Natural Brine and Bex-Les-Bains 

The 19th century was the golden age for the Bex spas. People crowded to the 'pearl of spa resorts. Its salt waters were reputed to be helpful in the treatment of more than fifty ailments, including rheumatism, osteoarthritis and anaemia.

To bring the salt water to Bex-Les-Bains, more than two hundred years ago, an aqueduct measuring 7,500 metres was constructed of larch wood.

Toward 1820 Grand Hôtel des Bains was opened and later, in 1871, the Hôtel des Salines. In 1882, a lead pipe brought sulphurous waters directly from the Coulat tunnel to the Baths at Hôtel des Salines.

External Uses 

For local external applications, salt has beneficial properties, notably against inflammation of the throat and nose. Salt water (brine) frees the clogged nose and decongestions the mucous membranes. Salt water baths have also demonstrated their effectiveness over the centuries.

Baths in salt water are useful notably in the successful treatment of rheumatism, sciatica, gout, accidental injuries, after-effects of paralysis, gynaecological problems, heart problems, respiratory tract diseases and various skin complaints. The salts used in therapeutic baths are on sale in pharmacies, but their use is recommended only after consulting a specialist, and always scrupulously keeping to the prescribed dose.