The conundrum of metal has been unravelling since the Bronze Age, some 3000 years ago. Ayurveda also taught us that eating and drinking from alkalinising metals, such as Kansa vessels, provides health benefits. Kansa kitchenware is also known as "hands of grace." It is the Indian name for Bell metal, a hard alloy with a copper-to-tin ratio of around 4:1. Different states have different names for it, such as Assam calling it kanh, West Bengal, and Odisha refer it Kansa. It is often used as cookware and dining ware.
Kansa kitchenware has been used from the Samhita Kala period, or as far back as we have written history. We can find important information on the medicinal properties on Kansa Kitchenware and its advantages to people in the 5th chapter and 46th verse of the classic granth, 'Rasratnasamucchaya.' Kansa Kitchenware is also utilised for therapeutic purposes, according to the descriptions in Ayurveda Prakasha.
Ayurveda's recommendation for using Kansa:
Boosting immunity
When the food is cooked in kansa, it purifies the food. It is also thought that using Kansa daily to eat and drink daily boosts our immune. This metal enhances the properties of the food.
Promotes health
Eating on Kansa dining ware can improve gut health by promoting and balancing alkaline levels, lowering inflammation, and increasing immunity. It contains trace amounts of copper and tin, which not only regulate hormones but also aid in treating cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and skin conditions.
Keeps the food hot
Kansa is a good heat conductor and retainer. When cooked food is stored or served in this metal serve ware or dinnerware, it retains the heat. Thus, it keeps food warmer and its contents richer for a more extended period of time.
Food served in kansa plate, glass, and bowls
Kills microorganisms
Kansa utensils are germicidal, meaning they destroy microorganisms within minutes to hours of contact, depending on the type and concentration of pathogens and the media they are in. Its components' potential efficacy enhances indoor air quality.
Alkalising the drinking water
Back in the day, drinking from Kansa cups was equally healthful. It functioned almost like a natural filtration system by eliminating the acid content of the water. To gain the alkalising advantages of the water, store it in a Kansa pot for at least 8 hours. This type of charged water balances the three doshas in the body. Water never goes stale when stored kansa vessel. Moreover, the metal aids in the prevention of water-borne infections such as diarrhoea, dysentery, and jaundice.
Low on maintenance and high on sustainability
It is appropriate for daily usage because of its high resistance to wear and tear, scratches, and wrinkles for decades. It retains its value even after damage because about 90% of all bell metal alloys are recycled.
Kansa serving dish and ladles, Image Source: kansawalas.com
Purity test
The only method to determine the quality of this alloy is to listen to it. It must produce a rich sound akin to the bells used in temples to transmit spiritual energies.
Words of advice:
Kansa is considered exceedingly safe to use compared to other alloys, such as brass, which reacts to salty and sour foods. Its healing qualities keep the food stored in it from spoiling. To avoid oxidation, the only precaution is to thoroughly wipe Kansa vessels after each use. It may prevent trace metal absorption into food and beverages.