Galangal Root organic
Also known as- Alpinia officinarum, galanga, lesser galangal, Chinese ginger.
Introduction
Galangal is an East Asian tropical shrub with lance-like leaves, iris-like flowers, and reddish brown, woody rhizomes. The name galangal is derived from the Arabic khalanjan, referring to Chinese ginger. Galangal is an important herb in Saudi herbal medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses galangal in formulas for the "spleen" to treat digestive problems and health conditions relating to a lack of the earth element, or difficulties in leading a "grounded" life. Various formulas feature galangal for treating "rebellious qi," in which energies that should go down in the body try to come up, as hiccups, belches, burps, and regurgitation.
Constituents
Primarily 1,8-cineol, eugenol, tannins. Also contains careneole, pinene, cadimene, galangin, kaempferide, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and galangol.
Parts Used
The rhizome, washed, dried and cut.
Typical Preparations
Teas and extracts. Added to aloe to reduce aloe's harsh laxative effect. The chopped root can be added to culinary dishes and the powdered herb is more convenient for making tinctures, but should be used within 1 year of purchase. May also be taken as a tea, extract or capsule.
Summary
Galangal root is a bitter used to stimulate the release of gastric juices to assist digestion. It relives bloating, constipation, sluggish digestion, and gas. Although galangal root helps the intestine process fats, one of the chemicals in the herb, 5-hydroxy-7-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone (HPH), has been shown to lower bloodstream cholesterol in laboratory investigation.
Precautions
Galangal root inhibits the release and action of pancreatic lipase, so don't take both galangal and digestive enzymes.
