Ever Heard of Galangal?

The last time I visited Thailand, I came across an exotic herb and I couldn’t help but fall in love with it.

I remember Cindy (my cousin) and I were walking down the busy street of the market when I saw it:

“What’s that? Is that ginger?” I asked

Cindy giggled and finally spluttered “No silly, its galangal”

“Gaga what?” I asked amused

Well, it seems I was half right because this brilliant herb does look like ginger, taste like ginger but acts like turmeric (mind-blowing, right?)

So, what Exactly is Galangal?

Galangal is an herb from the ginger family, belonging to the genus Alpinia. This herb is native to Thailand and China but is slowly gaining popularity among other cultures. There are four species of galangal. These are  greater galangal, (Alpinia galanga), lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum), Chinese galangal (Boesenbergia rotunda) and sand ginger (Kaempferia galanga)

Unlike ginger, galangal’s burning sensation vanishes almost instantly when consumed. Due to its spicy uniqueness, this herb regularly features in many Asian recipes.

Here are some reasons why galangal is good for you:

It Manages Sea and Motion Sickness

Ever been on a bus, or at sea, and you constantly felt nauseous? Well, this phenomenon is called sea (if you are at sea) or motion (if you are on the road) sickness. Thankfully, galangal can help improve this condition. Due to its spiciness,  it helps to eradicate the symptoms associated with sea and motion sickness.

It Cures Diarrhea 

If you’ve ever suffered from diarrhea then you would know just how tormenting the journey to the bathroom is everytime you need to use the toilet. You may eventually end up staying in the restroom. Well, worry no more! If you ever experience diarrhea again, just eat a few slices of galangal. It is known to provide instant relief from diarrhea. (Thank me later!)

It`s Anti-inflammatory

Galangal contains anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve abdominal pains and stomach discomfort triggered by inflammatory diseases.

For that Flawless Skin

A number of people spend thousands of dollars while trying to achieve a flawless and baby-like skin, which is why companies that produce skin care products are smiling to the bank.  What if I told you that galangal is a cheaper and natural alternative to achieving that much desired beautiful skin? Galangal contains over forty antioxidants that protect the skin, preserves a youthful appearance, slows down the aging process, and treats various skin diseases. The antiseptic properties of galangal helps it keep the skin smooth, supple, clean and acne free.

It Fights Cancer 

Galangal’s most known ability is its revolutionary effect on cancer. Studies have shown that galangal can help fight breast, colon, pancreatic and hepatic cancer. It also tackles leukemia, melanoma and several other types of cancer.

It Improves Sperm Count 

Male fertility has always been a “touchy” topic, especially for men considered infertile. Thanks to the tons of nutrients in this plant, galangal has been proven to increase sperm count and its ability to move (motility). So, gentlemen, you may want to consider adding some galangal into your diet.

It Treats Burns and Erases Scars 

Galangal has been used traditionally to treat burns. It helps relieve the pain and speeds up the healing process. In contemporary dermatology, this plant is also great for erasing scars on the skin. Rubbing fresh slices or the juice of this herb on the skin is a sure way of getting rid of those unwanted scars on the body.

Healthy Hair 

Say goodbye to bad hair days with galangal. This amazing herb is known for its hair related benefits. It is useful in treating scalp related diseases. It also promotes hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. Galangal contains zinc, phosphorus and vitamins known to prevent hair loss, dandruff, add luster to the hair and treat split ends. A well known hack is adding galangal juice to jojoba oil. This will help you achieve healthy and beautiful hair.

All the Goodness of Galangal

Galangal is a power house of nutrients, and it is bursting with all the essential properties beneficial to the body.

500 grams of galangal contains:

  • 7.5 grams of carbohydrate
  • 2.7  grams of vitamin C
  • 35 grams of calories
  • 0.5 gram of protein
  • 1 gram of fiber
  • 0.5 gram of fat

This amazing plant is also rich in flavonoids, emodin, phytonutrients, sodium, iron, sitisterol and Vitamin A.

Oh yeah, remember I told you that this herb is actually similar to ginger (in fact, they belong to the same family) and turmeric? Well, let me expatiate;

Ginger and turmeric are often likened to this amazing herb, and this is because of the similar nature of these three herbs. To start with, these herbs all help reduce inflammation, aid the digestive system and fight cancer. These three herbs are also known to be exceptionally good for the neurological system and they promote excellent cognitive functions.

Although ginger and turmeric have been found to manage diabetes, research is yet to reveal if galangal can do the same. But let’s not forget that galangal also increases sperm count, something ginger and turmeric don’t do.

Consume with Caution 

Oh yes, every good thing must have its bad side, isn’t it? And galangal isn’t an exception. So, you may want to continue reading to know if galangal is safe for you or considered potentially dangerous!

  • Like most plants, it is possible for galangal to cause some alleegic reactions. If you are allergic to certain things, or if your skin is sensitive, then you must be really careful when applying galangal to your skin. (Honestly, I’d just advise you to skip the process)
  • The use of galangal should be avoided while pregnant. Research has not been able to prove if galangal is suitable for use in pregnant women. However, if you still feel like incorporating a little galangal in your pregnancy diet, please make sure you consult a doctor.
  • As earlier mentioned, galangal may cause some allergic reactions, not just on the skin. So you may need to be careful with consuming this herb. The chances that you won’t experience an allergic reaction are pretty slim. However, research has claimed that consuming galangal may help curtail allergic reactions in people that suffer from allergies. (How confusing is that for a start?)
  • Galangal may increase the production of stomach acid. (Uh-oh.) Well, the particular type of galangal responsible for this is the greater galangal (Alpinia galanga). This species of galangal is best avoided for people with peptic ulcer or GERD. Unless recommended by a doctor, you are likely better off without this herb.

Let’s Take a Recap, shall we?

So I did tell you that galangal is one amazing herb I saw during my last visit to Thailand. Native to China and Thailand, this plant is known for a variety of health benefits. Galangal is known to help fight cancer, promote brain health, care for the skin by slowing the aging process, treating burns and erasing scars. This wonderful herb is also known for its tremendous benefits to the hair: it prevents dandruff, hair loss, hair thinning, promotes hair growth and treats the scalp. Not only that, galangal is also known to increase sperm count, improve diarrhea, curb motion sickness and for its anti-inflammatory properties.

And lest I forget, 80% of Chinese and Thai recipes actually feature this life-changing herb. So it is not only nutritious but delicious as well. Cheers to a “one in a million” herb.