Moor is Better
Peat -- Not Just for Whisky Anymore
Monday, April 21, 2008
Americans of Celtic heritage have probably heard family stories that included references to peat bogs. The Irish and Scots used peat or turf for heat in remote areas. They probably never thought about bathing in it.
One of the most important moorland areas in central Europe is in Bavaria. And thanks to a traditional interest in natural wellness, German spas have found a contemporary use for peat. Not to heat homes, but to heat humans.
Actually, it’s an ancient remedy given new life. Paracelsus recommended it for several illnesses. Napoleon’s soldiers were the first to utilize “moor baths” in Germany, after they had seen them in Egypt.
Turf has excellent thermal mass; it holds heat for a long time. In a bath, it slowly gives off its heat to the body, more slowly than water. A thick mixture of turf and water works best for a bath, which can reach to 46 Celsius (114.8 F) although it feels less hot because of the medium. About 20 minutes in a moor bath allows the body temperature to rise about 2 C (3.6 F), in effect mimicking a fever. This helps the immune system and raises metabolism. Muscles relax in the warmth. Turf is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
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