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Alpinia officinarum

BINOMIAL NAME Alpinia officinarum
COMMON NAME Lesser galangal
FAMILY Zingiberaceae
TAMIL NAME சிற்றரத்தை
HABIT Perennial, herbaceous plant
MORPHOLOGY The plant is a rhizomatous, perennial herb, and attains a height of about 1.5–2.5 m. The rhizome is very prominent and aromatic. Externally, it is reddish brown-white and internally reddish-white. Leaves are leathery, about 30–60 cm long and 10–15 cm, glossy on both surfaces, lanceolate and smooth, with white margins.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES ul {margin: 0;}
  • Galangal fights inflammation, strengthens the immune system.
  • Acts against cancer.
  • It improves digestive health.
  • Reduces blood cholesterol levels, fights respiratory ailments.
  • Galangal is used for the treatment of cold, cough and sore throat.
SOURCE 1) Alpinia officinarum (Lesser Galangal) - Bamboo Land Nursery QLD Australia". Bamboo Land.
2) Gualtiero Simonetti (1990). Stanley Schuler (ed.). Simon & Schuster's Guide to Herbs and Spices. Simon & Schuster, Inc. ISBN 978-0-671-73489-3.