Naftalan
Oil Therapy.
Ancient remedy. Modern evidence. Expert guidance.
For over a century, physicians have prescribed naftalan — a unique crude oil found only in Naftalan, Azerbaijan — for conditions that resist conventional treatment. This is the most comprehensive independent resource on this remarkable therapy.
A mineral oil unlike any other
Naftalan is a unique form of crude oil extracted only in the Naftalan region of Azerbaijan. Unlike petroleum used for fuel, it is composed of more than 50% naphthenic hydrocarbons — molecules with a structure unlike anything found in the rest of the natural world.
Local healers documented its therapeutic effects in the late 19th century. The first clinical sanatorium opened in 1926. Today, peer-reviewed research continues to investigate the mechanisms behind a century of clinical observation.
Therapeutic Indications
Conditions for which naftalan therapy is documented in the clinical literature.
Meet Alexandr Umanetz
Since 2014, Alexandr has personally accompanied more than 400 patients from 27 countries through Naftalan therapy in Azerbaijan. He has visited every operating sanatorium in the region — most of them three or more times — sat in on intake consultations, read patient files, and followed individual cases through 6- and 12-month follow-up. Unlike travel agencies or booking platforms, his recommendations carry no commercial bias.
“I don't sell packages. I share expertise.”
In their own words
A small selection of unedited notes from patients Alexandr has accompanied. Names abbreviated for privacy.
I had tried every cream and every biologic my dermatologist would prescribe. Two weeks in Naftalan did more than four years of treatment at home. Alexandr's pre-trip briefing was worth every euro.
What I appreciated most was the honesty. Alexandr told me which sanatorium would not be a good fit for me before he told me which one would. I felt I was being advised, not sold to.
The logistics were seamless — visa, transfer, intake — but the real value was the follow-up. Six weeks later he checked in to ask how I was. No one in private medicine does that anymore.
Latest from the Research
Ready to explore naftalan therapy?
Planning a medical trip to Naftalan involves navigating flights, visas, sanatorium selection, medical consultations, and on-ground logistics. Alexandr's Health Navigator service guides you through every step — from first research to safe return home.