The Daily Practice: What Happens If We Drink Water in a Copper Vessel Daily?

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient Ayurvedic principles, storing and drinking water from a copper vessel can help balance the body's three doshas and promote overall well-being. This traditional practice, known as "Tamra Jal," has recently gained popularity, with modern science now exploring the antimicrobial properties and other potential health effects of drinking water infused with trace amounts of copper.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health impacts of drinking water stored in a copper vessel daily, highlighting both the traditionally believed benefits and the scientifically established risks. It covers topics from microbial purification to the dangers of toxicity and offers safe usage guidelines to follow.

Key Points

Antimicrobial Action: Water stored in a copper vessel for 6–8 hours can effectively kill harmful bacteria, acting as a natural purification method.
Moderate Intake Only: The body only needs a trace amount of copper. Overconsumption from drinking copper water daily can lead to copper toxicity.
Symptoms of Toxicity: Excessive copper intake can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, liver damage.
Ayurvedic Tradition: This practice, known as "Tamra Jal," is rooted in ancient Ayurveda and is believed to balance the body's doshas and improve digestion.
Proper Usage is Key: To use safely, limit storage time, avoid acidic liquids, take periodic breaks, and drink in moderation (1–2 glasses per day).
Avoid for Certain Individuals: People with Wilson's disease, existing liver or kidney problems, or copper allergies should avoid this practice.

Benefits of Drinking Copper-Infused Water

For centuries, cultures have used copper vessels for their potential health-enhancing properties. When water is stored in a pure copper pot or bottle, a small amount of copper ions is released into the water, a process known as the oligodynamic effect. Below are some of the frequently cited benefits:

Natural Antimicrobial Properties

One of the most scientifically-supported benefits is copper's ability to act as a natural water purifier. Studies have confirmed that storing contaminated water in a copper pot can kill harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, making the water safer for consumption. This makes it a potential point-of-use solution for microbial purification, especially in areas with limited access to clean drinking water. The antimicrobial effect is a result of the copper ions damaging the cell walls of bacteria, leading to their death.

Improved Digestive Health

Copper water is believed to aid digestion in several ways. It can help stimulate the digestive tract, kill harmful bacteria in the stomach, and reduce inflammation of the gut lining. This helps cleanse and detoxify the stomach, improves metabolic function, and ensures proper elimination of waste.

Enhanced Immune System and Healing

As an essential trace mineral, copper plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including the immune system. Adequate copper intake helps in the formation of red blood cells and collagen, which supports the faster healing of wounds and strengthens bones. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce joint pain associated with conditions like arthritis.

Better Skin and Anti-Aging Effects

Copper's antioxidant properties help fight against free radicals that contribute to cell damage and aging. It also supports the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. This can lead to improved skin elasticity and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Risks of Overconsumption: Copper Toxicity

While copper is an essential nutrient, the body only requires it in trace amounts. Consuming excessive amounts, especially on a daily basis without proper precautions, can lead to copper toxicity. This risk is a serious concern and is why moderation is key.

Acute Symptoms: Common signs of acute copper toxicity include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches.
Chronic Health Issues: Long-term exposure to high levels of copper can lead to more severe problems, including liver damage, kidney disease, and neurological issues.
Special Considerations: Individuals with certain genetic disorders, such as Wilson's disease, cannot properly excrete excess copper and must avoid this practice entirely. Pregnant women and children also have different copper needs and should consult a doctor before starting.

How to Mitigate Risk

To safely enjoy the potential benefits of copper water while avoiding toxicity, follow these guidelines:

Use High-Quality Vessels: Ensure your bottle is made of pure copper, not a lined or coated version, and is properly cleaned.
Limit Water Exposure: Store clean, room-temperature water in the vessel for a maximum of 6 to 8 hours, ideally overnight, and do not refrigerate.
Drink in Moderation: Limit your intake to one or two glasses (250–500 ml) of copper-infused water per day.
Take Breaks: After drinking copper water continuously for about two months, take a month-long break to allow your body to excrete any extra copper.
Avoid Acidic Liquids: Never use your copper vessel for acidic beverages like lemon juice, as this accelerates the leaching of copper.
Stay Vigilant: Pay attention to any adverse symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your copper intake.

Comparison of Copper Water vs. Regular Water


Feature	Copper-Infused Water (Correctly Prepared)	Regular Water (Tap or Filtered)
Mineral Content	Contains trace amounts of copper ions	Mineral content varies greatly; typically has minimal copper
Microbial Safety	Exhibits antimicrobial properties, killing some harmful bacteria	Safety depends on the water source and filtration system
Potential Health Benefits	Associated with digestive, immune, and skin health benefits	Provides basic hydration essential for life
Potential Health Risks	Risk of copper toxicity if overconsumed or prepared improperly	Minimal risk, unless contaminated
Taste Profile	May acquire a slight metallic taste	Neutral taste (may vary)
Ayurvedic Significance	Central to the practice of 'Tamra Jal' for balancing doshas	No specific significance

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Drinking water in a copper vessel daily, following a moderate and careful approach, can offer some of the traditional benefits rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom. Its proven antimicrobial properties make it an effective, low-tech solution for purifying water. However, it is crucial to recognize that excessive intake can lead to copper toxicity, with potentially serious side effects. By limiting your daily consumption, taking periodic breaks, and properly maintaining your vessel, you can safely explore this ancient practice. As with any health regimen, listening to your body and consulting a healthcare professional is the most important step. For personalized advice on copper intake, it is always recommended to speak with a medical professional.

Visit the official website for additional information on essential minerals

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally safe to drink a moderate amount (1–2 glasses) of copper-infused water daily, provided you follow safe practices like limiting storage time and taking periodic breaks. Excessive daily consumption is not recommended and can lead to copper toxicity.

For the water to absorb the antimicrobial properties of copper, it should be stored for at least 6 to 8 hours, ideally overnight. Do not store it for longer than 12 hours, as this can cause excessive copper leaching.

Initial symptoms of copper toxicity often include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headaches. If you experience these symptoms, you should stop drinking the water and consult a doctor.

No, you should never store acidic liquids like lemon water or vinegar in a copper vessel. The acid significantly increases the rate of copper leaching, which can quickly lead to unsafe levels of copper in the liquid.

Some proponents suggest that copper water can aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and improving digestion. However, this is not a magical solution, and these effects are more strongly linked to a balanced diet and regular exercise.

In Ayurveda, drinking water stored in a copper vessel (Tamra Jal) is an ancient practice believed to balance the body's three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and offer numerous health benefits, including enhanced digestion and improved immunity.

To clean a copper vessel, use a mixture of lemon juice and salt or tamarind paste. Rub the paste gently on the inside and outside, then rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbers.