Differences between mineral-, thermal- and medicinal waters
Hungary is often known as the “Land of thermal waters”, as the country gives home to several thermal springs and underground mineral water resources. Due to their extremely good quality, high mineral content, and therapeutic effect, they are considered as valuable national treasures. The composition of underground waters may differ from each other which determines their effectiveness and utilization. In this post we have summarized the main features of mineral-, thermal- and medicinal waters.
Mineral waters
Mineral waters derive from the underground reservoirs and unlike regular water, mineral waters are pure and clean, does not have any harmful effect on human health and their mineral content is at least 1000 mg/litre. Waters that have been obtained from drinking water supply system or undergo chemical processes, or their composition have been formed by human intervention, can not be considered as mineral water. Mineral waters are certified by an official authorization, the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition in Hungary. Due to their origin, they do not contain any pollutants, do not require external water treatment, and their free from human intervention. Mineral waters have high mineral content and other natural components, moreover they are free of calories and have good taste. Consumption of natural mineral water is essential to the human organism. All together, 251 mineral waters have been recognized in Hungary. It is important to notice though, that not all mineral waters are medicinal waters.
Thermal waters
Thermal waters are natural hot waters coming from natural underground sources with rich mineral content. The temperature of thermal waters are differed from country to country. In Hungary, the temperature of thermal waters are at least 30°C and approximately 1300 thermal springs are recognised throughout the country. Similar to mineral waters, not all thermal waters are certified as medicinal waters.
Medicinal waters
The certification of medicinal waters are recognized and authorized by the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition in Hungary. Medicinal waters are such natural mineral waters which have a proven therapeutic effect. Proven therapeutic results have been determined by medical tests in accordance with strict regulations. Hungary is proud to be home to 266 medicinal water resources.
Medicinal waters are recommended both for external and internal use. Externally used medicinal waters are beneficial for post-operative treatments, rehabilitation, locomotor disorders, skin problems and gynaecological problems. When using medicinal waters externally (bathing), they must apply to the requirements of mineral waters, their mineral content and chemical nature are constant, moreover, medicinal waters do not contain any substances that are harmful to the human body. Internally used medicinal waters (drinking, inhaling) need to meet the requirements of mineral waters as well. They are drinkable and suitable for inhalation, and has a proven therapeutic effect in such use. Drinking medicinal waters help to treat stomach diseases, stomach ulcers and to prevent dyspeptic disorders. Permanent consumption of medicinal waters are allowed under medical supervision only.
Most medicinal waters are also thermal waters which temperature are higher than 30°C. Medicinal waters meet the requirements of mineral waters as well. Medicinal waters are available in the below certified thermal bath establishments in Budapest: Rudas Thermal Bath, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Thermal Bath and Lukács Thermal Bath.
