Galangal

Description

Galangal (Alpinia Galanga) is a plant that grows in countries such as China, New-Guinea, India, Indonesia and Japan. In general Galangal is used as a spice in the kitchen and resembles the tasted of ginger. The rooth of this plant  can also be distilled into a liquor and it’s being used in many herbal remedies. The plant grows from rhizomes in clumps of stiff stalks up to 2 meter in height with abundant long leaves that bear red fruit.

History

The plant was introduced 1000 years ago in Europe by Arabic physicists.

About the plant

This plant’s rhizome is the “galangal” used most often in the kitchen, valued for its use in food and traditional medicine. The rhizome has a pungent smell and strong taste reminiscent of black pepper and pine needles. Red and white cultivars are often used differently, with red cultivars being primarily medicinal, and white cultivars primarily as a spice. The red fruit is used in traditional Chinese medicine and has a flavor similar to Cardamon. It’s a variety of the Zingiberaceae family.

Effects

Galangal is known for stimulating the libido, digestion, appetide, bowl movement, blood circulations, menstruation, concentration and energy. It can help alleviate respiratory diseases, stomach problems, headache and fever.

Chewing on a piece of Galangal can help relieve symptoms of a toothache. It can also be mind enriching and it has a mild psychoactive effect, depending on the dosage it can be hallucinogenic.

Usage

Dosis: 1 to 10 grams at a time, from making tea with added honey or use in it different kind of dishes such as a curry or simply just a piece of rooth to chew on.

Warning

Do not use during pregnancy or while lactating. Not suitable for baby’s or young children.