Home Treatment For Colds

Galangal

Latin name: Alpinia officinarum
Other names: Catarrh Root, China Root, Chinese Ginger, Colic Root, India Root

A Remedy For

  • Appetite loss
  • Bronchitis
  • Colds
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Indigestion
  • Liver and gallbladder problems
  • Sore throat
  • Tendency to infection

In Asia, this herb is also used for arthritis, diabetes, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing. However, its effectiveness for these problems has not been confirmed.

What It Is; Why It Works
Galangal has an exotic provenance. The name itself is an Arabic corruption of the Chinese word for ginger. The plant grows in India, Thailand, and southern China, and was probably introduced to the West by Arab or Greek physicians. Galangal has been used as a spice for over 1,000 years. In Russia, it’s used as a flavoring for vinegar and the spirit “nastoika.”

   Galangal has several medicinal actions. It relieves spasms, combats inflammation, and fights bacteria.

Avoid If…
There are no known medical conditions that preclude the use of Galangal.

Special Cautions
No health risks or side effects following proper use of Galangal have been recorded.

Possible Drug Interactions
No interactions have been reported.

Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.

How To Prepare
Galangal may be used as a powder or drunk as a tea. It is also an ingredient in many so-called “Swedish herb” mixtures.

   To make tea, pour boiling water over 0.5 to 1 gram (about one-eighth teaspoonful) of Galangal, steep for 10 minutes, and strain.

Typical Dosage
Drink 1 cup of tea one-half hour before meals. Use a total of 2 to 4 grams of the herb daily.

Overdosage
No information on overdosage is available.

Source Citation: “Galangal.” The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines and Healing Therapies. David W. Sifton, Editor in chief. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., A Thomson Healthcare Company, Fall 2004.