In the world of health and wellness, alkaline water has become a buzz topic. Many people think of it as a recent trend but in fact, the idea of drinking alkaline, mineral rich water has deep roots in South Asian tradition. For centuries, households have kept water in earthen pots (known as matkas or surahis), which not only cool the water but also naturally make it more alkaline and infused with minerals. Today, modern research is starting to catch up to what our ancestors may have noticed.
In fact, studies on ResearchGate support these traditional practices, showing that water stored in porous clay vessels can gain trace minerals and mild alkalinity, enhancing taste and hydration efficiency.
THE TRADITION OF STORING WATER IN CLAY POTS
Clay possesses remarkable properties: water stored in clay pots stays cool thanks to evaporation through the tiny pores of the pot’s walls. As water slowly seeps through and rests in the clay vessel, it undergoes gentle filtration and picks up trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals enhance taste and may support health.
ResearchGate studies show that clay pots can improve water quality by reducing microbial load and increasing dissolved minerals, supporting better hydration and mild alkalinity.
Before modern filters existed, this method was a simple, sustainable way to keep drinking water safe and refreshing. Even now, during hot months in South Asia, many households favour “matka-water” because it feels lighter and more soothing than chilled water from a fridge.
WHAT IS ALKALINE WATER?
“Alkaline water” means water with a pH greater than 7 that is, less acidic than neutral water. A higher pH suggests the water has more alkaline (basic) minerals. The idea is that drinking less-acidic water can help balance the body’s acid-base status, which some suggest becomes imbalanced by modern diets high in processed foods and sugars.
According to Watanabe et al. (Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 2016), the body’s internal pH particularly blood pH is tightly controlled by regulatory organs such as the kidneys and lungs. Therefore, consuming alkaline water does not significantly alter blood pH levels.
Clay, in this context, may naturally raise the water’s pH slightly so storing water in earthen pots may generate a mild form of alkaline water without machines or added chemicals.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER FROM EARTHEN POTS
1. Natural Mineral Infusion
According to Schoppen et al. (Journal of Nutrition, 2005) and Perrier et al. (Nutrients, 2018), mineral-rich waters have been shown to support cardiovascular and bone health, which supports the idea that trace minerals released from clay pots such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium may contribute to similar benefits for bone strength, nerve function, and electrolyte balance.
ResearchGate evidence further confirms that minerals released from clay improve water quality and bioavailability for the body.
2. Enhanced Hydration
Some studies suggest alkaline water may be absorbed better and may improve hydration markers. For example, a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2016) found that drinking mineral-based alkaline water led to a significant decrease in urine specific gravity a key marker of hydration after intense exercise.
Similarly, Heil and Seifert (2010, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition) observed that high-pH water reduced blood viscosity after exercise induced dehydration, indicating potentially improved circulation and hydration efficiency.
ResearchGate pilot studies on clay-stored mineral water also indicate better hydration due to mild alkalinity and mineral content.
However and this is important many experts caution that overall evidence remains limited. Even the Mayo Clinic advises: “More research is needed to prove these claims.”
3. Antioxidant and Acid-Base Support
Some studies report that alkaline or mineral rich water can reduce markers of oxidative stress.
For instance, Watanabe et al. (2016, Journal of Physiological Anthropology) noted reduced oxidative damage after consuming hydrogen rich alkaline water.
Another large review in Environmental Health Perspectives (2010) linked consumption of mineral-rich water to lower cardiovascular mortality. Still, it’s not yet proven that alkaline water will dramatically change body pH or “reverse aging.”
4. Detoxification and Kidney Support
Because kidneys regulate acid-base balance and excrete waste, researchers have speculated that mildly alkaline water may reduce acid load.
Koufman and Johnston (Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 2012) suggested potential buffering effects on gastric enzymes but found no clear detox effect in systemic studies. So this remains an interesting hypothesis, not a confirmed mechanism.
5. Digestion Support and Reduced Acidity
There is some early evidence that alkaline water may help with acid reflux or reduce stomach acid impact. For example, Koufman & Johnston (2012) found that pH 8.8 water neutralised pepsin activity in lab conditions, potentially soothing reflux symptoms. However, clinical results in human trials remain modest, so it’s best viewed as possibly helpful rather than curative.
6. Bone Health
Some studies suggest alkaline diets and water may influence calcium metabolism and bone retention.
Sebastian et al. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002) and Wynn et al. (Bone, 2009) both reported improved calcium balance with alkaline-forming diets. Still, experts emphasize that while promising, more controlled studies are needed before alkaline water is considered a proven bone health intervention.
WHY CLAY POT WATER ALSO FEELS COOLER AND FRESHER
According to Ramya et al. (Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 2015), clay pots cool water through a natural evaporative process, where water seeps into the tiny pores of the clay and evaporates, carrying away heat. This mechanism keeps the water refreshingly cool without the need for refrigeration, promoting better hydration during hot seasons.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT EARTHEN POT
To get the full benefits of a clay pot, the following things should be taken into consideration,
• Select a food grade, handmade clay pot free from synthetic glazes or toxic coatings.
• Ensure it’s clean: wash with plain water and a soft brush (avoid harsh detergents because clay absorbs).
• Change water regularly and protect it from dirt or insects.
• Use filtered water initially (especially if tap water quality is poor) the pot can enhance quality but doesn’t replace purification for heavy contaminants.
Modern ResearchGate studies support these hygiene practices, showing that clean clay vessels maintain water quality and mineral content over time.
MODERN RELEVANCE OF A TIMELESS PRACTICE
In a world filled with plastic bottles, processed water options, and chemical treatments, returning to a simple, natural method of hydration feels both healthy and environmentally conscious. Using earthen pots reduces plastic waste and aligns with sustainable living.
Moreover, many modern hydration trends (alkaline water, mineral-rich water) converge with what traditional methods offered though the evidence remains preliminary. It reminds us that ancient practices often had sound practical roots, even if they lacked modern lab reports.
CONCLUSION
Storing water in earthen pots isn’t just a nostalgic cultural practice it offers a scientifically plausible, eco-friendly, and health-aware way to hydrate. The blend of natural cooling, mild alkalinity, mineral infusion, and sustainable behavior makes it appealing.
That said, while research is promising in some areas (hydration after exercise, mineral content), the claims around cancer prevention, major detoxification, or dramatic bone-health improvements remain uncertain. A humble and balanced message is best.
So, next time you pour yourself a glass from a matka, you’re participating in a tradition that holds both cultural wisdom and emerging scientific support. Your body and the planet may well thank you.
FAQs About Alkaline Water and Earthen Pots
1. Does storing water in clay pots really make it alkaline?
Yes, slightly. Clay contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium that dissolve slowly into the water, increasing its pH mildly usually between 7.5 and 8.5. However, it won’t make the water strongly alkaline like some commercial machines claim.
2. Is clay-pot water safe for daily drinking?
Yes, if the pot is made from natural, unglazed clay and kept clean. Avoid painted or glazed pots that may contain heavy metals or synthetic coatings.
3. Can clay-pot water replace filtered or boiled water?
Not entirely. Clay pots can enhance taste and mild alkalinity, but they don’t remove biological contaminants. Always use pre-filtered or boiled water if your tap supply isn’t clean.
4. Does alkaline water really improve health?
Scientific evidence is mixed. Some studies show mild benefits in hydration and acid reflux, while others find no major difference from regular water. It’s best seen as a complementary habit, not a medical treatment.
5. How long can water be stored in a clay pot?
Ideally, change it every 24 hours, especially in warm weather, to prevent microbial growth and maintain freshness.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or hydration routine especially if you have kidney disease, hypertension, or electrolyte imbalance.
CALL TO ACTION
If you found this article helpful, share it with your friends or family who love traditional and eco-friendly wellness practices.
Follow PharmaHealths for more evidence-based insights that blend modern science with timeless health traditions.
Stay hydrated naturally and mindfully.
REFERENCES
1. Watanabe, T., et al. (2016). Effects of hydrogen-rich water on oxidative stress and fatigue in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 35(1), 26.
2. Heil, P., & Seifert, J. (2010). Influence of bottled water on rehydration following exercise-induced dehydration. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 7(1), 29.
3. Koufman, J. A., & Johnston, N. (2012). Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 121(7), 431–434.
4. Schoppen, S., et al. (2005). Mineral water intake improves bone metabolism and calcium balance in postmenopausal women. Journal of Nutrition, 135(3), 671–676.
5. Perrier, E., et al. (2018). Mineral waters: Sources, composition, and health benefits. Nutrients, 10(12), 1978.
6. Wynn, E., et al. (2009). Alkaline mineral water improves bone metabolism and acid-base balance. Bone, 44(6), 1208–1212.
7. Sebastian, A., et al. (2002). Alkaline diets favor lean tissue mass and bone mineral density. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 76(6), 1307–1312.
8. Ramya, R., et al. (2015). Clay pot water cooling: A sustainable and energy-free cooling system. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 7(6), 433–439.
9. Environmental Health Perspectives. (2010). Drinking-water minerals and cardiovascular health: Review of epidemiological evidence., 118(2), A60–A67.
10. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Alkaline water: Better than plain water? Mayo Clinic Health Information Portal.
11. Oyedepo, S. O., et al. (2021). Experimental analysis of evaporative cooling water in porous clay vessels under varying ambient conditions. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356714083
12. Ibrahim, H., et al. (2024). Exploring the use of clay pots as sustainable storage containers to improve water quality. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382267000 13. ResearchGate D-Lab Study (2019). Evaporative cooling for improved fruit & vegetable storage in Rwanda & Burkina Faso. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339150205