7. Augas Santas

There are places whose names seem to hold a story. Augas Santas is one of them. The name evokes the relationship that traditionally existed in Galicia between certain springs, popular beliefs, and the beneficial properties attributed to their waters.

In the parish of San Xurxo de Augas Santas, located within the municipality of Palas de Rei, lies the Fountain of San Xurxo—a small piece of rural heritage that serves as a reminder of the vital role water has always played in village life.

For centuries, many Galician springs were more than just places to fetch water. Some became associated with religious traditions, pilgrimages, or folk beliefs regarding health and healing. These stories are part of our cultural heritage, though they should not be confused with scientifically recognized medicinal properties.

Not all natural waters share the same characteristics. As water infiltrates the ground and circulates through rocks and sediments, it can pick up various minerals that influence its composition. In some springs, these specific features have given rise to what are known as medicinal mineral waters, which are recognized for their properties and used in certain thermal treatments.

Galicia has a long tradition linked to these waters, which gave rise to numerous spas and thermal establishments. Since ancient times, people have visited these places in search of relief from various ailments—a practice that, over time, came to incorporate scientific knowledge and treatments provided under medical supervision.

However, it is important to distinguish between popular tradition and officially recognized properties. For water to be classified as mineral-medicinal, it must meet specific requirements and have the corresponding administrative recognition. Likewise, the fact that a spring is natural or has a reputation for being beneficial does not necessarily mean that its water is potable or suitable for therapeutic use.

But there is a relationship between water, the mountains, and health that goes far beyond these beliefs.

Long before the existence of medicines as we know them today, people found resources in nature to alleviate various ailments. For centuries, leaves, flowers, roots, and bark were used in traditional remedies—knowledge that was passed down from generation to generation and also applied to the care of animals.

Galicia possesses a great diversity of plants to which medicinal properties have been attributed. Many grow in the hills, along their edges, in scrubland, or near rivers. Some remain in use within traditional medicine, while others have contributed to research and the development of pharmaceutical products.

Among the best-known examples is the willow, a tree commonly found along riverbanks and in damp terrain. Its bark contains salicin, a substance related to salicylates—compounds that played a role in the historical development of medications for the relief of pain and inflammation.

Chamomile, recognizable by its small white flowers with yellow centers, is one of the plants most widely used in traditional medicine. For centuries, its flowers have been used in infusions to alleviate mild digestive discomforts, such as a feeling of bloating or stomach spasms. It is also valued for its distinctive aroma and its soothing properties.

Another particularly interesting plant is arnica, recognizable by its yellow flowers and found in meadows, scrublands, and forest clearings. Traditionally, it was used to alleviate the effects of blows, contusions, and muscle discomfort. Today, there are medicinal preparations for external use made from this plant, and its traditional applications are recognized by the European Medicines Agency. Its presence in the wild also serves as a reminder of the importance of conserving the habitats in which it grows.

The elder, commonly found in hedgerows and cool, shaded spots, is another species deeply rooted in folk tradition. Its flowers and fruits have historically been used in various preparations, particularly as remedies for colds. Meanwhile, mallow, which can be found in meadows and along roadsides, was traditionally valued for the soothing properties of its flowers and leaves.

And who isn’t familiar with St. John’s wort? This plant, with its yellow flowers, commonly found in open, sunny areas, contains substances that have sparked interest within pharmaceutical research. Certain standardized extracts are used in medications to treat depressive symptoms, though they can potentially interact significantly with other treatments.

These are just a few of the species that make up the botanical richness of Galicia. This plant heritage and its traditional uses are documented in works such as the Guía de plantas medicinais de Galicia (Guide to Medicinal Plants of Galicia), authored by Antonio Rigueiro and Rosa Romero, professors at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), which helps to preserve and disseminate this knowledge.

Every step we take along the Way sets our body in motion. The heart goes to work, the muscles are activated, and our breathing falls into rhythm with our stride.

Walking is one of the most accessible forms of physical activity. When practiced regularly and adapted to an individual’s capabilities, it helps strengthen the cardiovascular system, improve physical endurance, maintain mobility, and reduce the risk of various diseases. The World Health Organization highlights the benefits of physical activity for heart health, the prevention of chronic diseases, and overall well-being.

But, beyond the exercise, the place where we walk also matters.

Walking among buildings and traffic is not the same as walking along a path surrounded by trees. Although movement benefits the body in both cases, natural spaces can offer conditions that make the experience more pleasant and encourage physical activity.

Woodlands and other green spaces offer opportunities for physical activity in an environment where trees provide shade and help moderate temperatures, a particularly valuable benefit during the hottest periods. Vegetation can also help reduce the presence of certain air pollutants and dampen noise, creating settings that are more pleasant for walking or taking a break.

Some begin the Way for spiritual reasons, others seek a different kind of experience, and some simply wish to step away for a few days from the rush and worries of everyday life.

For many people, walking becomes an opportunity to disconnect from their routines, share conversations, spend time outdoors, or find moments of silence.

There are sensations we recognize immediately upon entering a forest: the scent of damp earth after the rain, the smell of leaves and wood, the green of the trees blending with colors that shift throughout the seasons, the song of birds, or the sound of the wind moving through the branches. The light filtering through the canopy and the silence we sometimes encounter along the trails invite us to pay attention to small details that often go unnoticed in everyday life.

These sensory experiences can help us shift our attention away from everyday worries and foster a sense of rest. There is no need to do anything special: sometimes, simply walking more slowly, observing the scenery, or pausing for a few minutes to listen to our surroundings is enough.

The World Health Organization has gathered evidence linking contact with green spaces to relaxation, physical activity, and specific mental health benefits.

Also being studied are so-called forest baths, a practice that involves spending time in a forest environment while paying attention to one’s surroundings, including sounds, shapes, and physical sensations, without the need for strenuous exercise. Some research has observed short-term improvements in indicators of stress and well-being, though the long-term effects remain a subject of ongoing study.