In a time when we're surrounded by fancy water purifiers and luxury water bottles, it's understandable that we might forget about the uncomplicated, traditional ways our ancestors kept water fresh and healthy. One of these timeless treasures is a clay pot for drinking water. Well before refrigeration or water filters came to be, people all over India—and many other corners of the world—used clay pots to store and cool their water naturally. 

But is the clay pot relevant today? Yes! And with growing concerns around health, sustainability, and authenticity, it is even more important to use a clay pot at home today. Lets see why every household should think carefully about reintegrating a clay pot into their kitchen.

Natural Cooling Without Power

One of the most beautiful qualities of a clay pot is the way it cools water naturally. Because the clay material is porous, moisture can seep through and evaporate on the surface of the clay pot. Linearly speaking, and very simply put, the evaporation pulls heat away from the rest of the water naturally, and without any gadgets or external energy.

For people who live in hot climates, there is nothing more refreshing than taking a sip of cool, earthy water from a clay pot for drinking water—and it feels just right.

Adds minerals, tastes differently

When you drink the water from a clay pot, it does more than just satisfy your thirst. You'll be getting a very small amount of beneficial minerals from the clay material. Clay contains a number of beneficial, natural minerals: calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and other nutrients. When you pour water into a clay pot, some of the minerals by which the clay is made slowly inhumes the water without any man-made additive which enriches the water in a natural way.

And not to mention, the added flavor of the clay gives the water a freshness and flavor none can ever match in a metal bottle or plastic container.

Healthier alternative to plastic

Plastic bottles and containers have become part of our everyday life but the long-term effects of contaminants in plastic water bottles is being better understood every day. Plastics can leech harmful compounds into the water, like BPA, particularly when exposed to heat and sunlight, which may lead to hormone disruption and other health issues.

Using a clay pot as a drinking water storage eliminates many health risks and toxic plastic alternatives: when you use a clay pot you are choosing to use a completely natural, environmentally friendly container that is beneficial to both your wellbeing and the health of the planet.

Supports Improved Digestion and Metabolism

In Ayurveda, water that has been stored in natural materials like clay pots can stabilize the body's three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Room temperature or naturally cooled water is best for digestion and metabolism—while we all enjoy ice-cold water from the fridge- it can slow digestion down. Water from a clay pot for drinking water has a calming temperature that is ideal for your body. It helps with digestion, improves metabolism and balances your system.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

As we are all aware, sustainability takes many forms, and using a clay pot is a small but positive step toward greener living. Clay is a biodegradable material. When a clay pot cracks or is worn out, it goes back to earth without polluting the earth.

Moreover, unlike plastic or in some cases metal containers, clay pots are made from a simple, low-energy process, often from local artisans. When you buy your drinking water from a clay pot, you are also supporting traditional craftsmanship and maintaining thousands of years of sustainable practices!

Affordability and Accessibility

You don't need to spend thousands to change to a healthier alternative. Clay pots are both affordable and accessible in many parts of India. Even the most premium handcrafted clay pots cost a fraction of water purifier brands.

With very little upkeep (filling the pot with clean water, washing out with mild soap, and letting it sun dry), you can enjoy fresh cool water for several years.

A Sense of Tradition

There’s deep comfort in drinking water from a clay pot. It’s not just the health benefits of using clay; it is the reconnection to a simpler and wiser way of life that is more in harmony with nature. Just by incorporating small habits of filling your clay pot each morning is a gentle reminder in our busy, modern lives to be mindful and find meaning in our everyday practices.

Bringing a clay pot into your home for drinking water habits is a healthy change but is also a lifestyle decision in so many ways. The natural cooling ability, mineral enriched water, being environmentally friendly, and being steeped in culture mean there is no competition for a clay pot, in terms of storage, from plastic and metal options.

If you are ready to buy real, high-quality clay pots, check out MudKart so that you are buying traditional, unglazed clay pots to get the most benefit. Make a difference for your family in a traditional, healthy and sustainable way—one swig at a time.