Also known as colic root or Chinese ginger, this is a reed-like plant that is native to south east China, especially in the island of Hainan. It is now cultivated in China, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan. It is closely related to ginger (Zingiber officinale) and to the large Galanga (Galanga officinalis). The root and rhizome are used in herbal medicine, but also may be used as a spice in curries.
Medicinal Properties of Galangal
Galangal contains a volatile oil and a compound called galangol. This herb is carminative (wind relieving), stimulant, stomach tonic, anti-emetic (reduces nausea) diaphoretic, anti-fungal and antiseptic.
Galangal Herbal Remedies
Historically Galangal has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
Candida infections
Colic
Flatulence
Indigestion
Nausea and vomiting
Travel sickness
Mouth ulcers of the gums
Other Galangal Information
This herb is quite difficult to buy, but if you are able to get the rhizome it can be used to make tea and taken up to three times per day. A qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations.
Side Effects of Galangal
The safety of this herb during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and is therefore best avoided.
At the time of writing there are no well-known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications from galangal.
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