In the modern evolving world, where our focus on health & environmental-friendliness has been getting stronger day by day, a silent yet powerful revolution is underway. Copper water vessels are quietly replacing plastic as the preferred choice for many people. This choice isn't merely a nod to the ayurvedic teachings; it is supported by science and a growing awareness of the negative impact of plastic on both human health and environment. If you have still not decided what material should replace your plastic bottles then this post is for you where you will get to know why copper vessels should be a staple in your kitchen.

The Environmental Toll of Plastic

Plastic pollution has reached an alarming high, creating a huge problem for ecosystems all over the world. It's not just about the unsightly litter; it's about the waterways getting choked up and marine creatures facing dire threats. 

According to a report 170+ trillion plastic particles were found in the ocean. This is a huge concern for the well-being of marine life and the overall health of our ecosystems. And if that's not troubling enough, consider how long plastic sticks around - centuries, maybe even millennia! This means the damage being done today could affect countless future generations.

Health Risks Associated with Plastic

When you think about the damage plastic does to our surroundings, it's just the start. There's also a big worry about how it affects everyone's health. Plastics are often made with some chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These can leach into the food and drinks, more so if they're kept in hot places or with something sour. Health issues linked to these chemicals are pretty serious – interfering with hormones, causing problems with having children, and even raising the chances of getting certain kinds of cancer.

Advantages of Copper Vessels Over Plastic

Antimicrobial Properties

Copper is not just something that looks pretty or conducts electricity well. Unlike plastic, which just sits there, copper brings its own benefits such as fighting against germs. For hundreds of years people have been using copper to keep things clean. And today, even science has found that copper is one of the best materials for fighting against bacteria and germs. Few examples include: E. coli, MRSA, and norovirus. 

Long-Lasting

These vessels don't just fight off bacteria; they're also incredibly tough and can last a really long time. This is great news in a world where single-use plastic is piling up everywhere, causing a massive headache for Mother Earth. Choosing a copper water bottle over plastic is like choosing a sturdy shield over a flimsy one in a battle against waste.

Heat Conduction

Ever noticed how some containers keep things hot or cold for what seems like magic? Well, copper vessels also fall in this category. They're good at conducting heat, which means tea or cold drinks stay just the way one likes them for much longer, without any extra effort or energy wasted. It's like having a personal temperature keeper for beverages.

Aesthetics

Last but not least, these vessels aren't just about function. They bring an element of grace and class to kitchens and dining tables, making them look more inviting and stylish. It's like adding a piece of timeless art that also serves a practical purpose, enhancing the visual delight of any space they're in.

 

Scientific Evidence Supporting Copper's Effectiveness

Many researches have proved copper's power in stopping the spread of germs and lessening the amount of microbes in different places. For example, a study showed that when hospital rooms had copper surfaces, there were far fewer infections from healthcare than with usual surfaces. 

Another research article states that when placed in healthcare settings that people touch a lot were changed to copper, there was a significant drop in germs. This really shows how much copper can help in fighting against the spread of diseases. 

Embracing a Sustainable Future

When you think about a greener tomorrow, choosing copper vessels over those made of plastic is a smart move. Not just for the sake of your health, but also for the sake of our beautiful Earth. It's like saying no to the things that hurt our planet and yes to what keeps it safe and sound for the kids who'll call it home someday. 

Conclusion

Wrapping this up, it's not just a passing phase that people are choosing copper water bottles over plastic. It's actually a big step forward in understanding what's truly good for health and our planet. With science and age-old wisdom backing it up, copper isn't just an option; it's a brilliant solution that tackles the problems with plastic, both for the earth and our well-being. If everyone starts using copper utensils in their daily routines, imagine the kind of healthy and green world we'd be giving to ourselves and the future ones.

 

As we all know, copper has been gaining popularity among health enthusiasts, but the difference between gaining health benefits from copper vessels and facing consequences can come down to “how you use copper utensils.” 

A study published on NCBI states that storing certain acidic things can react with copper and form toxic compounds which may lead to health issues. However, there is nothing to be worried. All you need is to be cautious about the substances that you store in it.

 In simple terms: Use your Copper vessel for Plain Water Only. And in this post, we will be sharing everything you should know before purchasing your first copper vessel. So let’s begin! 

Why You Should Be Cautious About it

Many observations and researches have shown that copper contains antimicrobial properties and their ability to improve overall quality of water. But as already discussed, when acidic substances come into contact with this material, there can be a chemical reaction which can lead to copper leaching into that beverage/food item. And overconsumption of such stored items will increase the chances of copper toxicity, leading to health concerns which include: 

• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Indigestion/upset stomach 

Which Acidic Substances Should Not Be Stored in Copper Vessels

While the list of acidic substances to avoid storing in copper utensils can be long, but here we are sharing some commonly used items: 

1. Citrus juices such as lemon juice, orange juice
2. Tomato-based products
3. Pickled foods
4. Foods and beverages that contains vinegar
5. Alcoholic beverages which have high acidity
6. Fermented food items
7. Some dairy products such as yogurt/curd, buttermilk, etc.
8. Soft drinks and carbonated beverages 

Copper Vessel: Should You Buy it or Not?

Indeed yes, by including copper infused water into your routine, you can gain a multitude of health benefits such as: 

1. Water Purification: Copper is a material that contains antimicrobial properties which means it is a natural way to purify drinking water as it effectively kills the harmful bacteria..
2. Relief from Arthritis: If you have been suffering from arthritis and joint pain, you can get some relief by drinking water stored in copper water bottles because it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Anti-aging benefits and glowing skin: Do you wish to get youthful and glowing skin? Copper water can help you as it will help promote collagen production as well as elasticity.
4. Alkaline pH Balance: Did you know that copper can alkalize water which further helps maintain a healthy pH balance in the body. This water will help in neutralizing acidity in your body which will potentially lead to reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Enhanced digestion: If you suffer from indigestion, the copper water can help you. All you need to do is store water in a copper bottle overnight (7 to 8 hours) and drink it on an empty stomach. 

Wrap Up

Copper vessels can offer you a lot of health benefits, but it’s crucial to be cautious about the substances that you store in it. By avoiding storage of acidic substances in copper vessels and buying high-quality copper containers, you can ensure that you get maximum benefits for the health of your family.

The mouth is a gateway to all our internal systems. It becomes very important to keep it clean to prevent harmful bacteria from entering our body. Just brushing is never enough. Using tongue cleaners should be a mandatory procedure to maintain oral hygiene, but unfortunately, very few people tend to follow this practice. Therefore, most of the folks deal with oral issues. 

When it comes to ayurvedic oral care, tongue scraping is one of the most popular techniques that will help you get rid of food debris, odorous bacteria, and stagnant oral fluids from the tongue. In this post, we will share everything about Ayurvedic Tongue Cleaning and why copper tongue scrapers are the best!

Three Main Reasons to Add A Tongue Cleaner To Your Oral Routine

1. The key reason to use a tongue cleaner is to prevent odors because cleaning your tongue with a scraper helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria, which are known as volatile sulfur compounds. In fact, a study revealed that using a scraper for tongue cleaning helped remove odor-causing bacteria rather than simply brushing.
2. Improved Sense of Taste: Cleaning tongue with a scraper helps discharging old nourishment substances, and tastes, from the surface of the tongue which will make it easier for you to better distinguish between different sensations.
3. Improved overall wellbeing: You must have come across this notion so many times: oral hygiene is the key to overall good health. If you don’t remove harmful bacteria from your tongue, they can inflame your gums and cause other dental issues. Moreover, poor hygiene can also lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease.

How to Choose a Good Tongue Scraper

#1 Avoid Plastic

The top tip to maintaining good oral hygiene is avoiding plastic scrapers because our mouth’s mucous membrane is highly receptive, which means harmful microplastics can enter the body and cause health issues. That’s why opting for eco-friendly substances like copper tongue scrapers is a good option. 

#2 Design matters

Yes, design is also an important aspect when choosing a tongue scraper. Always go for a design that is cleaner and has a comfortable grip. Also, check the edges of the tool; they should be rounded in order to prevent any kind of damage. 

#3 Ease of Cleaning

It is necessary to wash your tongue scraper after using it; therefore, choose a material and design that can be easily cleaned without any hassle. Copper is a self cleaning metal. Just rub with a wedge of lemon from time to time. And wipe with a dry cloth.

Make it a Routine

In Ayurveda, our tongue is seen as a part of the margin/intestinal tract, so it is beneficial to support our intestine so that we can stay healthy and strong. Well, it only takes a couple of seconds to take your oral hygiene to the next level. Make tongue scraping a routine and your body will thank you!

 

The Singing Bowl, also called a Himalayan bowl, is known to be used by Buddhist monks since 600 B.C. It is most commonly known for sound therapy and space clearing, but there are other uses for it. The singing bowl can be used to balance our chakras, reduce stress and even sound massage. 

The sound produced by the singing bowl is that of the AUM –  the absolute. There are two basic ways of playing a Singing Bowl, you can either strike it with the wooden wand for percussive, pulsating tones; or you can encircle the edges repeatedly with the wand for a sustained effect.  Resting the singing bowl upon the palm of your hand will usually enable you to appreciate the experience to a greater depth than placing the bowl on a pad.

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In every shipment we put together we try to include a few items that aren't typically found in Vancouver - a 'Kaarigar Experiment' if you like. More than uniqueness - what we look for is an item with an engaging story that our clients can connect with. On this occasion it's the turn of the humble tiffin. A tiffin, or dabba (DUH-bah), is a simple lunchbox made up of stackable stainless steel compartments. While they're common throughout India, Bombay is where the tiffin has truly left it's mark. In Bombay, a hot meal for your office or school lunch is not seen as a luxury but a necessity. Moreover, Indians are notoriously picky when it comes to food (just ask). Home cooking is king here. This is where the tiffin comes into play. Every weekday morning in Bombay, a delivery system unlike any other on the planet swings into action. The system's goal: pick-up, deliver and then return each lunchbox on-time - a monumental task given the traffic, weather and number of tiffins. The people that take on this challenge are known as dabbawallahs - literally: box-carriers. They make their rounds of Bombay's neighbourhoods after the morning commute, collecting freshly prepared tiffins. Through a combination of bicycles, railway trains, a simple coding system and a handful of sorting checkpoints, the dabbawallahs are able to deliver a hot home-cooked lunch to schools and workplaces across the city. After lunch, the process is reversed and the empty lunchbox is returned home. The most remarkable aspect of the dabbawallah system is its unprecedented success rate - a recent study found that a tiffin is late or goes missing roughly once in every seven-million deliveries. This success rate is even more impressive considering that the dabbawallahs have a low level of literacy and that Bombay has a high level of road congestion. More recently, the system has gained recognition from the international business community and fame from Bollywood (see the movie 'Lunchbox'). Come by and pick out your own piece of this story.

NAMASTE

Yoga has become widely practiced worldwide. In the United States with growth to more than 20 million people since 2002. According to the U.S. News & World Report in 2015, yoga practice showed more growth than any other natural health therapy   

 The mention of the word "YOGA" conjures up images of super fit people posing in sometimes impossible looking "Asanas". Much of these poses do not exist in the real yoga. You do not have to be able to achieve these fancy poses to be considered a yogi. The core principle of yoga is to align your life to be in harmony with Mother Nature and be a good human being. 

The birth of yoga originally comes from the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), which dates back between 4,000 to 5,000 years. Vedic knowledge was passed down from teacher to student through perfect memorization in the way of verses and poems. But it wasn’t until the second century B.C. that a sage named Patanjali outlined what is known today as the Eight Limbs of Yoga. 

 

An Overview of the Eight Limbs (Ashtanga) of Yoga 

 Here’s a brief overview of each of the eight limbs:

1. The Yamas are rules of moral code and include ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), bramacharya (sexual restraint), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
2. The Niyamas are rules of personal behavior including saucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline or austerity), svadhyaya (spiritual studies), and Ishvara Pranidhana (constant devotion to God).
3. Asana refers to yoga postures but in Patanjali’s initial practice, it referred to mastering the body to sit still for meditation. The practice of yoga asanas came about eight centuries later, which helped disciples ready their bodies for meditation.
4. Pranayama are yoga breathing techniques designed to control prana or vital life force.
5. Pratyahara means withdrawal of the senses.
6. Dharana refers to concentration.
7. Dhyana is the practice of meditation.
8. Samadhi is merging with the divine.

As you can see, Asanas is just one small part of the way of life that has been prescribed. We do not see the 7 other key pillars being either practiced or taught. Try to incorporate these steps into your life and you will feel a sense of contentment.

We are unable to elaborate on each of the 8 Ashtangas here but there is enough information available on the web.

We are vulnerable to unethical marketing especially when it involves a science that is foreign to us. 

Comments/Opinions welcome.


 
 

 

 

We're about to embark on our latest sourcing trip to India, so we thought it'd be a good time to share our top-5 tips for visiting this enchanting country. Traveling through India can be daunting, especially for first-timers. Preparation is a must and we hope these tips prove to be helpful for your first or next visit.

1. Personal Space = Premium Real Estate There is a different understanding of personal space in India. It is, after all, a nation of over a billion people. Accept the fact that public areas such as elevators, queues, sidewalks and public transport will be more crowded than you're probably used to. That being said, don't be afraid to stand your ground when someone is particularly aggressive. A stern look in the right direction should do the trick.
2. There Will Be Noise Another byproduct of one billion inhabitants is noise. Regardless of what your wristwatch is telling you - if you're outside, your ears will know it. Once again, accept that cars will honk, music will blare, people will chatter and shopkeepers will yell. If you're a light sleeper - pack ear plugs. If you dislike loud vendors - pack an iPod too.
3. BARGAIN! Speaking of vendors, it's important to understand that India has a culture of bargaining. Bargaining, not cricket, is the national pastime (yeah I said it). They absolutely love it! Most prices are negotiable, and most prices are intentionally set quite high in anticipation of bargaining. You'll find this happens at street-side kiosks, shops at the mall and everywhere in between. Ask for the price, counter with a much lower figure and settle for something in between.
4. Escape to the Country If the crowds, noise and intense negotiations become overwhelming, it's time to get out of the city. Rural India differs greatly from her urban sister. Life is less hectic here. This is where yoga was born and where Buddha found nirvana. No trip to India is complete without experiencing the tranquility of the her countryside. It also gives you the perfect excuse to hop onboard India's legendary rail system.
5. Watch Your Feet In India, the foot is considered an unclean part of the body. You're expected to remove your shoes when you enter a home or holy place. If you see a doorway with several pairs of shoes placed around it, lose your footwear before proceeding. This means that you're going to need to slip in and out of your shoes regularly. Invest in a shoe or durable sandal that'll make your life a bit easier. Furthermore, be careful of how you use your feet. Simply showing the soles of your feet to someone is considered disrespectful so think before you kick back.

As we've mentioned, preparation is truly the key to a smooth visit to India. There's plenty of helpful information on this subject floating around on the internet so read up and travel safely!