Vichy water is a mineral water from Vichy, France, known for its health benefits. Some companies mimic its properties to carry the Vichy label. The water is used for drinking, bathing, and in recipes. The springs that feed Vichy have dissolved minerals and create naturally effervescent water. The water is known to help with stomach and intestinal issues. Vichy is also famous for its spas and health facilities. The water contains alkaline salts, calcium, and magnesium carbonates, and has a distinct taste and odor.
Vichy water is a type of spring water that traditionally comes from the famous spa town of Vichy, France. Because the brand is well recognized and associated with positive health benefits, some companies treat their mineral water to look like Vichy water so it can carry the Vichy label. In addition to being a popular drink, Vichy water is also required in some recipes and in the spa town of Vichy itself, people can bathe in the famous water. The name was also borrowed for the Vichy Springs Resort, a popular spa in Northern California.
Vichy is located in central France on the banks of the Allier River. Since at least 50 BC, people have been bathing in Vichy waters and touting their health effects. The Romans built formal baths in Vichy which were enjoyed for centuries before being rebuilt in the 1700s. The springs which feed Vichy carry a high amount of dissolved minerals and create a distinctly naturally effervescent bubbling water.
Many people have historically drunk Vichy water for stomach issues, as sparkling water can help settle restless stomachs. Minerals dissolved in water can also help with an assortment of health issues including intestinal tract issues. The tradition of bathing in water stems from the idea that bathing in warm, mineralized water is good for the skin and the body in general. The tradition of traveling to the springs for relaxation and health was known as “taking the cure”.
Vichy’s bottle makers sell the water worldwide, along with other products intended to capitalize on the spa brand. The city is also famous for its spas and health facilities, and the famous Vichy shower is also named after Vichy. Real Vichy spring water can get quite expensive, as it is a precious item; many people settle for lesser brands of water that are treated to mimic the properties of Vichy water.
Alkaline salts such as baking soda are a primary ingredient in Vichy water, along with calcium and magnesium carbonates. Visitors to Vichy may note that the water is slightly odorous at times, with substances such as sulfur naturally bubbling with the water. The water also has a distinct taste, due to the dissolved minerals. Consumers can also purchase Vichy water-based tablets or lozenges, which are meant to encapsulate the purported health benefits of water in a convenient package.
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