Ingredient / Plant: Khulanjan / Kulanjan / Greater (Java) Galangal
Scientific / Botanical Name: Alpinia galanga Willd.
Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)

Description

The dried rhizome has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and is valued for its antibacterial, anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, aromatic, bitter, cardiotonic, carminative, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, nervine tonic, stimulant, and stomachic properties.

It acts as a warming herb and is commonly used in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, and diarrhoea associated with internal cold. Its mild irritant action on the gastric mucosa helps stimulate digestion and appetite. The rhizome is also beneficial in catarrhal conditions and respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough.

Due to its anti-inflammatory action, it is traditionally used in rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also recommended for oral and throat conditions including halitosis, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, and speech weakness such as stammering.

The herb has a long-standing reputation as a remedy for sexual weakness and nervous debility. Traditional use as an aphrodisiac has been supported by experimental studies showing improvement in reproductive organ weight, sperm motility, and sperm count. It is also valued for strengthening the heart and supporting overall vitality.

Recommended Dosage

• Dried rhizome powder: 2–4 g daily

Contraindications & Precautions

This herb has no known warnings or contraindications when used as directed.

Useful in the Following Conditions