Zaječická hořká facts for kids
Zaječická hořká (which means "Zaječice's Bitter Water") is a special kind of natural water. It comes from the village of Zaječice in the Ústí nad Labem Region of the Czech Republic. This water is known for having many minerals, which give it a bitter taste. In German, it's called German: Saidschitzer Bitterwasser.
What is Zaječická Hořká?
Zaječická hořká has been famous since the 1500s. People used it because it helped with digestion and acted as a gentle laxative. This special water comes from springs near Zaječice, Korozluky, and Sedlec.
It is a very mineral-rich water, especially with Magnesium sulphate. It's cool, a bit cloudy, and has a yellowish color. It doesn't have a smell, but it tastes very bitter.
Over time, bitter waters from this area, like Zaječice (also called Seidschitz), Sedlec (Sedlitz), Korozluky (Kollosoruk), and Bylany (Püllna), were sent all over the world. They were used in a similar way to Epsom salt products.
Different names were used for these waters in various places:
- Zaječická hořká
- Seidschitzcher bitter-wasser
- Sedlitz bitterwasser
- Sedlitz water
- Püllna wasser
- Pillnaer bitter wasser
People also made "Biliner digestive pastiles" from the salt left behind when the water evaporated.
Later, in the late 1800s, a product called "Sedlitz powder" became popular. This powder was also a laxative, but it was different from the "Biliner digestive pastiles." Many companies made "Sedlitz powder," and their versions often had different ingredients and effects.
A Look at Its History
Since the 1600s, the House of Lobkowicz managed Zaječická bitter water. This was done at the Spa Bílinská Kyselka in the nearby town of Bilina. The water from the springs was made thicker by evaporating some of it. Then, it was put into glass bottles for sale.
Scientists like Josef von Löschner, Franz Ambrosius Reuss, and August Emanuel von Reuss were the first to write about how this water could help people's health. They studied its effects and shared their findings.
Images for kids
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Zaječická hořká historical poster in Czech
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Sedlitz bitter wasser clay pot logo
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Fürstlich Lobkowitz Saidschitzer Bitter Wasser clay pot logo
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Saidschitzes Mattias Losisches Bitter Wasser clay pot logo
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Pillnaer bitter wasser A. Ulbrich clay pot logo
