If you’ve ever visited Kerala, especially the backwaters, or stayed on a houseboat in Alleppey, you may have noticed something unusual. Before serving any food, the locals offer you a warm, clear reddish-pink drink. If you thought it was just plain and simple rose water, think again! Pathimugam water, a naturally pink, mildly flavoured drink, is well-known for its many health advantages. Wondering what exactly it is and why it is so popular in Kerala? Read on to learn all about it!
Kerala’s Famous Pathimugam Is A Magical Pink Water With Healing Powers
Basically, it is a piece of wood from the Biancaea sappan tree, also called East Indian Redwood. Grown in many parts of South and East Asia, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of West Bengal and Karnataka, the real magic of this tree is found in its heartwood, the solid core inside the tree trunk.
When you boil this reddish wood in water, it releases a natural red pigment called brazilein. This pigment is the actual star that not only gives the water a pinkish-red colour but also lends medicinal properties. In ancient times, Pathimugam was even used to make natural dyes for cloth, paints, and inks. But in Kerala homes and Ayurvedic medicine, it’s most famous for turning water into a healing, detoxifying drink.
In Kerala, Pathimugam water is consumed regularly. It’s served in homes, restaurants, Ayurvedic centres, and even luxury hotels as a welcome drink.
Some Of The Health Benefits Of Pathimugam
- Boiling water with Pathimugam naturally cleans it. It kills harmful bacteria and removes toxins.
- Pathimugam acts as a natural coolant that helps deal with the hot and humid weather of Kerala, reduces body heat and boosts hydration.
- Additionally, the antibacterial qualities of its water can help prevent and lessen rashes, acne, and skin infections.
- Brazilin, the red pigment present in this wood, is known to help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and strengthen the heart.
- Drink this water regularly to calm your stomach, reduce bloating, and improve digestion.
This Magical And Healthy Water Is Very Easy To Make
This herbal drink takes only two ingredients: water and a piece of Pathimugam wood, available to buy at Ayurvedic stores or online.
- Take 1-2 small pieces of Pathimugam wood.
- Boil them in 1–2 litres of water for about 3–5 minutes.
- The water will slowly turn pinkish-red.
- Strain the water and drink it warm, or let it cool down.
Simple and incredibly effective, Pathimugam water truly symbolises Kerala’s rich and age-old connection with nature and healing. So the next time you want to skip that sugary drink, just drop a tiny stick of Pathimugam into boiling water and enjoy a natural, refreshing, and healthy pink drink.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Funtastetive and Canva/zia_shusha
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