Sappanwood (Tea)

Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan), is used to make a medicinal tea with a mild taste and a beautiful pink-colored hue.

• Sappanwood is used to cleanse the blood
• It is excellent for the skin and removes fine wrinkles
• It contains brazilin, a phytochemical which protects the skin against UV rays and skin photo aging
• Sappanwwood can greatly prevent tooth decay. It has very powerful antimicrobial properties and is effective against cariogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria which causes most of tooth decay
• Sappanwood has a protective effect on the brain. It contains Protosappanin A, which greatly inhibits oxidative stress
• It is excellent for treating wounds and reduces the pain when used as a wound wash
• It quenches thirst more than other teas, and purifies water
• Because of its blood and skin-purifying effects, it also cures acne
• Sappanwood is traditionally boiled mixed with Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander seeds and Cardamom, to make a drink called pathimukham in Sanskrit. You can also squeeze a bit of lime into it
• It is an astringent, and therefore used for dysentery, diarrhea and skin diseases
• The red pigment (brazilin) obtained from the wood is also used as a natural food color.
• However, the brazilin in Sappanwood is toxic to pregnant and breastfeeding women

References: National Library of Medicine