The Czech Republic emerged from the former Czechoslovakia in 1992 but brought with it a rich Bohemian history that includes well-trusted folk remedies and natural medicines to support physical and mental health. Herbal remedies especially, including stinging nettles and sage, have a long history of usage in Czech society. In fact, modern chemists/pharmacists are likely to have popular herbal remedies readily available for common ailments. One book on medicinal phyto-chemistry contains a study that "compares approximately 22 species of fungi belonging to 13 families, one species of lichen, and 283 species of plants belonging to 81 families... which have been utilized in folk medicine in the Czech Republic."
One local remedy worth noting and predating penicillin and other antibiotics is a milk and bread poultice, which was placed on wounds to protect and heal the skin. Of course, the universally popular plum liqueur known as slivovice is also offered as a folk remedy for everything from sore throat and viral infection to muscle aches, much as whisky is offered for the same ailments in other nations and for the same reason--the antiseptic and relaxing effects of alcohol.
Holistic Treatments: Rose hip tea has always been a popular health tonic in the Czech Republic, primarily as a source of Vitamin C. Also, physical activity has been considered critical to health and emotional well-being, and athletic clubs formed to encourage community participation in athletics and outdoors activities.
Anna (Lidecko, Czech Republic) on 02/13/2013
Robert (Torrance, CA) on 01/23/2013
I've been using this remedy for years. I actually found it in a book I had long time ago that was loaded with old Czech home remedies. I wish I knew where the book is now because it was a real treasure. It's probably somewhere with all our stuff we left back in Czech.
I just did a quick search and found that the liver paste is also loaded with some great stuff like a ton of protein, potassium and then Vitamin A, Calcium, Vitamin D, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Manganese, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc. Maybe that's why I crave it when I'm sick.
Robert (Torrance, CA) on 01/23/2013
Robert (Torrance, CA) on 01/23/2013
Oh, I also remember it was great for hangovers when I was older.
The side effect of sauerkraut is it gives you gas.
Sauerkraut is big in Czech Republic so most of the families used to have a big jar of their own homemade sauerkraut at home. We always had our own in our cellar. I donât think people still do it there because I assume itâs easier to buy it now.