Water, with a pinkish hue, infused with a special herb is famous in Kerala. The herb known as Pathimugham releases a pink color when added to water.
Bark of Biancaea sappan, Pathimugham is rich in antibiotics and is extremely good for digestion, locals say.
This small tree is native to the Indo-Malaysian region, grows easily in the climatic conditions of Kerala and is sometimes promoted as a live fence around forest areas to protect wild animals, Down to Earth reported quoting P Sujanapal, senior scientist at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Thrissur. A red pigment, called brazilin, can be obtained from the wood which is then used as a natural dye on fabrics like cotton, silk and wool and for making red paints and inks, the report added. This dye can also be used as a food color.
How to prepare it?
To properly let the tree bark infuse its color and properties into the water, one needs to boil water 2-3 minutes at least.
As per reports, add half teaspoon of this wood shaving to 4-5 liters of boiling water. The water should be boiled till the time its color changes to pink.
While this is the traditional method of preparation of pathimugham water, these days people are adding healthier ingredients to it. Coriander seeds, dry ginger, cardamom are also added to the water which enriches the taste of the water with a fusion of flavours.
What are the benefits of Pathimugham water?
This has antimicrobial properties against a specific kind of bacteria Streptococcus mutans which is found in the mouth and leads to tooth decay.
Powerful antioxidants like saponin, present in pathimugham prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Pathimugham water regulates blood glucose levels and is believed to be good for diabetes management. It is also said to lower blood pressure level.
Pathimugham extract is known to have anticancer properties especially against colorectal cancer.
A warm decoction of this water helps in painless menstrual flow.
"It is said to be a multipurpose tree and grown in regions where red soil is available in vast areas. Sappan wood consists of the heartwood of Caesalpinia Sappan, Linn. (Leguminosae family), a tree indigenous to India. The wood occurs in red, hard, heavy pieces, or in orange-red chips. It is whitish when freshly cut but becomes red on exposure to air," says Ayurvedic expert 𝐃𝐫.𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐣.
This water is anti-thirst, blood purifier, skin care, cures acne, rich in antioxidants, ensures heart health, cools the body, is anti- diabetic, improves complexion, helpful against seizures and has anti-allergic properties, Dr Bhavna writes in an Instagram post.
