Health Benefits of Aplinia Galanga

Galangal has got both culinary and medicinal value which is a rhizome that belongs to ginger family of Zingiberaceae. It is predominantly used in Indonesia and Malaysia as a flavouring agent and as a famous spice. Lesser galangal is native to China, growing mainly on the southeast coast. Galangal is closely related to ginger but it varies in taste. Ganlangal is available as a whole herb either cut or powdered. A fresh galangal is hard and slicing it would be little dofficult. A blend of galangal and lime juice is used as a syrup which has got medicinal benefits.

Primary Use of the Herb

Galangal is a fragrant stimulant, carminative and stomachic. It is used in the treatment of nausea, flatulence, dyspepsia, rheumatism, catarrh and enteritis. It consists of antibacterial qualities and is used for these properties in veterinary and homeopathic medicine.

Chemical and Nutrients in Galangal

• 1; 8-cineol
• Alpinia
• Antifeedant
• Coptotermescurvignathus
• Coptotermesgestroi
• Zinc
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Phosphorous
• Flavonoids
• Phytonutrients
• Emodin
• beta-sitosterol
• quercetin
• galangin

Health Benefits of Galangal

1. Get rid of dandruff

   The antiseptic contents in galangal help in washing away dandruff permanently. Oil is extracted from Galangal and applied on scalp to get rid of dandruff. It can also be mixed with olive oil and sesame oil or lime juice and applied.

2. Hair benefits

   The oil of galangal can be used for oil as it stimulates hair growth. The juice of galangal can be sued for thinning hair which will be helpful in eradicating hair fall and strengthens the roots. The oil gives a shiny look to the hair with a bounce. It can also be used to treat split ends.

3. Skin cleanser

   It is an excellent skin cleanser and makes your skin free from clean, blemish free and smooth. It also helps you to free acne. When applied on the skin it can act as an agent fighting against bacteria and keeping the skin free from acne.

4. Treatment for skin burn

   The juice of galangal can be applied on burnt are of the skin. It gives relief to pain and also helps in healing the burn. Slices of galangal can be used for rubbing against the burn which has the power to vanish the scars.

5. Helps in blood circulation

   Galangal helps in removing the toxins from the skin thus improving the circulation of blood which releases extra nutrients to the tissues. It consists of antioxidants which restricts free radicals from affecting the skin enhancing the youthfulness to the skin.

6. Other health benefits

   It helps in resolving digestion problems, cure motion sickness, helps in blood circulation and cure for diarrhea.

How to Use

• Peel off the skin and grate or mince it for a stir-fry for using in soups and curries.
• The skin is removed; it is cut into slices and grinded into a paste which can be applied on skin and hair for various medicinal advantages.

Caution

Avoid using galangal during the time of pregnancy and while practicing breast feeding. The fresh fruit of galangal may be toxic and lead to dizziness, stomach pain and vomiting.