Naftalan: Bathing in Crude Oil for Health
Nature

Naftalan: Bathing in Crude Oil for Health

📅December 25, 2025

Naftalan: Bathing in Crude Oil for Health

Imagine sinking into a bathtub filled with thick, dark, crude oil.

It sounds bizarre, maybe even dangerous. But in the small town of Naftalan, this is considered therapy.

For over a century, people have traveled to Naftalan to bathe in its unique therapeutic crude oil, claiming it cures everything from arthritis to skin conditions. The oil here is different from regular petroleum—it's non-flammable and rich in healing compounds.

Welcome to the world's strangest (and possibly most effective) spa treatment.

What is Naftalan Oil?

Naftalan oil is a type of crude oil found only in this region of Azerbaijan. Unlike regular petroleum, it has unique properties:

Key Differences:

  • Non-Flammable: It doesn't burn (safe for bathing)
  • High Naphthene Content: Contains healing compounds
  • Low Gasoline Content: Can't be refined into fuel

The Composition:

  • Hydrocarbons: 50%
  • Naphthenes: 40%
  • Trace Minerals: Zinc, copper, iodine, bromine

The History: From Ancient Remedy to Modern Spa

Ancient Use:

  • Silk Road Traders: Used it to treat wounds and skin conditions
  • Local Shepherds: Bathed animals in it to cure mange

Modern Discovery:

  • 1890s: German engineer Egon Schwarz built the first Naftalan sanatorium
  • Soviet Era: Expanded into a major medical tourism destination
  • Today: Multiple spa resorts offering oil bath treatments

The Claimed Health Benefits

What Naftalan Oil is Said to Treat:

  • Joint and Muscle Pain: Arthritis, rheumatism, back pain
  • Skin Conditions: Psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis
  • Neurological Issues: Sciatica, neuralgia
  • Gynecological Conditions: Infertility (claimed, not proven)
  • Post-Injury Recovery: Bone fractures, sprains

The Science:

  • Some Studies Support: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
  • Not FDA Approved: Lacks rigorous clinical trials
  • Anecdotal Evidence: Many visitors report improvement

Disclaimer: Always consult a doctor before using Naftalan oil for medical purposes.

The Treatment: What to Expect

The Process:

  1. Medical Consultation: A doctor assesses your condition
  2. Preparation: Shower to clean your skin
  3. The Bath: Submerge in warm (37-40°C) crude oil for 10-15 minutes
  4. Rinse: Shower to remove the oil
  5. Rest: Lie down for 30-60 minutes (the oil continues to work)

The Sensation:

  • Warm and Heavy: The oil is thick and enveloping
  • Smell: Strong petroleum odor (not pleasant for everyone)
  • Skin: Feels soft and oily afterward

Treatment Course:

  • Typical: 10-15 sessions over 2 weeks
  • Daily: One session per day

The Naftalan Spa Resorts

1. Chinar Hotel & Spa Naftalan

  • Category: 5-star luxury
  • Facilities: Oil baths, massage, physiotherapy, pool, restaurant
  • Price: 150-300 AZN per night (including treatments)

2. Gashalti Hotel

  • Category: 4-star
  • Facilities: Oil baths, sauna, gym
  • Price: 100-200 AZN per night

3. Naftalan Sanatorium

  • Category: Soviet-era, basic
  • Facilities: Oil baths, medical consultations
  • Price: 50-100 AZN per night

Getting to Naftalan

Location:

  • Region: Naftalan City, western Azerbaijan
  • Distance from Baku: 320 km (4-5 hours)
  • Nearest Major City: Ganja (50 km)

Transportation:

Option 1: Fly to Ganja, Drive to Naftalan

  • Flight: Baku to Ganja (1 hour, 30-50 AZN)
  • Drive: Ganja to Naftalan (1 hour, taxi 20-30 AZN)

Option 2: Drive from Baku

  • Rent a Car: 50-100 AZN per day
  • Hire a Driver: 150-200 AZN round trip

Option 3: Bus

  • Baku to Ganja: 10-12 AZN (4 hours)
  • Ganja to Naftalan: Shared taxi (5-10 AZN)

What to Bring

Essentials:

  • Old Swimsuit: The oil will stain it permanently
  • Toiletries: Shampoo, soap (to remove oil)
  • Comfortable Clothes: For resting after treatments
  • Medical Records: If you have a specific condition

Optional:

  • Book or Tablet: For downtime between treatments

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Try It

Good Candidates:

  • People with chronic joint pain
  • Those with skin conditions (under medical supervision)
  • Curious travelers seeking unique experiences

Avoid If:

  • Pregnant
  • Heart Conditions
  • Open Wounds or Infections
  • Allergic to Petroleum Products

Always Consult a Doctor First.

Beyond the Oil: Other Naftalan Attractions

1. Naftalan Museum

  • Highlights: History of oil therapy, medical exhibits
  • Entrance: 2-5 AZN

2. Ganja City

  • Distance: 50 km
  • Highlights: Nizami Mausoleum, Bottle House, Javad Khan Street

3. Goygol National Park

  • Distance: 60 km
  • Highlights: Lake Goygol, hiking, nature

Suggested Itinerary: Naftalan Wellness Retreat

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Naftalan, check into spa hotel
  • Afternoon: Medical consultation, first oil bath
  • Evening: Rest, dinner at hotel

Days 2-10:

  • Morning: Oil bath treatment
  • Afternoon: Massage, physiotherapy, or relaxation
  • Evening: Explore Naftalan town or rest

Day 11:

  • Morning: Final treatment
  • Afternoon: Visit Ganja or Goygol
  • Evening: Return to Baku

Fun Facts About Naftalan

1. Unique in the World

Naftalan-type oil is found in only a few places globally (Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran).

2. The Name

"Naftalan" comes from "naft" (oil in Persian) + "alan" (to take/get).

3. The Crutches Museum

At the Naftalan Museum, there's a collection of crutches left behind by patients who claim they were cured and no longer needed them.

4. Not for Fuel

Attempts to refine Naftalan oil into gasoline have failed—it's only good for therapy.

Conclusion

Naftalan is not for everyone. The idea of bathing in crude oil is, admittedly, strange. But for those seeking alternative therapies, relief from chronic pain, or simply a one-of-a-kind experience, Naftalan offers something you won't find anywhere else.

So if you're brave enough to dip into the black gold, Naftalan awaits.

This concludes our Nature & Adventure series. Next up: City Guides & Modern Life!