Reviving Ancient Water Purification Techniques: A Siddha Perspective

Abstract

Water contamination due to heavy metals, fluoride, and microbial pathogens remains a major public health concern, particularly in resource-limited regions lacking access to advanced purification technologies. Conventional methods such as reverse osmosis and chemical disinfection are effective but often expensive and may remove essential minerals, affecting long-term health. This study evaluates traditional Siddha-based water purification techniques, focusing on their combined role in contaminant removal and mineral restoration. A narrative review was conducted using classical Siddha literature and contemporary scientific sources. Selected plant-based materials, including Cuminum cyminum, Caesalpinia sappan, Diospyros ebenum, and Chrysopogon zizanioides, were analyzed for remineralization potential, while natural coagulants such as Moringa oleifera, Strychnos potatorum, and Phyllanthus emblica were assessed for their effectiveness in reducing turbidity, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. The findings demonstrate that these methods significantly improve water quality by increasing essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium, reducing turbidity by up to 60–90%, and decreasing microbial load, with Strychnos potatorum showing up to 77% antibacterial activity. The purification process operates through multiple mechanisms, including coagulation, adsorption, chelation, ion exchange, filtration, and antimicrobial action. In conclusion, Siddha-based water purification techniques provide a cost-effective, sustainable, and holistic alternative to modern methods by integrating detoxification with remineralization. These approaches are particularly suitable for rural and low-resource settings and have strong potential for large-scale application following further experimental validation.