What Is "Water Memory"? Everything You Need to Know

Jacques Benveniste coined the term "water memory" in the 1980s and controversy has surrounded the phenomenon ever since. 

One scientist used the water memory effect to make neat-looking crystals with his voice! Learning about this made me question what I've been drinking.

So, what made this discovery controversial and how can water memory benefit us? 

In this article, I will guide you through the colorful history of water memory to answer these questions and more.  

What is Water Memory?
Water memory describes water's ability to respond to its environment by changing its structure. The stimulus affecting the water leaves behind an imprint that shapes the molecule.

Let's break that down...

Our experiences leave behind memories in our minds. These events may have happened 10 years ago, but the memory remains. 

In the same way, the shape of the water molecule remains intact after the event.

Strong emotions tend to color our memories. When I think back to an event I can recall clearly, sure enough, there is a definite feeling associated with it. 

In various water memory studies, researchers spoke to the water, and used words like, "I love you," or, "I hate you." In other tests, they used words of religious significance.  

The water took on various shapes which appeared to correspond with the emotion carried by the words. In some studies, ignoring the water had an effect. 

But how is this possible? And how can water memory benefit us? 

Now that you understand the term water memory, let's take a look at where this all started. 

An Overview of Water Memory Science
Jacques Benveniste was a French immunologist who first discovered water memory in 1988.

He diluted human antibodies into a large amount of water. At the time, they did not expect any antibodies to remain in the solution. 

However, after mixing the solution with white blood cells, they were shocked. The blood cells reacted as though they had already encountered the antibodies. 

It appeared as though the water remembered the antibodies.

The problem? These findings defied our understanding of physical chemistry! 

As an immunologist, Benveniste wanted to know how water memory could benefit humans. He submitted his study to the famed science journal Nature. 

John Maddox's Experiment 
John Maddox was the editor for Nature when Benveniste submitted his work. He was immediately hesitant to publish it. He even stated that it would, "Change our whole view of how science is constructed." 

Finally, the journal published the study. Maddox included an editorial next to it where he explained the scientific laws which were violated. He asked readers to suspend their judgment.  

Maddox asked Benveniste to repeat the study. He then hand-picked a team of researchers to oversee Benveniste and his team.

Based on their observations, Maddox declared Benveniste's hypothesis to be fictitious. He ruled that water cannot be imprinted with memory. 

But the story of water memory didn't end there. 

Benveniste publically lashed out at Maddox, comparing the repeat study to a Salem witchhunt. The scientific community fractured. The majority supported Maddox and assumed the water memory hypothesis to be disproven. 

Other researchers still believed in Benveniste's theory.  

Dr. Masaru Emoto's Studies
One such researcher was Masaru Emoto. His book The Hidden Messages in Water landed on the list of New York Times bestsellers. 

Dr. Emoto believed water to be a source for the hidden mysteries behind our reality. 

In his studies, Dr. Emoto filled glass jars with water and presented them with pictures, songs, and words. He then froze the water and observed the icy crystals beneath a microscope. 

He found that water presented with positive emotions formed into shapes that were pleasing to the eye. He noted aesthetic geometrical patterns and colors in the crystals.    

On the other hand, water exposed to negative emotions formed into different shapes. Some took no apparent shape at all. He noted a reduction in color and geometric complexity from the crystal tinged with negativity. 

Various styles of music formed unique water memory vibrations. Beethoven made blue octagon crystals. Modern rock music had its own water memory effect - a green pattern of fractals. 

Rice in Water Experiment 
Dr. Emoto performed a later experiment now referred to simply as the 'rice in water' study. It involved 3 jars each containing an equal amount of rice and water. 

Each day, for 30 days, Dr. Emoto met with his jars. To the first jar, he would say "Thank you." To the second, "You idiot." Finally, he turned away from the third jar and ignored it completely.  

• The 1st jar fermented and smelled pleasant
• The 2nd jar grew mold
• The 3rd jar began to rot  

Mixed Reception
To this day, the water memory concept continues to divide the scientific community. Benveniste's study contradicts mainstream scientific understandings. Some still support water memory's potential.

Some amateurs have even recreated Dr. Emoto's experiments.

Dr. Emoto's experiments had a profound effect on him, making him more receptive to the way we treat others. He realized the important role adults play when they interact with children. He feared the negative impact of indifference might have on other people.

The possibilities for water memory health solutions are still unknown, but we can't go wrong treating others with positivity.

Water Memory Benefits
Dr. Emoto highlighted another important quality of water memory while conducting his experiments. 

He found significant changes in the water crystals when taken from different sources. For example, water from a mountain spring appeared more visually appealing than water from a polluted river.  

We know that contaminated water can cause serious illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and polio.

In this case, Dr. Emoto's studies find common ground with mainstream science - water purity matters. Contaminants make water dangerous for human consumption. 

Developments like structured water continue the shape how we view the structure of water today.   

Drink Clean Water
The studies of Jacques Benveniste and Dr. Emoto continue to shape our understanding of water memory science.  

Water may be the key to the mystery of life, as Dr. Emoto thought. It's hard not to be amazed by what he found. 

I can say they forever raised my appreciation for H2O. 

If you're serious about high-quality water, then try the Aqualizer today. It breaks down limescale pollutants and other metallic elements from your drinking water. 

Aquanity Aqualizer

Communicate with your water