Some traditional and alternative practices suggest placing herbs within or under a copper pyramid to enhance their purported energetic properties
. This practice is based on the belief that the pyramid's shape amplifies and focuses energy, while copper acts as a conductor. While scientific evidence and some studies show a relationship between copper and certain herbs:
- Increased Phenolic Compounds: Research suggests that controlled copper supplementation in the soil can increase the phenolic compound content in certain herbs, like basil and stinging nettle. Phenolic compounds are known for their antioxidant properties.
- Potential for Growth Stimulation (at Optimal Levels): Copper is an essential micronutrient for plants and plays a role in photosynthesis and enzyme function. Studies on peppermint (Mentha arvensis L.) indicate that a specific, optimal concentration of copper (around 20 mg/kg of soil) can improve growth attributes, photosynthetic efficiency, and essential oil content. However, excessive copper can have toxic effects.
- "Copper-Containing Herbs" in Traditional Medicine: Traditional systems like Siddha medicine identify certain herbs as "copper-containing" and associate them with therapeutic value. For example, Coccinia indica and Mangifera indica are noted for their higher copper concentrations.