springs of Marienbad are usually cold ferrous and acidulous waters with different chemical composition and therapeutic effects. Significant differences of the mentioned sources influence the treatment of various organs at the same time. So various drinking cure, is usually not possible in other spa cities.
As early as the 16th century, monks from the Tepla Monastery serve the first written report of the local springs. Up until the 18th century, the sources were inaccessible, surrounded by swamps and deep forests. The spa place has been founded due to premonstratensian abbot Karel Kašpar Reitenberger from Tepla monastery. He commissioned the monastery doctor Jan Josef Nehr for exploration of the Marienbad springs and the doctor advocated the use of the springs for the medical purposes.
In year 1818 was Marienbad declared a public spa place and as the healing spring were there as well, soon became a very popular and much sought-after spa.
The amount of water prescribed for a drinking cure is usually 1,5 – 2 liters per day.
Drinking treatments are various, for example small doses (5 ml / kg / day), middle doses (10 ml / kg / day) and large doses (15 ml / kg / day). The complete dose should be divided into 2 till 6 potion before, between and after the meal. The concreate drinking cure should be prescribed by the balneology doctor.
The mineral springs are also used for inhalations and mineral baths. Mineral springs are also used for inhalations, mineral baths and injections.
Cross spring
The name Cross Spring is derived from a wooden cross, which was put near the spring.
This spring is one of the oldest and most used. Regarding its therapeutic effects, it is primarily used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract (illnesses of the stomach, the intestines, the gall bladder, the liver and the pancreas), of metabolic disorders (obesity, gout, diabetes mellitus) and allergies related to digestion disorders.
This spring is sulphate-bicarbonate-natrium ferruginous acid water with a higher amount of meta-siliceous acid. It used to be called Glauber’s or salinic. The presence of sulphates in the water has a laxative effect, especially after drinking more than ¾ l per day.
Ferdinand spring
Ferdinand Spring is situated in the center of Úšovice and belongs to the same category of springs as Cross Spring, even if it has more minerals.
It is especially suitable for the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract and metabolism. Ferdinand Spring consists of seven out-springs, of which Ferdinand I. is accessible for drinking cures. Further out-springs are being used for mineral baths. Ferdinand IV. was previously used as famous Excelsior table water.
Rudolph spring
Rudolph Spring lies 350 m southeast of the Ferdinand Spring colonnade, and it received its name from the crowned prince and heir to the throne Franz Josef I. – Rudolph.
Due to its diuretic effect, it is used to treat diseases of the kidneys and of the urinary tract. A characteristic of the spring water is the high content of calcium (the calcium to magnesium ratio being 5:4). Therefore a drinking cure is recommended as a supplementary therapy in the treatment of osteoporosis. Its distinctive anti-inflammatory effects make it conducive to treating urethritis.
Forest spring
Forest Spring runs out in a northern part of the town, and composition is greatly different to other springs.
Its composition slightly alkalizes the content of the stomach and is therefore suitable for the treatment of various diseases of the digestive tract. This spring water is used for drinking cures and for inhalation. It is used to cure diseases of the upper respiratory tract and of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is also suitable for curing some urological diseases, such as uric-acid stones, since the water strongly alkalizes the acid.
Caroline spring
Caroline Spring was originally called “New” and people used to drink its waters directly from the outflow. After reconstruction of water pipes, this spring was re-sourced at the Rudolph’s spring colonnade.
Due to its higher content of magnesium (calcium to magnesium content ratio being 2:5), Caroline Spring water is used to treat urological diseases and kidney stones, since the magnesium contained in the water prevents the generation of these concretions.
Ambrose spring
Ambrose Spring was named after an abbot at the Tepla monastery – Jeroným Ambrose. Springs rises above house named Casino.
Ambrose Spring consists of three out-springs, all of a similar chemical composition. The waters are ferrous acidulous and have a low mineral content. Due to their high ferric content, they are used to cure certain forms of anemia and its diuretic effects make it useful in treating some urinary tract diseases, in particular lithalsas.
Balbin spring
Balbin’s spring has been discovered in the peat layer, now being carried out in the center of Marienbad by a sculpture of monarchs.
It has a diuretic effect, it is strongly ferrite. It is used in the treatment of obesity, blood circulation, anemia and it benefits the heart. Suitable for baths and used as a table water.