Pathimugam (Sappanwood) The Pink Water

This flowering tree, known scientifically as Caesalpinia Sappan, belongs to the legume family Fabaceae and is native to Southeast Asia.

- Dr. Nandhini V Mohan Reader, Department of Fasting & Diet Therapy Kongu Naturopathy and Yoga Medical College and Hospital, Perundurai-Erode, Tamilnadu Mob: [phone] (For Online Consultation)

Found throughout the region, its dried hardwood has been traditionally used to colour food and drinks and as a home remedy for various ailments. The main active compound, Brazilin, gives the heartwood its natural red pigment.

Sappan Wood - English

Chappangam - Malayalam

Patunga - Hindi

Sappanga - Kannada

Pathang - Marathi

Pathimugam - Tamil.

Pathimugam Medicinal uses:

Antimicrobial Properties: Brazilin, the active compound in pathimugam, has strong antimicrobial properties and is effective against three types of bacteria that cause tooth decay, especially Streptococcus mutans, the most harmful one. Using pathimugam extract as a mouth rinse can significantly help prevent tooth decay. To make the rinse, simply boil pathimugam in water, strain it, and use it regularly to prevent dental problem.