Crystals are no strangers to the beauty and wellness industry. Jade facial rollers and rose quartz gua sha sculpting tools have been adding magic to our routines for a while. Search #crystalhealing and you will get a whopping 4.6 million results on Instagram. Now enter ‘crystal water bottles’. These are usually glass bottles that contain a giant crystal inside of them. To boil it down to basics, the crystal is meant to “charge” your water with positivity, peace and good health.
They look gorgeous, but are they more than just pretty Instagram bait? They can come at a hefty price tag, so it is easy to understand why you might be wary to simply “try it out.” We tapped both doctors and crystal healers to dig into the potential scientific and spiritual benefits crystal water bottles may have on your well-being. Whether you are searching for better mental, physical or spiritual health during this crazy time of quarantine, here is what you need to know before making the investment.
What is the deal with crystals, anyway?
Crystal healing dates back 6,000 years to the Sumerians of Mesopotamia. They can be great tools used for meditation and reflection purposes, says Marla Martenson, crystal healer intuitive. Each crystal can be “programmed” with a different goal (or if you are into the crystal lingo, intention) such as healing, protection and self-love, she says. They can be “charged” in sunlight or moonlight to help amplify these properties.
From peacock ore to black obsidian, there are literally hundreds of crystals anyone can use. Some, however, are actually toxic when introduced to water, so it is important to do your research. Below, we break down some of the most common crystals that are included in water bottles — and the spiritual goal each tries to achieve:
- Rose quartz: Just like it sounds, it is a rosy pink form of quartz that works to dispels negative energy, says Marla. This stone boasts a calming effect, she adds, and can also be used to open the heart chakra, foster tranquility and promote self-love.
- Clear quartz: White and translucent in appearance, clear quartz works to amplify energy levels in the body. “Clear quartz is known as the master healer,” she explains. “It amplifies energy, aides in psychic ability and balances the chakras.”
- Smokey quartz: Grayish brown and black in appearance, smokey quartz boasts powerful cleansing and detoxifying properties. This form of quartz also amplifies the energy of all the crystals surrounding it, alleviating painful emotions and as well as releasing toxic energies as a result.
- Amethyst: A popular purple stone, this crystal contains a high spiritual vibration, says Martenson. It is a fantastic choice for those wanting to open up their third eye and crown chakra.
FYI: You will often see a vibration number associated with a crystal. This is dependent on the energy flowing through it, causing light frequency to vibrate its way through the crystal. The vibrational frequency depends on factors like its thickness, color and material. Every living organism has a frequency.
How do crystal water bottles work?
When a crystal is introduced to water, the idea is that it “programs” the water, says Martenson. She references studies conducted by Japanese scientist Dr. Masaru Emoto, which claimed that like crystals, water can also store information including intentions. “Emoto’s famous experiments with programming water proved that it responds to intentions projected onto it,” she explains. “The Emoto music study, for example, demonstrated how certain types of sound (classical music) generate beautiful crystalline patterns.”
Simply, when you drink crystal-infused water, the idea is that you are also drinking in the healing energy that comes from the crystal.
Are they good for your health?
In terms of proof of crystal water bottles giving you physical health, it is always good to stay hydrated and if a crystal water bottle encourages or reminds you to do so, then that is a positive thing. “They have an attractive visual appeal, making you more likely to drink water,” says Janette Nesheiwat, M.D, a board-certified medical doctor. Plus, if you typically use plastic water bottles, switching to a refillable glass bottle is great for the environment, too.
As for the emotional and mental health benefits that come from drinking crystal-infused water, the placebo might be the reason these bottles “work,” says Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D., a licensed psychotherapist. But that does not mean it is all smoke and mirrors. “The placebo effect is one of the small miracles of our body and mind, as it means that if we believe something will help us, it often does, even if it’s just a sugar pill,” she explains. “So, if people are convinced that a certain wellness product or fad will help them lose weight or feel better, it often does help, because they believe it.”
Make sure you are not using a crystal that will rust or disintegrate when it is dunked in water for long periods of time.
Are there any risks?
It is important to note that there currently is no clinical research that suggests that crystal-infused water has any positive impacts on human health, according to Nesheiwat.
Crystal water bottles should be used with caution, especially if you try to make your own. As mentioned previously, you should make sure you are not using a crystal that will rust or disintegrate when it is dunked in water for long periods of time. Some elements, like mercury, copper, and aluminum that can be found in crystals are toxic in high amounts (quartz is generally considered to be safe).
If you are not cleaning your crystal water bottle carefully, it could also lead to a buildup of bacteria. Some water bottle designs where the crystal is not directly touching the water pose less of a health risk.
Should I buy one?
While the benefits of crystal water are up for debate, from a crystal healer perspective, Maha Rose’s Sadie Kadlec says that it is at least a great investment product for crystal newbies to try, as it allows interested individuals to become familiarized with both crystals and crystal healing.
“Products like these offer exposure to mainstream culture on crystal healing and ways to incorporate crystals into daily life,” Kadlec says. “In the same way when you meditate or do yoga, and you bring your mind back to your breath, the intention set (which can be healing, self-love, etc.) for that crystal in the water bottle reminds you of the specific energetic themes you are working with.”
And we could use a little bit of good energy these days, right?
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