A video shared by an Instagram user showing pink drinking water in Kerala has sparked widespread curiosity online. Many viewers initially assumed the colour was artificial or a camera filter. But the soft
pink hue has nothing to do with aesthetics or trends. It comes from a traditional ingredient that has been part of Kerala households for generations.
The pink colour appears when Pathimugham or Sappan wood, a medicinal herb, is added to boiling water. Pathimugham is derived from the bark of Biancaea sappan, also known as sappan wood or East Indian redwood. When its heartwood is boiled, it releases a natural pinkish-red tint, turning plain water into what is commonly referred to as Kerala Ayurvedic water.
What is Kerala pink water?
Pathimugham grows easily in Kerala’s climate and is native to the Indo-Malaysian region. Because of this abundance, the practice of boiling drinking water with the herb is common in many homes, especially in rural areas. According to a paper by the Department of Biotechnology, boiling water with Pathimugham helps purify it and may prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.
The herb is known for its antibiotic and prophylactic properties and has long been used in Ayurvedic preparations. Experts also suggest it may help in managing skin and kidney-related issues, blood purification, cholesterol, piles, and stomach problems. Some research even points to its potential role in treating certain types of cancer, though further studies are ongoing.
Beyond health benefits, Pathimugham water has become part of the daily routine for many in Kerala. It is typically consumed warm, especially in the mornings, and is often served to guests as well. The taste is mild, slightly woody, and can be enhanced with spices like ginger or cardamom.
Sharing the video, user prajktsworld wrote, the pink water is “Commonly served in homes, temples, and traditional eateries in Kerala. Describing the taste of the drink, she wrote, “Very mild, earthy taste.”
View this post on Instagram
How to make Pathimugham water
Preparing Pathimugham water is simple. One litre of water is brought to a boil, after which one to two teaspoons of dried sappan wood shavings are added. The mixture is simmered for five to ten minutes until the water turns pink. It is then strained and consumed warm or cooled. What began as a viral visual has now opened a window into Kerala’s deep-rooted wellness traditions.
