Web SeriesCelebritiesBollywoodSouth BusinessForeignVehicle NewsReligionPoliticsScooty

Kerala’s pink drinking water: A trend that goes back hundreds of years

Kerala's pink drinking water
On: April 23, 2026 7:27 PM
Follow Us:

As you may have noticed, you may have seen a video of pink water in Kerala and wondered, Is this some crazy filter or influencer trend?  The answer is no. It’s not a trick of the light; that soft pink glow is real, classic, and so healthy.

A video going around Instagram of pink water being drunk in Kerala has gotten a lot of attention online. It might look like a filter or a popular edit at first, but it’s not. In fact, the soft pink colour comes from an old ingredient that people in Kerala have used for many years. But what is pink drinking water, anyway?

What’s in the pink water

What makes it work is Pathimugham, which is also called Sappan wood or East Indian redwood. If you cook this tree’s heartwood, it gives off a natural pink red colour that turns plain water into a soothing, pink drink. This is what people in Kerala call Ayurvedic water and it has been used in homes for many generations.

A quick interesting fact, Pathimugham grows naturally in Kerala and the area between India and Malaysia. Not like foreign superfoods, this is local, sustainable, and good for the environment.

Why do people drink it

It’s not just for looks when you boil water with Pathimugham. Research from the Department of Biotechnology in Kerala says it can

  • Clean the water and lower the chance of getting sick from it.
  • Help your skin and kidneys stay healthy.
  • Help clean the blood, process food and control cholesterol
  • Even shows possible anti cancer qualities.

This isn’t a cute pink trend- it’s a useful drink with roots in Ayurvedic medicine that go back hundreds of years.

The herb has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine as it is known to be an antibiotic and a preventative. Experts also say it might help with skin and kidney problems, as well as cholesterol, piles and stomach issues. Some studies suggest it might help treat certain types of cancer, but more research is needed.

Pathimugham water is good for you and is now a normal part of many people’s daily lives in Kerala. People usually eat it warm, especially in the morning and they also often serve it to guests. The flavour is mild and woody and you can make it taste better by adding ginger or cinnamon.

Read also: Kerala to be Keralam soon? Union Cabinet likely to change

What does this taste like, though

Spices like ginger, cardamon and cloves are often added to Pathimugham water to make it taste more earthy and mild. Most people in the area drink it warm in the morning, but you can also serve it to guests in houses, temples and traditional restaurants.

So, the next time you see pink water in Kerala, try to guess what spices were used before you taste it. It’s kind of like a flavour detective game.

Kerala’s daily healing ritual- pink water, lots of health Benefits

Pathimugham is a natural way to improve your health. The plant smells like an antibiotic and has been used for a long time in Ayurvedic medicine. Many say it can improve the health of your face, kidneys, stomach and even your blood.

It’s like a cosy pink cup of ritual with extra health benefits.

Easy DIY –  make your own Kerala pink water

  • Get a little piece of Pathimugham or Sappan wood.
  • Put it in water and boil it for 5 to 10 minutes or until the pink colour comes out.
  • You could add a slice of ginger or a few cardamom pods to make it taste better.
  • If possible, drink it warm in the morning.

Hint – If you boil it for too long, it will turn bitter and lose its earthy, gentle flavour.

Read also: Hidden Waterfall Temple in Kerala Draws Attention from Nature Lovers

Why is this practice still important now

For our interested brains, this is where it gets interesting. It’s more than a drink, Pathimugham water is a story of healthy living and living in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.

In a world full of foreign superfoods and health trends that look good on Instagram, Kerala, which is also known for its spices, has been slowly perfecting a natural, health promoting practice that has been around for generations.

The story behind Kerala’s pink water is more than just a trend

What might look like just another Instagram trend has been used for hundreds of years to improve health. Kerala pink water is a simple drink that blends Ayurvedic knowledge, locally grown ingredients and gentle health benefits.

Eva Banerjee

I am a versatile content writer from the MP region, covering politics, business, crime, current affairs, entertainment, video games, and sports with clear insights, engaging analysis, and timely, reader-focused updates.

Join WhatsApp

Join Now

Join Telegram

Join Now

Leave a Comment