Rural people are accustomed to drinking water from pottery vessels made of pure clay, such as jugs and zeers, because they keep the water cool and provide many other benefits. In this report, "Dalili Medical" reviews the benefits of drinking water from pottery jugs, according to our website.

**What is pottery?**

 

Pottery is any vessel made of clay, and is manufactured by shaping the clay either manually or using a potter's wheel, as the potter's wheel is the most common way to obtain different pottery vessels. The history of pottery dates back to the Neolithic era, where traces of some pots were found in the Czech Republic, and their age was determined to be about 29,000 years BC.

**What is ceramics?**

 

Ceramics are a material made from non-metallic materials, where they are heated and baked at temperatures ranging from 350 to 800 degrees Celsius, which leads to a change in their physical properties. It is believed that the oldest evidence of ceramic pottery dates back to at least 26,000 years, as these pots were found in central and southern Europe. In general, ceramic vessels include all kinds of vessels, decorations, and building products such as tiles, while pottery is a type of ceramic output.

**The best types of pottery for drinking water**

 

There are several types of pottery vessels that are considered safe for drinking, and among the best of these types are:

- Nas Pottery

- Natural Crockey

- Thermos Water

- Natural Crock Petzpus

- Pottery Water

- Thermos Water Pottery

- Small Water Pot

**How ​​pottery cools water**

 

Pottery is characterized by its natural ability to keep water cool, thanks to the pores in it that allow drops of water to leak. These drops collect on the walls of the vessel and absorb part of the heat until they evaporate, which leads to cooling the water inside the pottery. This cold water contributes to enhancing the body's metabolism.

**What are the benefits of pottery in water**

 

Currently, there are many forms of water jugs available, such as glass and plastic, but pottery was a popular choice in the past and is worth reconsidering its use due to its many benefits. Among these benefits:

- The pottery jug maintains testosterone levels in the body, unlike plastic, which can reduce this hormone.

- Pottery pots are a better option than plastic bottles, as they are environmentally friendly and more economical.

- Clay has alkaline properties, and when it reacts with the acidity of water, it helps achieve a suitable balance of acidity, which reduces stomach acidity and relieves its pain.

- The difference between alkaline and acidic water lies in the pH, as the pH of alkaline water ranges between 8 and 9, while regular water is 7. Therefore, it is important to drink sufficient amounts of regular water to hydrate the body.

If you suffer from the acidity of regular water and want to convert it to alkaline water at home, you can use baking soda. All you have to do is add half a teaspoon of baking soda to a gallon of water to raise the pH level and turn it into alkaline water. However, be careful not to drink baking soda water while taking medications, as it can affect how they are digested.

**Top tips for using pottery for drinking for the first time**

 

To benefit from pottery for drinking, you must follow some important steps:

1. Make sure that the pottery is intended for drinking and not for cooking, as the two types differ greatly.

2. Avoid shiny or painted pottery, as these colors contain harmful substances such as lead.

3. Choose pottery with matte colors.

4. Make sure that there are no holes or cracks in the pot.

5. Soak the pot in water for a whole night before use.

**How ​​to Choose Clay Pots**

 

Dr. Surya Bhagwati, an Ayurvedic expert, recommends choosing handcrafted clay pots, especially those that contain mica particles, a material that acts as a thermal insulator, which explains its ability to cool water.

**How ​​does clay help purify water from impurities and harmful substances?**

 

Clay is known for its ability to purify water from some impurities and harmful substances thanks to its physical and chemical properties. Here are some of the ways in which clay helps purify water:

1. **Porosity**: Clay is a porous material that contains small gaps in its structure. When water is placed in clay pots, the water flows through these pores, which helps filter out large particles and impurities.

2. **Absorbing Impurities**: Clay has the ability to absorb some harmful substances and impurities present in water, such as chlorine and volatile organic compounds, which improves the quality of water and removes unwanted odors and tastes.

3. **Materials used in manufacturing**: Some types of pottery may contain materials such as sand and natural rocks that have natural purification properties. These materials interact with water to remove some organic materials and harmful impurities.

However, it should be noted that pottery cannot remove all impurities and harmful substances, so it should not be relied upon alone to purify heavily polluted water. It is preferable to use recognized purification methods, such as water purifiers or chemical treatment, to ensure clean and safe water for drinking.

**Are pottery pots healthy and safe to use?**

 

Many doctors have recommended using pottery pots because of their many benefits, including:

- Pottery pots do not interact with types of food or water, unlike pots made of Teflon, aluminum or ceramic if they are exposed to peeling.

- Pottery pots are healthy for the body and do not cause any harm to the stomach, liver or kidneys.

- Pottery can be used at high temperatures in the oven without worry, as it was manufactured to withstand these conditions.

**Can pottery be used to purify waterIn homes or only in large facilities?**

 

Clay can be used to purify water in homes and small facilities. Clay is available in a variety of sizes and shapes, including clay pots and clay filters.

In homes, clay pots can be used to purify water used for drinking and cooking. Clay pots filter water and absorb some impurities and harmful substances. Water can be placed in the pots and left for some time to flow through the pores and be purified.

In addition, clay filters installed on water taps or portable filters can be used to purify water. Water passes through the clay filter to remove impurities and improve the quality of the water.

It is worth noting that the effectiveness of clay in purifying water depends on the type of clay and the quality of the water used. Clay must also be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure its effectiveness. It should also be noted that clay alone may not be sufficient to remove all potential impurities and contaminants, so it is preferable to use approved water purification systems to ensure the purity and safety of water at home.

**The most important steps to follow when buying pottery**

 

After learning how to use pottery for drinking for the first time, there are some basic steps that should be followed when buying it, the most prominent of which are:

1. The pottery should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours, then left to dry.

2. It is coated with a mixture of honey and ghee, then placed in the oven for at least an hour until it is completely burned internally.

3. After removing it from the oven, it should be washed well with water after the smoke stops coming out of it.

4. It is preferable to repeat this process at least three times after purchase to ensure its safe use.

**Precautions to be taken when using pottery to purify water in homes**

When using pottery to purify water in homes, there are some precautions that should be taken into account:

1. **Basic water quality**: The water used must be clean and safe. If the water is heavily contaminated, the pottery may not be sufficient to remove all contaminants, so you may need to use other purification systems or alternative water sources.

2. **Cleaning the pottery**: The pottery must be cleaned regularly to maintain its efficiency in purifying water. Sediments and impurities may accumulate on the inner surface over time, affecting the quality of the purified water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and maintain the pottery.

3. **Replacing the pottery**: The pottery must be replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations, as its performance may be affected over time, which necessitates its replacement to ensure the effectiveness of water purification.

4. **Using pure water**: Purified water should be used for drinking and cooking only. The pottery may not be suitable for purifying water used for other purposes such as bathing or washing, as it cannot remove all impurities with the same efficiency.

5. **Source of the pottery**: It is preferable to purchase pottery from reliable and approved sources, and to ensure that it is made of safe and healthy materials and meets recognized standard criteria.

Despite the benefits of pottery in purifying water, you should be aware that it is not the only way to improve the quality of water. You may need to use additional purification methods to ensure that you have pure and safe water for use at home.

**What are the best ways to clean pottery?**

 

Here are some basic steps to clean pottery effectively:

1. **Wash pottery with warm water**: Use warm water to clean pottery. You can use a soft brush to scrub the outer and inner surfaces.

2. **Use salt or vinegar solution**: You can add a small amount of salt or vinegar solution to warm water to enhance the cleaning process, as salt or vinegar helps remove accumulated sediments and impurities.

3. **Drain the remaining water**: After washing the pottery, make sure to drain the remaining water. You may need to turn the pottery upside down to get rid of all the water.

4. **Dry**: Place the pottery in a well-ventilated area to dry properly. You can use a clean, dry towel to dry the outer surface.

5. **Avoid strong chemical cleaners**: It is preferable not to use strong chemical cleaners or caustic materials, as they can negatively affect the quality of the pottery and its effectiveness in purifying water.

6. **Maintain cleanliness**: Clean the pottery regularly as needed. Clean pottery maintains its efficiency in purifying water and extends its lifespan.

Remember that it is important to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for cleaning pottery, as instructions may vary depending on the type of pottery and materials used.

**Can soap be used to clean pottery?**

 

It is preferable to avoid using soap or strong chemical cleaners to clean pottery, as soap may accumulate on the surface and affect the pottery's ability to purify water properly. Also, using strong chemical cleaners may cause damage to the pottery.

Instead, it is preferable to use warm water and a soft brush. If you need to enhance the cleaning process, you can add a small amount of salt or vinegar solution to warm water, making sure to rinse the pottery well with clean water afterwards to remove any residue.

Remember that it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the pottery you are using, as they may have special recommendations.

**Can I use salt or vinegar solution to enhance the cleaning process of pottery?**

 

Yes, salt or vinegar solution can be used to enhance the cleaning process of pottery. Adding a small amount of salt or vinegar solution to warm water can help remove deposits and impurities.

- **Salt**: You can add a teaspoon of salt to warm water and use it to clean pottery. Salt is a natural and safe substance, and it has antibacterial and anti-odor properties, which helps remove stains.

- **Vinegar Solution**: You can also use a vinegar solution, by mixing a teaspoon of vinegar with a cup of warm water.Vinegar has powerful cleaning properties and the ability to remove stains and dirt.

After using salt or vinegar solution, the pottery should be rinsed well with clean water to remove any residue. However, it should be noted that some types of pottery may not need to use salt or vinegar, and warm water and a soft brush are sufficient. Therefore, it is preferable to consult the manufacturer's specific recommendations for cleaning the pottery you are using.

**How ​​to get rid of the smell of pottery**

 

We can get rid of the smell of pottery before using it for drinking for the first time by following simple and easy steps. However, we must have prepared some basic tools and materials, the most important of which are:

- Baking soda

- Lukewarm water

- Salt

Here are the steps to follow after preparing the tools:

1. Mix baking soda with salt to form a suitable paste.

2. Place the paste inside the pot in the place where the unwanted smell is emanating, and you can also fill the pot completely with the paste.

3. Leave the paste in the pot until it dries completely, then rinse it with lukewarm water.

4. Leave the pots in the air until they dry completely.

By following these steps, you can get rid of unwanted odors in pottery.

**Benefits of drinking water from pottery**

 

. **Silica**: Pottery is mainly composed of silica, a mineral that reacts with water, which contributes to purifying and softening it.

. **Calcium**: Pottery contains significant amounts of calcium, a mineral that can react with water to add some nutrients.

. **Iron**: Pottery may contain low levels of iron, a mineral essential for the health of the body and can react with water.

. **Potassium**: Potassium is an important element in pottery, as it can react with water to add some nutrients and minerals.

**- Disease prevention**

Drinking water from clay pots helps reduce the chances of contracting viral diseases, such as colds, because clay is alkaline, unlike plastic bottles, which are a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria and germs.

**- Natural cooler**

Clay pots are a natural cooler for water, making them a reliable option for getting cold water in the summer, especially since they are economical and environmentally friendly, compared to refrigerators that release Freon gas, which contributes to the expansion of the ozone hole.

**- Maintaining the purity of water**

Some people believe that water stored in clay pots is contaminated, and this is a misconception, as the clay used for this purpose is made of pure clay, which keeps the water clean for a long time, unlike plastic bottles that may contain toxic chemicals that dissolve in water and cause poisoning.

**- Improving metabolism**

Water stored in clay pots acquires properties that enhance the body's metabolism, making it a useful option for dieters, as it helps them burn accumulated fat. However, it should be noted that studies on this topic are still limited.

**- Protection from sunstroke**

Drinking water stored in clay pots helps reduce the risk of sunstroke when exposed to sunlight for long periods, as these pots keep the water cool. Therefore, it is recommended to drink water stored in clay pots during the summer to hydrate the body and lower its temperature when it rises.