Kerala Ayurvedic Water is a hot drinking water, slightly pinkish in color, used by many people in the state of Kerala, India which is served in many restaurants and homes just before eating. It is made with a hard part of the wood of a multipurpose tree that is widely used for various medicinal purposes.
Pathimugam is widely used since ancient days and is an excellent herbal medicine. Kerala is one state in India which is popular for use of ayurvedic medicines. Herbs and shrubs are said to possess certain medicinal values but less considered that even a tree which does not bear any edible fruits can also possess some medicinal compounds. In order to make a healthy living, one such tree species evolved which is called Pathimugam tree. It is also known by the name sappan wood or East Indian red wood. It is said to be a multipurpose tree and grown in regions where red soil is available in vast.
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. A transverse section exhibits well-marked, concentric rings, numerous narrow, modularly rays, and large vessels. The drug has no odour, but an astringent taste.
If “Pathimugam” is boiled in water, the water gets purified and thereby drinking this water can prevent epidemic diseases spreading through water. This material is used as an ingredient in almost all Ayurvedic medicines and because of its prophylactic nature; it can be used by itself as a medicine. This way the people in Kerala are trying to make their living hygienic with the use of natural herbals and ayurvedic trees available in that region.
The Tibetan medical Encyclopaedia, the Ashtangahridayam, the Sahasrayogam, the Dhan-wanthari Nikhandu and all Pauranic Ayurvedic books carry the benefits of this herbal tree. Experts state that “Pathimugam” can prevent and cure diseases like certain types of cancer, kidney disorder, piles, cholesterol, blood purification, stomach ailments, Skin diseases, diabetics, body heart etc.
Apart from being a valued medicinal herb, this wood is also used for various commercial purposes. The wood when boiled or added to boiling water produces a red color like ivory young which is generally used for painting, cakes, drinks or as ink and in coloring textiles. Pathimugam is an excellent dye raw material.
This tree brightens the future of pharmaceuticals industries with its tendency to cure many types of diseases such as cancer, kidney disorder, piles, cholesterol, blood purification, stomach ailments, skin diseases, diabetics, heart diseases etc.
This herbal drinking water has the ability to cure anti-thirst, used as blood purifier, anti- diabetic, improvement of complexion and several other properties. This heartwood as also established itself as a colouring agent for liquor, wine, meat and fabrics etc.
For preparing this valued and amazing Kerala Ayurvedic water, firstly take a bowl and add water, pathimugam and boil for about 2 – 3 minutes and later strain the water and serve water hot. Pathimugam is mostly available at every Kerala store.
