Ethnopharmacological knowledge and physicochemical properties of hot springs in Bhutan

This study highlights the cultural, spiritual, and therapeutic importance of hot springs in Bhutan. The ethnopharmacological benefits, particularly for musculoskeletal and dermal conditions, is found to be linked to the physicochemical composition of the thermal waters. However, it calls for more research in terms of physicochemical analysis of thermal waters and clinical trials to scientifically validate these practices so they can be institutionalized as complementary and alternative treatments.