It’s not the best idea to store hot water in a copper bottle; the heat can indeed cause some reactions that might not be beneficial. Copper bottles and vessels are traditionally recommended for holding room temperature water because copper does leach into water more when heated. While copper is known for its antimicrobial properties and benefits like supporting digestion and balancing the three doshas when used correctly, higher temperatures can influence its chemical behavior.
When you notice a funny taste, this can be a sign of excessive copper leaching. This isn’t likely harmful in small amounts; you should avoid making it a regular practice because over time it can lead to copper toxicity when copper intake exceeds the body’s needs or capacity to process it. Instead, for drinking purposes, store room temperature or cool water in your copper bottle and allow it to sit for six to eight hours — overnight is common — to let the copper infuse into the water gently.
For heating water, it’s better to use stainless steel or glass, which can handle higher temperatures without reacting. Also, from a dosha perspective, if you’re a pitta dominant individual, you may need to be more cautious as excessive heat and metal intake could increase pitta imbalances, leading to issues like indigestion or acidity. So yes, your inclination to use it for cooler or room temperature water is spot on! By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure you’re harnessing the benefits of copper without overexposing yourself to possible negatives.
