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Botanical Name Alpinia galanga

             
Common Name English: Galangal
Family Zingiberaceae
Parts Used Rhizomes, oils
Medicinal Property An aromatic, bitter, pungent herb that stimulates the digestive system. It also relieves pain, lowers fever and controls bacterial & fungal infections. It is used to treat bronchial catarrh, respiratory complaints and rheumatism. The drug is a depressant of the cardio-vascular system. The rhizomes are also carminative and stomachic.
Chemistry

Rhizomes contain 4 % oil. It consists of Methylcinnamate, some camphor and probably D-pinene.

Description It is herbaceous perennial plant which attains a height up to 2 m. Leaves are long narrow. Flowers arise in compound dense branches, greenish white in colour. Fruits are orange red, 13 mm long and contain 3-6 seeds. Rhizomes are deep orange-brown colour.
Distribution Native of Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats.
Economics Raw rhizomes are popular ingredient in many Indonesian and Malaysian dishes for its ginger-like flavors. Oils and extracts used in liquors, soft drink as a flavors. 
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