BromoSeltzer

Bromo-Seltzer is a historical American brand of an effervescent medicinal powder that was marketed for several decades beginning in the late 19th century. The product was designed to be dissolved in water to create a fizzy beverage intended for relief of stomach upset and related discomfort.

The preparation’s advertised uses included relief from stomach upset, headaches, and nervous tension. Its active component was a bromide salt, typically sodium bromide, which provided mild sedative effects. The powder also contained an acid-base component, such as bicarbonate and citric acid, to produce effervescence and aid in soothing stomach acidity.

Throughout its history, formulations and labels varied as manufacturers refined the product. Bromide content and flavorings were adjusted in different versions, reflecting evolving medical and regulatory standards of the time.

By the mid-20th century, bromide-containing remedies declined in popularity due to safety concerns and stricter regulatory controls. Production of Bromo-Seltzer diminished, and the brand was eventually discontinued. It remains a reference point in discussions of early over-the-counter medicines and bromide-based therapeutics.

Today, Bromo-Seltzer is remembered primarily in historical contexts and advertising archives as an example of how over-the-counter remedies were marketed in the pre- and early-modern eras, illustrating the era’s approach to sedative ingredients and consumer health products.