Why Canada's 'Polka Dot' Lake May Be A Pool Of Healing Powers

Located in British Columbia, Canada, a stunning lake draws in tourists from all over the world thanks to its unique landscape. What makes Lake Khiluk, also known as the spotted lake, unique is its summertime appearance, when most of the water evaporates from the lake, leaving behind mineral deposits that look like polka dots (via Indie88).

Besides its intriguing appearance, Lake Khiluk has also attracted visitors for thousands of years thanks to its unique mineral properties. This "spotted lake" has been used by the First Nations Okanagan tribe as a part of many types of healing ceremonies throughout the tribe's extensive history in the area. The First Nations Okanagan tribe's use of the lake isn't just for show, either. It turns out that the salinity of the lake combined with its mineral composition may allow the water in the lake to heal a variety of ailments.

The First Nations Okanagan tribe has long held the belief that Lake Khiluk has the ability to heal many types of wounds and ailments. According to The Earth Chronicles of Life, a longstanding tribal story states that the lake was able to stop an ancient war between tribes by healing the wounds of the warriors so quickly that they decided fighting was pointless.

Lake Khiluk is such an important cultural location for the First Nations Okangan tribe members that live in the area that tourists are not permitted to enter the water unless given permission, which is rarely granted. Visitors can still view the lake from the nearby highway, with many stopping on the side of the road in order to get a better look. A sign on the gate outside a nearby house informs visitors of the lake's supposed healing powers, according to Unusual Places. While Lake Khiluk is important to local First Nations Okangans on a cultural basis, the idea that the lake has healing powers may not be just spiritual, as the minerals in the lake have known health benefits.

While it may not be capable of making wounds magically disappear, the minerals in Lake Khiluk have been shown to help with healing and managing pain associated with certain types of injuries. The lake contains minerals like sulphates, titanium, magnesium, and sodium. These minerals, especially magnesium, have been used to treat a variety of conditions with varying levels of success.

You may already know of the potential benefits of magnesium, found in Epsom salt soaking solutions. The magnesium in the soaks can help to relieve sore muscles, as well as increase the amount of magnesium in the body (via Healthline). According to Health Direct, magnesium deficiency can cause a variety of issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, migraines, and osteoporosis. Taking a bath with Epsom salts could offer similar benefits to soaking in Lake Khiluk, potentially decreasing the risk of these issues and aid in managing pain.