by Duane Smith

Deep beneath our lawns and gardens bubble the pools of "Ashland Oregon's hot springs", a unique hot mineral water reminiscent of the soft mineral waters of Europe. Enjoy this luxurious mineral water as often as you wish, in the quiet privacy of your own 2-person whirlpools in any of the 8 cottages or 10 suites. We also have a few rooms with single whirlpools. Local Native Americans discovered the unique "healing" waters of these Oregon Hot Springs thousands of years before Europeans came to America. They declared the springs "Common Grounds" for the benefit of all the local tribes. Tribal differences were left behind so anyone could enjoy their warm, soothing, healing qualities. Stories and legends grew about the healing qualities of these waters that the tribes came to consider sacred.

 In 1990, I invited retrospectives from 5 tribes to do a traditional Native American ceremony honoring their long history with the land and its waters.

Later I would see case after case of skin rash, sore muscles, and poison oak respond wonderfully to a good soak in these magical waters. I saw the worst case of poison oak I'd ever seen dried up in 6 hours after bathing in these soothing waters.

Naturally I wanted some explanation. I found that these waters have a high density of what are called "negative ions," just as sea water does. The ions are actually atoms lacking an electron to bond with other water molecules to become stable. This property causes sea water to draw fluids through your skin in a bonding process. This is the reason why swimming in sea water for an extended period of time leaves your hands wrinkled from dehydration.

While the water at Lithia Hot Springs Resort is naturally highly alkaline, it also has a high level of negative ions. Hence, soaking in this naturally soft water causes body fluids to be drawn through your skin, taking any irritants (such as poison oak oils) along with it as it goes and relieving the soreness or irritation.

So relax and enjoy a good soak in what the first locals considered "holy water," without leaving the privacy of your own room, suite, or cottage - only at Lithia Springs Resort.

Lithia Springs Resort - Unique for its Waters and Gardens. Experience the difference.