Introduction

Now that Onam fever has settled, it’s the perfect moment to pause and look at a wellness habit Malayalis have quietly practised for centuries. Step into any home or hotel in Kerala and you’ll find a jug of warm, rose-tinted water waiting on the table. It is made by boiling the bark of the sappanwood tree(Pathimugam), as the bark infuses into the water, it releases a soft rose-pink hue and turns into pink drink that is rich with natural healing properties. Today, as the world experiments with expensive wellness drinks, we can look to Kerala’s timeless Ayurvedic traditions for inspiration. The pink water may look exotic, but for Malayali households, it’s simply everyday life. In Ayurveda, Pathimugam is valued for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and detoxifying powers.

How to Prepare Your Own Pathimugam Pink Water at Home

It’s simple to make this healing drink a part of your daily routine.

1. Need: 1-2 small pieces (about 5g) of dried Pathimugam wood, 1 litre of water, Boiling pot.
2. Boil: Add the Pathimugam pieces to the water and boil.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. You’ll see the water turn a beautiful shades of pink, orange, and red.
4. Strain & Serve: Strain the pieces out. You can drink it warm or allow it to cool and store it in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Ayurvedic Properties of Pathimugam

Ayurvedic Reference in classical texts says it is used for treating bleeding disorders and as a key ingredient in various Kashayas (decoctions).

Sanskrit: Patrānga, Raktasāra

Hindi: Bakam, Patang

Tamil: Sappanga, Patumukam

Telugu: Bakamu

Malayalam: Pathimukam, Chappannam

English: Sappanwood

Taste: Astringent, Bitter – helps cleanse and purify.

Qualities: Light, Dry – easy to digest, helps reduce excess fluids and heaviness.

Potency: cooling – pacifies thirst, calms internal heat and inflammation.

Post-Digestive Effect: Pungent – stimulates digestion and clears toxins.

Actions and Dosha Balance

Pathimugam is especially valued for:

• Raktastambhana (homeostasis) – supporting healthy circulation and blood tissue.
• Vishaghna (detoxifying) – helping the body clear impurities.

With its cooling and drying nature, Pathimugam is excellent for pacifying Pitta and Kapha imbalances. It can also help manage issues linked to aggravated Rakta Dhatu (blood related disorders).

Indications:
Vrana – Ulcers, wounds
Daha –  burning sensation, as in gastritis, neuropathy, burning sensation in eyes etc
Asra – blood disorders such as abscess, skin disorders, bleeding disorders such as menorrhagia, nasal bleeding etc.
It is useful in white discharge (leucorrhea), heavy periods and shortened periods.

Health Benefits of Pathimugam Pink Water

Pathimugam the colour itself comes from Brazilin, a powerful natural compound packed with healing potential. For centuries, Ayurvedic texts have praised its effects, and now modern research is echoing the same wisdom.

• Supports Women’s Health: With its Raktastambhana (stops excessive bleeding), Pathimugam has been traditionally used for menstrual concerns such as painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and heavy bleeding (menorrhagia).
• Protects Oral Health: Its antimicrobial action, especially against Streptococcus mutans (the bacteria behind tooth decay and plaque), makes it a natural ally for healthy teeth and gums.
• Soothes Digestion: healthy for gut, it has been used to ease ulcers, reduce acidity, and relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
• Detoxifies & Purifies: By supporting the liver and cleansing the blood, inturn helps the body clear toxins and stay in balance.
• Enhances Skin Health: Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities make it effective for acne and gives bright complexion.
• Boosts Heart & Circulation: With antiplatelet properties, it supports healthy blood flow and reduces the risk of harmful clot formation.
• Prevents Neurodegenertaive conditions: Saponin compound in pathimugam are known to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, prevents brain cell damage in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
• Hepato-protective activity: advised in fatty liver changes and liver damage caused by excess of caffeine, paracetamol, alcohol etc.
• Supports Cardiac Health: It helps lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and strengthens heart.
• Anticancer Properties: prevents cancerous cell multiplication especially known to be effective in fighting colorectal cancer.
• Balances Blood Sugar: Early studies suggest it can help regulate glucose levels, offering gentle support in managing diabetes.

Precautions

Consult an Ayurvedic physician if you have chronic illnesses, allergies, or a sensitive constitution.

What Does Modern Research Say?

Studies published in journals like the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirm that Sappan Wood extract possesses significant:

· Antioxidant activity superior to many common sources.
· Antimicrobial effects against a wide range of pathogens.
· Anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
· Chemopreventive potential, indicating its role in supporting the body’s defence mechanisms.

Where to Find Pathimugam in UK

You don’t have to fly to Kerala to enjoy this pink wellness water. Pathimugam (Sappanwood) is now easy to source in UK. It is easily available in ebay and Amazon. If you are in india have various brands like K.P Namboodri’s and Kerala Ayurvedic companies.

Conclusion:

Why settle for plain water when you can enjoy a cup filled with colour, antioxidants, and centuries of Ayurvedic wisdom? Boiling Pathimugam bark isn’t just about making pink water – it’s about making wellness part of your everyday life.

This pink water does more than cleanse the body – it brings good vibes to the mind, body, and even the home. A simple daily ritual, Pathimugam connects us to traditions that value balance, simplicity, and nature. So, the next time you put the water on, let this rose-tinted wellness flow into your life and share its calm with the next generation.