Galangal is a reed-like plant reaching a height if 1 mt. with irregularly branched rhizomes (mass of roots). It is a relative of the ginger plant and is used in various Asian and Indonesian cuisines. Though it is related to and resembles ginger there is little similarity in taste. It is also known as Chinese ginger, galanga root and galingale. Used in England from the time of the Crusades, having been brought back from the Middle East, Galangal warrants a mention in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and is used quite frequently in The Former of Curry, a recipe book written by the cooks of Richard II in 1390.
In Europe, during the middle Ages, Galangal's warming, stimulating scent was known as an aphrodisiac and it is still sold by some herbal suppliers as a sexual stimulant. As with all exotic ingredients, galangal enjoyed a reputation for being powerful in European ‘magic’. It was used for protection and health; to encourage lust and desire; to attract money; to enhance and strengthen psychic powers and for breaking evil or malevolent spells.
Galangal essential oil is steam distilled from the rhizomes (roots) and possesses similar properties to those of Ginger essential oil: stimulant, carminative and digestive.
Galangal essential oil (Kaempferia galanga) is a partly liquid/partly crystalline mass at room temperature displaying a rich, sweet woody, fruity-winey bouquet with a balsamic-spicy undertone of fine tenacity. In natural perfumery used in spice accords, precious woods notes, high class floral (as a fixative), Oriental bases.
Galangal essential oil is hot oil and must be used with a carrier when applying to the skin. Being hot oil, it will have aphrodisiac qualities and will tend to arouse especially when blended with ginger, cinnamon, and clove. Galangal Oil is warming, stimulating and antiseptic.
Galangal essential oils scent is fresh, spicy and woody. In magic it is called Low John and is used to influence the courts in your favor. Use Galangal Essential Oil when life is feeling a burden and you need a lift. Child like feelings can come back to you and life can seem fun again. A local spice in Indonesia is called false galanga (Kaernpferia galanga).
Galangal is a yellow brown liquid distilled from dried roots of a reed like plant reaching a mature height of one meter. The plant is found mainly in India. In the middle ages its invigorating scent was used as a sexual stimulant and was considered magical as it reportedly attracted wealth, and warded off evil spirits.
Uses & Benefits: Galangal is beneficial for the digestive system and is indicated in the British herbal Pharmacopoeia for dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, nausea, and vomiting including travel sickness. It also beneficial to the circulation and can help with stiffness in the joints and muscles.
Galangal belongs to the family of rhizome family. Galangal herb is just like ginger and turmeric and hence it is commonly known as ‘Siamese ginger’. This magical herb is mainly used in Southeast Asian cuisine especially Thai. It contains volatile oil, resin, alpines, flavonoids, galangol and kaempferide.
This volatile oil plays a key role in herb’s medicinal properties such as treating and calming stomach related disorders. Galangal is available in powdered, oil, tea, fluid extract form. It has got aromatic, pungent, peppery and ginger like flavor. It is red in color with white interior.
Galangal is loaded in antioxidants which help in minimizing the damage caused by free radicals in body.
Galangal is rich in anti-inflammatory properties which help in effective treatment of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
For getting instant relief from diarrhea, consuming fresh galangal in daily diet proves very effective.
Consuming galangal helps in getting relief from discomfort caused due to inflammation of abdomen and ulcers in an easy way. Including generous amount of galangal in your daily diet helps in improving blood circulation process in body.
It is very effective in treating vomiting, motion sickness, flatulence, nausea, dyspepsia and loss of appetite. Its use can magically ward off ailments like flu, sore throat, cough, cold, bronchitis, liver, infection and rheumatism and gallbladder complaints.
In India, it used as a body deodorizer and halitosis remedy.