|
| Botanical Name |
Alpinia
galanga |
|
| Common Name |
English:
Galangal |
| Family |
Zingiberaceae |
| Parts Used |
Rhizomes,
oils |
| Medicinal Property |
An
aromatic, bitter, pungent herb that stimulates the digestive system. It
also relieves pain, lowers fever and controls bacterial & fungal
infections. It is used to treat bronchial catarrh, respiratory complaints
and rheumatism. The drug is a depressant of the cardio-vascular system.
The rhizomes are also carminative and stomachic. |
| Chemistry |
Rhizomes
contain 4 % oil. It consists of Methylcinnamate, some camphor and probably
D-pinene. |
| Description |
It
is herbaceous perennial plant which attains a height up to 2 m. Leaves are
long narrow. Flowers arise in compound dense branches, greenish white in
colour. Fruits are orange red, 13 mm long and contain 3-6 seeds. Rhizomes
are deep orange-brown colour. |
| Distribution |
Native
of Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats. |
| Economics |
Raw
rhizomes are popular ingredient in many Indonesian and Malaysian dishes
for its ginger-like flavors. Oils and extracts used in liquors, soft drink
as a flavors. |
| Warning |
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