Zaječická hořká

Zaječická hořká is known since the 16th century for its purgative and gentle laxative effects. It rises from a wells located in the vicinity of Zaječice, Korozluky and Sedlec (part of Korozluky). It ranks among strongly mineralized mineral waters of the Magnesium sulphate type; it is cool, hypertonic, slightly opalescent, yellowish, scent-free, with a strongly bitter flavour.

Historical map of Zaječice, Sedlec a Korozluky mineral springs

During the history of the area, bitter waters from Zaječice, (Seidschitz), Sedlec (Sedlitz), Korozluky (Kollosoruk) and Bylany (Püllna) were exported to the whole world as the equivalent of Epsom salt products. Trademarks for different markets were: Zaječická hořká, Seidschitzcher bitter-wasser, Sedlitz bitterwasser, Sedlitz water, Püllna wasser, Pillnaer bitter wasser.

The salt obtained by evaporation were made into "Biliner digestive pastiles". Thanks to the well known curative effects of Zaječická and Sedlická water, end of the 19th century spread "Sedlitz powder" name for a laxative powder, which, however, had nothing to do with "Biliner digestive pastiles". So-called "Sedlitz powder", produced in different laboratories, had different chemical composition and side effects.

Zaječická bitter water was from 17th century the House of Lobkowicz at the Spa Bílinská Kyselka in the nearby town Bilina. Water from wells was thickened by evaporation and then filled into glass bottles.

Zaječická hořká historical bottle label Saidschitzer Bitterwasser

The first scientific description of the therapeutic effects of water comes from balneologists Josef von Löschner, Franz Ambrosius Reuss and August Emanuel von Reuss.

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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

• Das Saidschützer Bitter-Wasser physikalisch, chemisch und medizinisch geschiedet. Franz Ambrosius Reuss
• Die Wirkungen des Saidschitzer Bitterwassers, Josef Löschner

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zaječická hořká voda.

• History of Zaječická hořká on Bílinská Kyselka's company website (in Czech)