A conceptual perspective of Natural Mineral Water in Ayurveda and Modern medical sciences

Abstract

Background: Among Panchamahabhutas, water is essential for survival. With the increasing population in the world, healthy drinking water has become a major concern. Among different sources of water described in Ayurveda and modern sciences, Natural mineral water is one of the purest and healthiest sources with additional health benefits due to its natural mineral contents. Our country Nepal also has lots of natural springs and glaciers creating huge potentials to quench the thirst of the world. So the present review work has been undertaken to uncover the possibilities of Natural mineral water both from Ayurveda and contemporary modern medical sciences.

Materials & Methods: The information related to the topic have been collected and referred from Classical texts of Ayurveda & various articles published in the Journals. Various authentic websites related to the topic were also visited.

Results: Extensive descriptions about types, properties etc. of drinking water have been found in Ayurveda Classics. Natural Mineral Water can be correlated with Audbhida source of water described in Astanga Sangraha. US-FDA has defined NMW and distinguished it from other sources of water. Besides these mineral contents of NMW and their health benefits were found and highlighted. Plastic bottles, water pollution and Arsenic contents in water were some of the aspects to be taken care while opting for NMW as a drinking water.

Conclusions: Natural Mineral Water could be the future of healthy drinking water. Further Clinical studies are required to prove its Physiological and therapeutic roles in human body. Our country Nepal has huge potential for NMW.