Wednesday, February 1, 2012

What's in the Water?

Aside from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland (and the surrounding Rogue Valley) has much to offer, including Lithia Park.  There is a tradition that when you have visitors you of course take them to see the amazingly beautiful Lithia Park, the boundaries of which begin right in town at the plaza.  Now, the fun part of the tradition is to encourage your visitors to taste the special Lithia water, but secretly you don't tell them what's in the water, you just stand back and giggle.  But, unless your visitors have a stuffed up nose, they figure it out long before their lips touch the water.

The Lithia Park Water Fountain - the entrance to the park is just beyond the fountain



Lithia Park in Ashland is named after the Lithia water that comes from the many mineral springs that are found here. But some people don't find it a pleasant experience to drink the stuff. Defined in the dictionary as a mineral water containing lithium salts used as a diuretic and in the treatment of rheumatism, it was the reason that Ashland was once a destination for people who wanted to experience the health benefits of Lithia water. Ashland's Lithia water contains 39.85 grams of sodium chloride, 47.66 grams of sodium sulfate, 20.22 grams of magnesium sulfate and other minerals as well. All that salt may not be good for you on a long-term basis, but that magnesium, in sufficient quantity can do wonders for easing the stiffness in muscles (Doan's Pills for backaches contains magnesium and Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate). Loosening up stiff muscles could surely help anyone feel better. (passporttoashland.com)

So, when you come to Ashland, be sure to sip the water! mmmm.....

2 comments:

  1. It's a pretty drinking fountain. Do people really try it? With so many people using sterilizing things we forget that Mother Nature has given us some really great ways to heal.

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  2. Tammy ~ Yes some people do try the water, it's pretty funny to watch the reactions. I can't get close enough to try it because the water smells strongly of sulfur.

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