Pathimukham, Patang (Caesalpinia Sappan)
This is a herbal plant with medicinal abilities, I planted one on land and it grows 10 feets of height. In Kerala, we purify drinking water while using the It also produces a valued type of reddish dye from it's heartwood which contains juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), also an active antimicrobial principle. Homoisoflavonoids (sappanol, episappanol, 3'-deoxysappanol, 3'-O-methylsappanol, 3'-O-methylepisappanol and sappanone A) can also be found in C. sappan.
Image was taken from the neighboring plot.The wood is somewhat lighter in color than Brazilwood and its other allies, but the same tinctorial principle appears to be common to all. Sappanwood was a major trade good during the 17th century, when it was exported from Southeast Asian nations (especially Siam) aboard red seal ships to Japan.
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 nature it can be used by itself as a medicine.This herbal drinking water has the ability to cure anti-thirst, used as blood purifier, anti- diabetic, improvement of complexion and several other properties.
Source: The image or heartwood is copied from other articles.
