2024 EDITION

Latvia has more than 1.000 above-ground springs of different types. Latvian spring waters are classified according to their content: dzidravoti (clearwater); kaļķavoti (calcic); dzelzsavoti (ferruginous); and mineral waters with healing properties.

Latvia’s muds are composed of water, minerals and organic compounds. The mud-formation process is a very long one, but the unique feature of Latvia’s muds is their high degree of decomposition. Latvia has a long tradition of mud treatments, the first such resort being founded at Bārbele in the early 18th century. Later, resorts were established at Ķemeri and Baldone. Currently, the peat and freshwater muds (sapropels) extracted here are used in medical institutions and spas offering mud therapies such as circulatory improvement, and as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of various diseases.

Organic sapropel (prototype – mud of the Nile) is composed of organogenic sedimentary rock and is formed in lake beds over many hundreds of years under anaerobic conditions. Sapropel muds have been found in more than 200 Latvian lakes. Sapropel is used in the treatment of skin diseases; bruises, fractures, fresh wounds, scars and burns, and for cosmetic purposes as it helps cellulite removal, breaks down fats, and facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body; it helps the removal of blackheads, freckles; prevents hair loss and strengthens nail structure.

Treatments also utilise products manufactured in Latvia on mud, clay and sapropel bases.