True Galangal: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Physical and psychological ailments can be alleviated not only by traditional medicine. In nature, there are often plant components that have a similar effect. For example, elecampane can be used for psychovegetative problems.

Occurrence and cultivation of the true galangal.

The true galangal belongs to the family of ginger plants. The plant is used for seasoning as well as for healing. The true galangal belongs to the family of ginger plants. The plant is used for seasoning as well as for healing. Originally, the tuber comes from the island of Hainan. In the meantime, however, it is widely cultivated in Thailand and across Southeast Asia and is sometimes imported into Europe. The flowers of the plant look similar to those of orchids. Their color spectrum is based on white and reddish tones. Flowering time is between April and September. The leaves of the plant are green and reach 20 to 30 centimeters in length. In total, the herbaceous plant takes about 1.5 meters in terms of its size. For medicinal and aromatic purposes, however, the root of the true galangal is used. This has a brownish to yellow hue and is perceived as spicy and slightly burning hot. Galangal can be found in numerous spice mixtures. It is used particularly frequently in Chinese and generally Asian cuisines. In addition, it is often used to distill herbal liqueurs. The medical history of galangal goes back a long way. It was first mentioned in European literature as early as the 10th century. Thus, the tuber must have reached the West via India in the early Middle Ages.

Effect and application

True galangal is especially commonly used for psychovegetative disorders. Psychovegetative disorders are caused by psychological components, but trigger physical complaints. The starting point is often stressful or stressful situations. Thus, the physical disorders do not have organic causes as a basis. There is inner restlessness, nervousness, difficulty falling asleep, headaches, sensitivity to the weather, heart complaints and cycle disturbances. Some people react with sluggish digestion, constipation, bloating or lack of appetite. To alleviate numerous ailments, elecampane can be ingested through various products. Consumption via food is particularly popular. For this purpose, the tuber is grated or cut into small pieces and integrated into various recipes, similar to ginger. It goes well with vegetables, in broths, stews, soups and various sauces. Away from the fresh true galangal, it can likewise be purchased dried and in powder. Dried pieces should be soaked in water before use. In general, dry and cool storage is recommended. The root can also be used to make a tea. For this, a piece of the fresh tuber is cut into thin slices and placed in a pot of boiling water. The real galangal should infuse for about ten minutes before the pieces can be removed with a sieve. However, the spice is perceived as spicy and bitter, especially by children. A little sugar or agave syrup can soften the taste of the mixture. For galangal wine, one teaspoon of the plant is boiled in about 250 milliliters of wine. If only the dried product is available, the ratio is one tablespoon to 750 milliliters of wine. For purely medicinal purposes, tablets containing the active ingredients of true galangal can also be purchased. These are usually available without a doctor’s prescription. The manufacturer’s instructions apply.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Psychovegetatively, elecampane enjoys a proven efficacy. The same is true for loss of appetite and digestive problems. On the one hand, clinical studies have been carried out on its use in the context of the aforementioned complaints, and on the other hand, the relationship could be evaluated by an independent commission. Based on the experience of doctors and folk medicine, elecampane is used for inflammation, biliousness, stomach pain and upper abdominal pain. Decisive for the effect of true galangal are its ingredients. In addition to essential oils, the root contains pungents and flavonoids. The pungents are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect. They are able to inhibit the activity of certain messenger substances.Thus, inflammations can subside faster and the general health of a patient can be restored. The way in which galangal is effective against headaches, period pains, fever, colds, heartburn, flatulence and cardiovascular problems has not yet been fully researched. Furthermore, the effect as cancer prevention as well as treatment of increased fat levels and vomiting is not considered scientifically established and proven. Genuine galangal can thus alleviate numerous ailments. At the same time, no side effects have been observed so far at low, usual dosages. If the amount exceeds a limit of about 2 grams, stomach pain may occur under certain circumstances. Nevertheless, each person reacts in a differentiated way. Thus, the development of stomach problems is not obligatorily associated with a high dosage. So far, no interactions with other medications have been found. Nevertheless, in case of chronic diseases, it is recommended to contact a doctor before starting the therapy with elecampane. In general, the plant is a treatment method. The tuber is not suitable for preventive purposes, but it can weaken the symptoms of already existing disorders. Self-treatment should be viewed critically, as with all medications. This is especially true for people with heart problems. If the symptoms to be treated do not disappear within a week, a doctor should be consulted. Generally speaking, the Genuine Galangal is an alternative to conventional medicine.