Heubad (German pronunciation: [ˈhɔʏbat]) is an Austrian traditional hay bath with more than 200 years of history.
[citation needed] Heubad was ostensibly discovered by a tired field worker who, after resting in the hay after several hours of manual labor, felt refreshed and rejuvenated.
This process is considered to open up pores, detoxify the body, soothe aches and pains, and to stimulate the metabolism.
The hay is heated to the temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit before the people lie in it.
The hay used for the heubad treatment is cut during July and August in the Dolomite mountains, about 2,000 meters above sea level.