What Is Uthai Thip Made From? Why Is It Red? Is It Safe to Apply on Lips and Cheeks?

What is Uthai Thip made from? Let's get to know the ingredients of "Uthai liquid" a common household red medicine extracted from natural herbs like the core of the sappan tree, known for relieving internal heat and nourishing the blood, familiar to Thai people.

What is Uthai Thip or Uthai liquid made from?

"Uthai liquid" or as many commonly call it after the famous brand, "Uthai Thip" is a traditional medicine and common household remedy long cherished by Thai people. Many may have used this red liquid by adding drops to cold water to quench thirst or even applied it on lips and cheeks in the past. But the question many wonder is, what is Uthai Thip made from?

Information from medicine labels and Thai herbal recipes states that Uthai liquid is extracted from a mixture of various natural herbs, with key ingredients including

• the core of the sappan tree, the main ingredient providing the red color and medicinal properties,
• Bunnak flowers, which have a slightly bitter taste, help reduce fever, relieve gas, nourish the blood and heart,
• saffron grass, which helps reduce fever, nourish the blood and elements, and acts as a tonic,
• Sarapee flowers, which help stimulate appetite and nourish the heart,
• and other herbs, such as the cores of Lukchan and Sandalwood trees, Rong flowers, jasmine, safflower, chrysanthemum, pandan leaves, and honey vine flowers, which enhance the benefits and add a pleasant fragrance.

Where does the red color of Uthai Thip come from?

The bright red color of Uthai liquid does not come from synthetic food coloring but from the natural color of the core of the sappan tree, a type of hardwood which, when boiled or extracted with water, produces a red-orange to deep red liquid. Besides its beautiful color, sappan wood has traditional Thai medicinal properties for nourishing the blood.

Benefits of Uthai liquid beyond refreshment

Historically, Uthai liquid was developed to balance bodily elements, especially in Thailand's hot and humid climate. Drinking water with Uthai liquid drops provides the following main benefits:

• relieves internal heat and thirst, the coolness and herbal aroma help detoxify internal heat,
• nourishes the blood and heart, herbs like saffron grass and Bunnak flowers stimulate blood circulation and support heart function,
• relieves fatigue, helping the body feel refreshed and energized.

Is it safe to apply Uthai Thip on lips and cheeks?

Applying Uthai liquid on lips or cheeks to create a natural red tint was a popular trend among Thai youth at one time. Since Uthai liquid is extracted from natural herbs and is meant for consumption, applying it to the skin or lips does not pose dangers from harsh chemicals. However, people with very sensitive skin should be cautious of irritation caused by some herbal components or alcohol used as a solvent in some formulas.

Precautions for consumption

Although it is a safe herbal medicine, some Uthai liquid brands' labels and instructions include a warning "Do not consume if pregnant." Because certain herbs stimulate blood circulation, which could affect pregnant women.

Uthai Thip or Uthai liquid is made from extracts of over ten natural herbs, with "the core of the sappan tree" as the main ingredient providing natural red color. Other herbs include saffron grass, Bunnak flowers, and jasmine, known for nourishing blood, supporting the heart, and relieving internal heat and thirst. It is a common household medicine safe for consumption but should be avoided by pregnant women.