Balneological peat

Balneological Peat (also known as medicinal peat or moor mud) is a natural material formed from decomposed plant matter in wetland environments.[1] It has been used for centuries in balneotherapy, particularly in parts of Europe,[2] where peat has traditionally been applied to the skin to help manage chronic and inflammatory conditions.[3][4][5]

Peat contains naturally occurring substances called humic and fulvic acids,[6] along with minerals and organic compounds.[7][8] These components are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.[9][10][11] Because of these characteristics, peat has been used in dermatology to help soothe irritated skin and support skin recovery.[12]

Historically, peat has been applied in the form of peat baths, wraps, and topical treatments at medical spas and rehabilitation centers.[13]

Some peat-containing products intended for psoriasis care have received third-party recognition for ingredient suitability. For example, Sphagnum Botanicals Psoriasis Shampoo,[14] which contains peat and salicylic acid, has been listed under the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition program, which reviews non-prescription products for use by individuals with psoriasis.[15] Inclusion in the program does not represent a clinical endorsement but indicates compliance with established criteria for ingredient safety and labeling.[16]

Limitations

While existing research supports the biological activity of peat and humic substances, authors note that peat composition can vary depending on its origin and processing.[17] Additional controlled clinical studies are needed to better understand optimal formulations and long-term effects in dermatologic use.

References

  1. ^ Lüttig, Gerd (1996). Peatlands Use: Late contributions. Vol. 4. E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung (Nägele u. Obermiller). ISBN 978-3-510-65175-7.
  2. ^ Balneology and health tourism. Taylor & Francis. 2016-11-10. doi:10.4324/9781315693774-37 (inactive 5 January 2026). Archived from the original on 2024-04-23.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2026 (link)
  3. ^ Lappalainen, Eino (1996). Global Peat Resources. International Peat Society. ISBN 978-952-90-7487-7.
  4. ^ "Chemical properties of peat in three peatlands with balneological potential in Estonia" (PDF).
  5. ^ "properties of estonian Balneological Peat" (PDF).
  6. ^ Robertson, Robert Allan (1968). Second International Peat Congress, Leningrad, U.S.S.R., 1963: Transactions. H.M. Stationery Office. ISBN 978-0-11-490036-6.
  7. ^ Jinsheng, Gao (2009-04-29). Coal, Oil Shale, Natural Bitumen, Heavy Oil and Peat - Volume II. EOLSS Publications. ISBN 978-1-84826-018-4.
  8. ^ Wollina, Uwe (2009). "Peat: a natural source for dermatocosmetics and dermatotherapeutics". Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2 (1): 17–20. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.53094. ISSN 0974-5157. PMC 2840924. PMID 20300366.
  9. ^ Wollina, Uwe (2009). "Peat: a natural source for dermatocosmetics and dermatotherapeutics". Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2 (1): 17–20. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.53094. ISSN 0974-5157. PMC 2840924. PMID 20300366.
  10. ^ Gandy, Justin J.; Snyman, Jacques R.; van Rensburg, Constance Ej (2011). "Randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carbohydrate-derived fulvic acid in topical treatment of eczema". Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 4: 145–148. doi:10.2147/CCID.S23110. ISSN 1178-7015. PMC 3173016. PMID 21931500.
  11. ^ Chabib, Lutfi; Rustandi, Tedi; Fawwazi, Muhammad Hafizh Abiyyu Fathin; Kumalasari, Eka; Lestari, Desy Ayu; Amalia, Senya Puteri; Normilawati, Normilawati (2025). "Harnessing iChip technology for novel antibiotic discovery from peat soil microbiomes to combat antimicrobial resistance". Frontiers in Microbiology. 16 1530273. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1530273. ISSN 1664-302X. PMC 11885304. PMID 40061859.
  12. ^ Ramata-Stunda, A.; Petrina, Z.; Mekss, P.; Kizane, G.; Silamikele, B.; Muiznieks, I.; Nikolajeva, V. (2015-07-01). "Microbiological characterization and sterilization-induced changes in the profile of the hydrophobic organic substances in Latvian balneological peat". International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. 12 (7): 2371–2380. Bibcode:2015JEST...12.2371R. doi:10.1007/s13762-014-0638-4. ISSN 1735-2630.
  13. ^ Szajdak, L.; Hładoń, T. (2009). "Chemical properties of peat used in balneology". EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts: 3449. Bibcode:2009EGUGA..11.3449S.
  14. ^ "Natural and Medicated Psoriasis Shampoo with Peat Mud and Salicylic Acid 3%". www.psoriasis.org. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  15. ^ "Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Products – Seal of Recognition". www.psoriasis.org. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  16. ^ "Chemical properties of peat used in balneology" (PDF).
  17. ^ Beer, A. M.; Sagorchev, P.; Lukanov, J. (2005). "[The influence of the initial humidity of balneological peat on its pharmacological features]". Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical Engineering. 50 (11): 366–370. doi:10.1515/BMT.2005.052. ISSN 0013-5585. PMID 16370150.
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