The Complete Guide to Copper Utensils (Tamba) - Benefits, Uses, Care & Ayurvedic Wisdom

Why Copper (Tamba) Has Been India's Favourite Metal for Millennia

Copper, known as Tamba in Hindi, is one of the oldest metals used by human civilization. In India, copper utensils have been found in archaeological sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE). Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita extensively document the health benefits of storing water and cooking in copper vessels.

At Copper Mart by Manish Metals, we have been working with pure copper since 1997 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan - one of India's historic metalworking centres. This guide distills our decades of experience into everything you need to know about copper utensils.

Ayurvedic Benefits of Copper (Tamra Jal)

The practice of Tamra Jal - drinking water stored overnight in a copper vessel - is one of Ayurveda's most accessible wellness rituals. When water sits in copper for 6-8 hours, copper ions dissolve into the water through the Oligodynamic Effect, creating water that:

• Balances all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) - copper is one of the few metals that Ayurveda credits with tri-doshic balancing
• Aids digestion - stimulates peristalsis and helps break down food particles
• Boosts immunity - copper is essential for white blood cell production
• Supports joint health - anti-inflammatory properties help with arthritis
• Improves skin health - copper is a key component in melanin production and collagen synthesis
• Regulates thyroid function - copper helps balance thyroid hormones

Types of Copper Utensils and Their Uses

Copper Drinkware (Tamra Jal Essentials)

Copper water bottles, glasses, jugs, and matkas are designed for storing drinking water. These should be uncoated and unlined - the whole point is for water to contact pure copper directly. Look for 100% pure copper with no lacquer.

Copper Cookware

Copper handis, deghchis, and cooking pots offer superior heat distribution - copper conducts heat 25 times better than stainless steel. However, copper cookware for acidic foods should be Kalai-coated (tin-lined) to prevent excess copper leaching.

Copper Storage

Copper matkas and containers leverage copper's natural antimicrobial properties to keep stored water and food items fresher for longer. A copper matka also naturally cools water through evaporation.

How to Identify Pure Copper

With the market flooded with copper-plated steel, knowing how to test purity is essential:

• Magnet test - Pure copper is non-magnetic. If a magnet sticks, it is steel with copper plating.
• Weight test - Copper is significantly heavier than steel. A genuine copper bottle feels noticeably heavier.
• Sound test - Tap the vessel. Pure copper produces a deep, resonant sound. Steel produces a sharp, tinny ring.
• Patina test - Pure copper develops a greenish-brown patina over time. This is a sign of authenticity.
• Price test - If it seems too cheap, it probably is not pure copper. Genuine copper products reflect the current metal market price.

How to Care for Copper Utensils

Copper requires regular maintenance to keep its shine and functionality:

• Daily cleaning - Wash with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh scrubbers.
• Natural polish - Mix lemon juice with salt, or use tamarind paste. Rub gently, rinse, and dry.
• Avoid dishwashers - The harsh chemicals and heat can damage copper.
• Dry immediately - Water spots can cause uneven patina.
• For Tamra Jal vessels - Clean the inside with lemon-salt once a week. Do not use for anything other than water.

Copper at Copper Mart

Every copper product at Copper Mart is handcrafted from 100% pure copper by artisans continuing Jodhpur's metalworking tradition. We are Manish Metals - a name trusted since 1997 for pure, unadulterated metalware. Explore our complete copper collection or start your Tamra Jal journey with our copper drinkware.