During my childhood days, I remember my mother storing water in a copper vessel and asking us to drink it after 7-8 hours. She claimed that water when stored in a copper vessel was extremely healthy for the mind and body. Now when I see these ancient customs reemerging, I look back and think, I should have taken my mom’s advice seriously.

Ayurvedic texts recommend drinking water stored in copper because copper is believed to have anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s an essential mineral for our body and medical studies have proved the benefits of drinking water stored in copper jugs.

According to a 2012 study, storing contaminated water in copper pots for up to 16 hours at room temperature considerably reduced the presence of harmful microbes so much so that. The researchers inferred “Copper holds promise as a point-of-use solution for microbial purification of drinking-water, especially in developing countries.”

Another study found that copper surfaces killed 97% of hospital ICU bacteria that can cause infections, resulting in a 40% decrease in infection rates.

While another very interesting research was conducted to check if wearing a copper bracelet has a placebo effect on arthritis patients. The researchers came to the conclusion that wearing a copper bracelet on your wrist or ankle can have a therapeutic value.

Ayurveda texts suggest that water stored in a copper vessel has the ability to balance all three doshas in your body (vata, kapha, and pitta).

Doshas is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘mind-body constitution’ and all three doshas are present in every cell, tissue, and organ – for movement, metabolism, and fluidity – are essential components of our life.

Sadhguru, an Indian yogi, mystic, philanthropist, said, “If you keep water in a copper vessel, preferably overnight or at least for four hours, the water acquires a certain quality from the copper which is very good for your liver in particular and your health and energy in general.”

How will you benefit?

Drinking a glass of water from a copper vessel (at room temperature) flushes the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract.

Copper is a good tonic for the liver, spleen, and lymphatic system.

Helps in maintaining digestive health

Stimulates your brain

Produces melanin (pigmentation of eyes, hair, and skin) in our bodies

Helps in absorption of iron in the body

Kills harmful bacteria in water

Regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland

Relieves aches and pains caused due to swollen joints like in case of arthritis

Slows down aging

Help regulate blood pressure, heart rate and lowers one’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Heal wounds faster

You simply need to pour water in a jug, keep it overnight and drink the positively charged water early morning or 2-3 times in a day – that is more than enough to reap its benefits. Don’t refrigerate that water. Wash the copper pot regularly with fresh lemon or a paste made out of salt and tamarind.

In this modern age, we often choose convenience over a healthier living – drinking bottled water for example is not only harmful to the environment but also poses health risks. Isn’t it better to follow this old practice instead?