Clay water pots, also known as clay pots, matkas or ghara, have been used in many cultures for thousands of years to store and cool water. While conveniently keeping water cool, clay pots have a host of other incredible health benefits that modern steel and plastic bottles simply cannot match. Here are 5 amazing health benefits of using clay water pots:
1. Naturally Filters Water
The porous nature of clay is excellent for filtering impurities and contaminants from water. As the water seeps through the pot, any sediments, bacteria, metals, organics and other particles are removed, making it cleaner and safer to drink. Clay has been scientifically proven to remove fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals and other pollutants from tap water through ion exchange. The minerals in the clay itself can also impart trace nutrients to the water.
2. Improves Mineral Absorption
Drinking water stored in clay pots allows for better absorption of minerals by the body. Clay is naturally rich in minerals and metabolites like silica, magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, copper and more. As water is stored, tiny amounts leach into the water and create what is known as “living water”. This ion-rich water with a higher electrical conductivity hydrates the cells more efficiently and enhances nutrient assimilation.
3. Antimicrobial Properties
The silver nanoparticles found in certain clays have significant antimicrobial activity scientifically proven to kill disease-causing bacteria like E. coli. Storing water in silver-rich clay pots, an ancient practice in Asia, purifies the water of viruses and pathogens to make it safer for consumption and prevent water-borne illnesses.
4. Bioenergetic Field
According to Ayurveda, water kept in clay pots is energized with a subtle bioenergy field. This life force or prana brings balance to the water elements and energizes the individual who drinks it. The molecular structure and vibration of the water itself becomes more ordered from being stored in clay over time.
5. Skin Health
Washing your face with water stored in a clay pot can impart many benefits for the skin. The water’s pH balance, trace minerals and electromagnetic frequency contribute to clearer, more radiant skin over time. Clay particles themselves exfoliate, reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation when used topically. Drinking clay pot water also hydrates the skin from within.
Pro Tips For Using Clay Water Pots
Choose unglazed or partially glazed clay pots made from natural clays free of contaminants like lead and aluminum. Unglazed pots allow better filtration.
- Wash the pot thoroughly before first use. Soak it overnight or scrub it with coconut husk to remove any loose clay dust.
- Fill the pot half to full with filtered water if possible. Use the pot daily to refill with fresh water. This keeps the water from becoming overly stagnant.
- Let the water sit for at least 6-8 hours before drinking for optimal filtration and mineral absorption. Overnight is ideal.
- Add a few drops of tea tree or peppermint oil to the water to inhibit bacterial overgrowth and keep it fresh.
- Clean the pot every 2-3 days by scrubbing with coconut husk or a soft brush. Avoid harsh soaps. Let the pot air dry in the sun.
- Replace the clay pot every 2-3 months for optimal porousness. The minerals leach out over time requiring replacement.
- Pair your clay pot with copper, wood or glass cups for drinking. Avoid metal cups that can leach into the water.
- Store your pot in a cool place out of direct sunlight to prevent algal growth. Keep covered with a wooden or glass lid.
Clay Water Pots vs Alternatives
Clay pots have definitive advantages over modern vessels that make them worth revisiting as a sustainable way to store safe drinking water.
Plastic: Plastic water bottles leach BPA and phthalates into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. They also breed bacteria if constantly refilled. Plastics contaminate the earth when discarded.
Glass: While safer than plastic, glass bottles don’t naturally filter water or allow beneficial mineral absorption into the water. They are also fragile and prone to breaking.
Metal: Stainless steel or metal containers make water taste “metallic” after awhile. They don’t have natural filtration capacity and some metals can leach into water.
Pitchers: Many pitchers have filters to purify tap water but lack the mineral content and energetic properties of clay pot water. The plastic materials can breakdown over time.
Tap: Running the tap for cold water is very wasteful. Water sits stagnant in pipes where contaminants like lead, chlorine and microbes accumulate. No filtration occurs.
In summary, clay water vessels have served humanity faithfully for thousands of years as the safest, most sustainable way to store clean, mineral-rich drinking water. With conscious use and periodic replacement, these age-old clay pots deliver amazing health benefits unmatched by modern vessels. Revisiting this ancient technology provides the best of both worlds – cool, pure water and enhanced hydration. As Hippocrates himself said: “Let your medicine be your food and your food be your medicine!”
