Crude oil baths a controversial ‘cure’ in Azerbaijan

The petroleum spa resort of Naftalan in oil-rich Azerbaijan has been attracting thousands of visitors to what some customers consider “a gift from God” that is as enjoyable as it is medically beneficial. Considered too thick for commercial use, Naftalan oil has been used to treat muscular, skin and bone conditions as well as gynaecological and neurological problems. The crude oil from the former Soviet spa town contains about 50 per cent naphthalene, an organic compound used to make mothballs…