The Healing Powers of Copper Water: Benefits You Should Know
Overview
Cuprum is the Latin name for copper (chemical symbol Cu), a chemical element, which we have all studied in our Chemistry class in School. Pure copper has a pinkish-orange color and is widely used in the construction industry. In addition, copper is essential for living beings also as it is a trace dietary mineral, being the main component of our respiratory enzyme complex cytochrome c oxidase. Copper is found in our liver, muscle, and bone.
Copper is a natural metal and dates to the oldest civilizations, as early as 9000 BC in the Middle East, 8700 BC in Northern Iraq, 4000 BC in Pakistan, and 4500-4000 BC in Southeast Asia to name a few. This age was known as the Chalcolithic Age (Copper Age), which began the use of metals as tools and weapons. Copper, known for its healing properties, is one of the primary elements in Ayurveda, a holistic healing science, prevalent in India since ancient times. Copper balances the three Doshas (energies) of our body, thereby boosting our immunity and energy levels as well as antimicrobial properties.
What is copper water?
As we know, copper is a natural chemical element. Storing drinking water in a copper vessel or bottle for a long duration so that the copper ions get infused in the water makes it a much sought-after beverage, as it has numerous beneficial properties. Some water purifier manufacturing companies have launched water purifiers/filters with a copper body so that we can consume the infused copper water. Storing water in a copper vessel is known as “Tamra Jal” in Ayurveda.
Benefits of copper water
Nowadays, copper water is a part of the modern wellness process as it boasts numerous therapeutic benefits. Let us examine some of the benefits of consuming copper water.
- Energies: Copper water can energize us positively and restore harmony. Some Yogis believe that it elevates mindfulness and spiritual awareness.
- Digestion: copper water stimulates the production of our digestive enzymes by breaking down the food in our stomach, thereby aiding in the digestion process. This reduces acidity, indigestion, gas, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues and makes our digestive system strong and stable.
- Immunity: Copper contains immunity boosters that prevent us from contracting diseases and infections, and strengthens our immune system. Copper water has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties thereby enabling rapid healing of wounds.
- Manages hypertension: Copper water aids in managing irregular blood pressure as it reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in our body, thereby balancing our blood pressure.
- Thyroid: Copper water aids in managing our hormones better and regulates and manages the inconsistencies of our thyroid gland by combatting too much secretion from the thyroid gland.
- Bone health: Copper water possesses anti-inflammatory properties that make it a good pain reliever for joint pain and alleviates arthritis symptoms. It increases our bone density and makes our bones healthier.
- Hemoglobin: Copper water aids in the breakdown of food to form hemoglobin in our body. It provides proper blood circulation and transportation of oxygen to all parts of our body. Our energy levels are greatly improved and we feel good.
- Cardiovascular health: Copper water aids in reducing the build-up of plaque in our arteries, thereby managing proper blood flow in our body, regulating our cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of heart diseases.
- Detoxification: Copper water is a natural detox agent that is beneficial in removing the waste products of our body by cleansing our kidneys and liver thereby improving our overall health.
- Oral health: Copper water is antibacterial and therefore it prevents the build-up of bacteria in our mouth, prevents tooth decay, gum infections/diseases, and bad breath.
- Weight management: Copper water boosts our metabolism. It breaks down the fat deposits in our body thereby resulting in weight loss. Of course, a healthy diet and exercise are also required! Just copper water will not singularly work!
- Skin health: Copper is a requisite for producing collagen in our body, which strengthens our skin and its elasticity. Copper water enhances collagen synthesis thereby improving our skin in terms of texture, complexion, and appearance. It also physically blocks harmful ions from passing through our cell walls therefore making our skin healthy and building resilience. It also promotes the formation of melanin (the pigment that imparts colors to our skin, hair, and eyes) and skin regeneration. An add-on is the protection of our skin from UV rays.
- Anaemia: Copper water aids in the absorption of iron from our food thereby decreasing the risk of anemia or iron deficiency, as it maintains the production of our red blood cells.
- Cognitive health: Copper promotes the better functioning of our cognitive functions, memory, and concentration and makes our mental processes clearer thereby maintaining the functions of our brain.
- Cancer: Studies are still ongoing about the use of copper water to fight cancer. Let us wait and watch.
- Safe: It has been scientifically observed that storing water in a copper vessel/bottle for 8 hours kills the infection-causing microbes, thereby making it fit and safe for consumption. Research conducted recently and published in the Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition states that water that is contaminated by dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella is destroyed from water stored in a copper vessel for 16 hours.
- Preventive: Copper water is natural and effective in fighting water-borne diseases like Jaundice, Cholera, Hepatitis, Typhoid, etc.
- Freshness: Copper water retains its freshness in addition to the provision of essential nutrients and prevents bacterial growth.
- Antimicrobial properties: Copper water is known for its antimicrobial properties aid in the elimination of harmful bacteria from our body and prevent infections from occurring.
- Purification: Copper water may be used for water purification or sterilization method, as per Ayurveda.
- Manages aging: In ancient Egypt, the Egyptians used many copper-based beautifying agents for their numerous benefits. Copper water facilitates our cell regeneration properties, reducing the harmful effects of free agents by fighting against wrinkles and fine lines on our faces. Thereby making us look younger and great!
- Prevents seizures: Copper water has anti-convulsive properties that aid in preventing seizures, thereby decreasing the risk of suffering from strokes.
- Coolant: Like vehicles need coolants to function effectively, so also, we need to balance the alkaline acids released in our body, by eating. Copper water is just the solution! It balances the acids in our body, detoxifies our system, and lowers our body temperature. This is so required in the extremely hot summer months.
- Heals throat: It has been noted that in ancient times, people gargled with copper water every morning for their throat health. The microbial properties of copper water can be beneficial in clearing our throat congestion.
How to prepare copper water
Usage: The copper vessel or bottle should be made of pure copper without any coating or lining inside so as the increase its efficacy. Water, at room temperature, should be stored in the vessel/bottle for 6-8 hours or even overnight, for its benefits. The water should not be refrigerated. This copper water should be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning for its maximum benefits. If you have consumed copper water for two months continuously, then it is advisable to take a break of one month before resuming. This helps to flush out the excess copper residue from your body.
Recommendation: It is recommended to consume copper water twice a day, and not to keep having it the entire day. After all, “too much of a good thing is a bad thing”, so moderation is of prime importance.
Caution: Copper water should not be consumed by persons having liver/kidney ailments or copper sensitivity / copper-related health issues. It is advisable to consult your medical practitioner before you commence consuming copper water. It pays to be safe than sorry.
Spiritual facts:
In India, in the Lord Shiva temple at Rameshwaram, Ganga water (water of the holy river Ganga/Ganges), is stored in copper vessels for purification before the same is offered to the Lord as a ritual (Pooja).
Many homes in India use small copper vessels for their daily rituals (Pooja) and for preparing Tulsi – water (Holy Basil – water) that is believed to purify and energize their homes.
Copper water is beneficial for us but in moderation. We should not forget our daily practices of healthy food, exercise, sound sleep, mindfulness, and stress management, which in combination make us hale, hearty, “healthy, wealthy, and wise.” 😊
