Galangal
GALANGAL
Galangal is the bold, peppery, citrusy cousin of ginger that’s been heating up kitchens and healing bodies for over a thousand years. Known as “the spice of life” in parts of Southeast Asia and “blue ginger” in some global kitchens, galangal isn’t just a culinary wonder, it’s a medicinal powerhouse with deep roots in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani, and Southeast Asian folk healing.
There are a couple of main types: Alpinia galanga (greater galangal) and Alpinia officinarum (lesser galangal)- and both have long, rich histories. Galangal likely originated in southern China or Indonesia, and spread widely through Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, and beyond via ancient trade routes. It’s been used in food and medicine since at least the 7th century, showing up in Ayurvedic texts as a warming digestive tonic and Chinese medical texts as an herb that moves qi, dissolves cold, and relieves pain.
In Ayurveda, galangal is known as kulanjan, and is categorized as hot, pungent, and penetrating. It’s perfect for awakening sluggish digestion, dissolving mucus, and stimulating circulation. It is often used for vata and kapha imbalances, especially when there’s coldness, heaviness, or stagnation in the gut or lungs. It’s also added to tonics for longevity, virility, and joint health.
Meanwhile, in Thai and Indonesian medicine, galangal has long been brewed into teas and decoctions to treat nausea, inflammation, respiratory infections, and even rheumatism. In Jamu, the Indonesian traditional healing system, galangal is a core ingredient in many herbal elixirs- especially those aimed at detoxification, immunity, and post-illness recovery.
By the Middle Ages, galangal made its way into Islamic medicine, where Unani physicians like Avicenna (Ibn Sina) praised it for its warming properties and used it to treat cold stomach, heart weakness, and sexual fatigue. It was brought to Europe via spice trade routes and found favor with herbalists who saw it as a digestive stimulant, aphrodisiac, and even a remedy for plague.
Today, galangal is best known for its role in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai soups, curries, and broths - but its medicinal use is alive and well. Modern studies show it contains compounds like galangin, alpinin, and gingerol-like constituents that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. It's being studied for its ability to combat infections, support digestion, and potentially protect against certain cancers.
But beyond the science, galangal remains what it has always been: fire medicine. A root that warms the body, clears the fog, and gets energy moving. Whether you’re sipping it in a broth, steeping it in tea, or grinding it into a remedy, galangal is a reminder that healing can be spicy, strong, and rooted in tradition.
Medicinal Uses of Galangal
Improves Digestion
Stimulates digestive enzymes
Relieves gas, bloating, indigestion, and sluggish metabolism
Relieves Nausea and Motion Sickness
Soothes upset stomach
Used traditionally for pregnancy-related nausea and seasickness
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces inflammation in joints and tissues
Used in arthritis and inflammatory conditions
Antimicrobial and Antiviral
Fights bacterial, fungal, and viral infections
Used in traditional medicine for wound healing and infections
Supports Respiratory Health
Eases cough, bronchitis, and chest congestion
Acts as an expectorant to clear mucus
Improves Circulation
Promotes blood flow and warms the body
Helpful in cold hands and feet due to poor circulation
Pain Relief
Used to ease headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain
Aphrodisiac and Reproductive Tonic
Enhances libido and sexual vitality in men and women
Traditionally used to combat sexual fatigue
Antioxidant Effects
Contains flavonoids that protect cells from oxidative damage
May support healthy aging and immune defense
Supports Cognitive Function (Emerging Research)
Preliminary studies suggest potential for neuroprotective effects
Protects Gut Health
May help reduce stomach ulcers and soothe inflammation of the gut lining
Boosts Immune Function
Strengthens resistance to illness, especially post-infection or during recovery