Miracle of the Mineral Baths
As far back as 73 B.C., hot springs or mineral baths have served as places for health and rejuvenation. King Herod, Roman King of Judea, created one of the world’s first health resorts on the Dead Sea. Queen Cleopatra built a cosmetics and pharmaceutical factory there. During the Roman Empire, nearly every city had access to mineral baths which were used for public bathing, exercise and socializing. From the United Kingdom to Germany to Algeria, bath houses could be found.
The world famous Baden-Baden hot springs in Germany have drawn visitors for centuries. Situated along the Oos River, Baden-Baden has welcomed the ancient Romans, England’s Queen Victoria, and contemporary visitors of all means. Considered some of the most elegant bathing houses in Europe, Baden-Baden is created by some 29 hot springs, which are transferred through pipes to various baths in the city. Patients still come today to seek relief from gout, paralysis, skin diseases and more.
Native Americans recognized the healing powers of the mineral baths, believing that they were a special gift to the people from a Great Spirit. All of these early spa-goers of the day found the mineral essential baths were effective for treating a range of ailments, including psoriasis, acne, rheumatism and indigestion. Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto came across the Valley of Vapors in the early 1500s. He was one of the first Europeans to discover the curative powers of what is now known as Hot Springs, Arkansas.
DeSoto was just one of many who would come to discover these magical thermal springs, from which was formed the Hot Springs National Park. Termed “The American Spa,” Hot Springs has a rich history and others soon followed. Another American classic, the Roosevelt Bathhouse in Saratoga Springs, New York, drew sophisticated travelers in the 1800s for a soak in its soothing mineral waters. Part of the Gideon Putnam Resort, guests believe the waters offer preventative benefits and that using the mineral springs assists in reducing stress and strengthening the body’s overall functioning.
These waters also gave rise as well to playgrounds for the rich and famous. Nearly a century ago, V.I.P. guests traveled by railcar to Mount Clemens, Michigan, or “America’s Bath City” to experience the magical mineral waters there. Pumped from 1,400 feet beneath the city, the waters of Mount Clemens were enjoyed by the likes of Henry Ford, William Randolph Hearst and Babe Ruth. The baths were known to relieve the pain of arthritis, rheumatism and eczema. It was also a Mecca for polio patients. The thriving therapeutic industry was supported by 11 major bath houses and dozens of resort hotels within the city.
Opened during the Gilded Age, the West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick, Indiana, sported a fantastic domed ceiling that was considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” A National Historic Landmark, West Baden’s reputation as a mineral springs resort drew guests from all over the U.S. to relax and take the cure. A 2007 renovation included a 27,000-square-foot spa facility featuring full-body capsules with the famous mineral water that has made West Baden Springs an undeniable first-class resort.
Mineral springs have also given rise to innovative body treatments. For instance, at the Harbin Hot Springs in Middleton, California, therapist Harold Dull developed Watsu, which is a combination of Zen shiatsu with water. Warm and inviting natural spring pools are located through the 2,000-acre property. The Homestead of Hot Springs, Virginia, first welcomed Thomas Jefferson who found bathing in its waters three times a day for three weeks a restorative measure. Today’s guests can still “take the waters” while also indulging in luxury spa treatments.
Mariet Smart
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/miracle-of-the-mineral-baths-596488.html
April 18th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Rain Rot/ Scratches?
We have an older TB gelding that has rain rot and scratches. He has had it since we bought him and we’ve been trying (unsuccessfully) to get rid of it for over a year. We have tried medicated shampoos, MTG, baby oil & mineral oil, several topical medications (one was prescription strength), Betadine scrub, and sprays on it. We keep him brushed every day and sterilize the brushes every day. We have no mud anywhere on our pasture and he is only in his stall (which stays clean) to eat. We bath him with medicated shampoo once a week then dry him before turning him out and keep him shaved close too keep it cleaner and drier. I am no longer convinced its rain rot or scratches. It shows the right symptoms and everybody (trainer, vet tech, vet, at least 7 riders) say it looks like rain rot or scratches to them but we have had the driest year in 118 years and the "usual" cures aren’t working. Does anybody know what else it might be and/or have any miracle cures?
I checked Merck Veterinary Manual’s website and decided it must be a very stubborn case of Dermatophilosis because the picture of the lesions looks just like it could have come off our guy. I’ll mention the possibility of antibiotics to our vet tomorrow but they’ll probably want a lab test first. Any other suggestions would still be appreciated.
We had the vet out today. They floated his teeth, did his vaccinations, then completely anesthetized him, shaved his leg and did 2 skin biopsies, and several samples to send off to a lab. No he’s not a palomino he’s a chestnut and he is a purebred TB he is registered with the JC and has raced. If you want pictures check out the following:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/sstoval3/horses/175097208_580605369_0.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/sstoval3/horses/170062812_563177729_0.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/sstoval3/horses/Shonfootcopy.jpg
The red areas on the last photo are the affected area after being trimmed and scrubbed and having the scabs pulled off. As you can see other than that he’s in great shape. No we don’t use any products to make him shine just conditioner once a week and brushing and good nutrition.
April 19th, 2010 at 3:06 am
I don’t know the answer but if it is scratches.. don’t put oils on him. Other than that, I’ll leave it up to more knowledgeable people as I’ve never seen a case not clear up in a matter of a week or two.
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:08 am
I’m at a loss as well, but I found a really good site that you can peruse and see if anything looks like what your TB has:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/toc_70000.htm
It is a veterinary manual with several diseases and illnesses associated with the integumentary system. They have pictures for some of them as well, which I find very helpful.
EDIT: While I was looking, I found this as well:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/consultant/consult.asp
You can search specific diseases or input symptoms to try and determine what the cause may be.
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:10 am
Could he possible have a bit of draft in him? If it’s at all a possibilty, check out CPL. I know he’s a TB, but it’s possible he might have a slight bit of draft blood (but this is a long shot). A lot of drafts have something called CPL on their lower legs and it appears to be scratches but the remedies don’t work. Usually it’s found in the feathers, but sometimes on drafts with no feathers. http://www.harlequinfarmsgypsyhorses.com/ChronicProgressiveLymphedema.html
But you might be right, it might just be a very stubborn case. And he probably is a full TB, so I wouldn’t worry about CPL with him.
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:12 am
Hey =)
I recommend a product called "Rain Rot Relief" It’s For Fungus, Ring Worm. Rain Rot, Scratches, etc. Wet affected area with water Apply the solution directly from the bottle. Work into low suds lather. Allow to sit 5 - 10 minutes. Rinse. Reapply solution to any areas that show evidence of fungus. Do not rinse. From this point foreword, simply apply the solution once per day and do not rinse. Apply once daily until signs of fungus are gone or new hair growth is evident. (Usually I - 7 days). If it is too cold to wash, simply apply the solution once per day & do not rinse. Good Stuff =)
Hope this Helps hun =)
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:14 am
if hes had it for a year its not rain rot or rain scald as we call it in the UK,i would call your vet out and get him to take a scraping and send it off to the lab and them when you have the results it should get better with medication
i had a horse with dermatopholis and treated him with dermobion a green antibiotic cream from my vet good luck
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:16 am
This is what I have done for pastern scratches and it has worked on every horse I tried it on. First shave the area, wash with a shampoo containing betidine or tea tree oil, dry well with a towel. After allowing the area to air dry completely, apply a layer of triple anitbiotic ointment, on top of that put a layer of diaper rash ointment. Then wrap it with cotton against the skin, then vet wrap. Make sure to tape the wrap onto the hoof otherwise it will just fill up with dirt. Leave the wrap on for a few days at a time if it is not too dirty or torn up.
This remedy has worked for every horse I tried it on, even the ones that had cronic cases of scratches.
If your horse has a rain rot type condition on his body, I would wash him with a tea tree oil shampoo and then use an antifungal body wash. I like the Healing Tree Brand for both. If the horse’s skin is getting dry and flaky, I would mix the body was up with a little conditioner. We had a horse before that had the same type of thing and the vet gave us some sulfa drugs for him and told us to add some oil to his feed to help his coat a bit.
Also make sure any blankets he wears or saddle pads you use are clean. When we had a problem with body fungus, we would put a towel under the saddle pad and then wash it after each horse.
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:18 am
I’ve been dealing w/ rain rot in Florida for 20yrs. The best thing to use is Listerine, pour out about two inches of it and fill w/ baby oil.Shake it. Sponge on the infected area. Leave it there dont rince it. Do this every day for a week. It will be gone. Make sure you loosen the little nits to get it under that. Guaranteed cure. Also don’t use soap when you bathe him. Just water.
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equi/pro vet tech
April 19th, 2010 at 3:20 am
Look for alsike clover or other toxic plants in your pasture or hay. Does is your horse have white socks? Is he by chance Palomino? This sounds like photosensitive reaction to a liver toxin in the horse’s diet to me. Horses do not have rain rot or scratches for a YEAR when they are kept dry and clean. I think you need to get another vet or go to a university vet school that specializes in horses. UC Davis, Cornell, Tufts, Ohio State, Iowa, University of Kentucky, Rood and Riddle in Kentucky are all good places to try. There are a lot of ’so called horse vets’ out there doing more harm than good. If your vet treats other farm animals or pets, that is clue that most horse people won’t use him/her. I had more than one bad turn with a vet - and always check out their experience and if they are certified Equine practicioners. Now, once you find a vet - tell them what you’ve posted here and ask about photo sensitivity.
Then, if you find out it is a photo sensitivity, you’re going to need to talk to your extension agent on how to till your pasture and reseed for quality grass.
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36 Yr. horse owner, Teacher of Master Horsemanship class, equine nutritionist, and student of classical dressage.
April 19th, 2010 at 3:22 am
My horse had really bad rain rot for a while, and while something that persistent doesn’t really sound like rain rot, the only thing that worked for us was Muck-Itch. It comes in a white-and-red spray bottle. We tried all the medicated shampoos too, with limited success. If you’ve been trying iodine-based scrubs and it’s really dry out, that might have to do with your problem; the point of iodine is to dry skin out, which is why it’s useful on rain rot, but if it isn’t actually rain rot it might be exacerbating your problem.
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:24 am
Have you tried bathing him in iodine shampoo yet?
With the iodine, you scrub the rain rot and let it sit on it for about 10-15 minutes.
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My horses have gotten rain rot before.
April 19th, 2010 at 3:26 am
If its fungal/bacterial I would try Dr. Naylors’ Blu-Kote spray. I swear by it . It’ll turn the area purple for awhile, but I use it on any cut, scrape, ringworm, etc. If you get it on your hands, take it off with alcohol.
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horse owner 20+ years
April 19th, 2010 at 3:28 am
give him iodine baths until it goes away thats what i do with my horses and it works
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:30 am
i bought a horse that had rain rot one time,the farrier that i used told me to mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water,and spray his back every day.in 2 weeks he was cured.i know it sounds weird but it works.and i seen it work on other horses also.good luck.
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May 7th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Thanks for all this clear information!
January 2nd, 2011 at 10:22 am
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