Galangal (Alpinia Galanga): The Therapeutic Power of A Warming Spice

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

Alpinia Galanga
Alpinia Galanga, or as it is commonly called, galangal, is a medicinal spice renowned for its usage in food and alternative medicine. Galangal is native to an island in Indonesia called Java. However, it is also widely cultivated around Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.


Alpinia Galanga comes from the Zingiberaceae family, similar to ginger and turmeric. This medicinal spice is famous for its pungent and spicy taste, hence added to dishes to enhance flavour. The rhizomes of galangal are dark reddish brown in colour. The plant has fragrant flowers which grow to 30cm long and are either yellowish-white or greenish-white in colour.


The leaves are 25-50cm long, blade-like in shape and bright green in colour. The leaves are fibrous and pungent when raw, but when cooked, it gives a sweet and aromatic flavour. The fruits are pear-shaped and small like berries. Initially, the fruit is green but turns yellow and matures to red. 


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The Warming Spice in Traditional Medicine
Galangal is extensively utilized in herbal or traditional medicine for its rich medicinal advantages. This medicinal spice is used to resolve digestive problems like bloating, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, acid reflux, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and loss of appetite. In addition to that, galangal is used to alleviate pain caused by inflammation on joints due to diseases such as gout and arthritis.


Galangal also helps relieve abdominal or gastric pain. Besides that, this medicinal spice can treat respiratory ailments like cold, cough and asthma by reducing the mucous to aid healthy breathing. Apart from that, this medicinal spice prevents bacterial infection, thus it is used as a mouthwash to keep the mouth clean and to have healthy breath.


On top of that, galangal can treat skin infections, fungal conditions and acne. Moreover, this spice can manage irregular heartbeats, palpitation and high blood pressure, which results in healthy heart function. Furthermore, galangal can combat high temperature; therefore is used to reduce body temperature during fever. Additionally, this medicinal spice can regulate blood glucose levels, therefore used with people having diabetes. 

6 Galangal Evidence - Backed Health Benefits

1. Reduce inflammation
Chronic low-level inflammation can affect the human body in various ways. As a result, people can develop health conditions such as heart disease, metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis and many more. Certain foods have the power to heal inflammation naturally. Several research studies conclude that galangal has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent inflammation of the joints, plus manage joint diseases like gout and arthritis.



2. Antioxidant properties
Due to metabolic activities inside the body and minor illnesses, free radicals are produced in the cells of a human. Consequently, these free radical damages your healthy cells. Antioxidant destroys this free radicals to help maintain healthy cells. Studies reveal that galangal contains high levels of antioxidant properties that can prevent chronic illnesses.
 
 

3. Anti microbial
Bacterial infection can happen to anyone around the world. Exposing yourselves to unclean environments and practising unhygienic habits leads to microbes invading your body. This affects the physical and mental health of a person. Research done on galangal shows significant results in inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli, Salmonella Typhii and Klebsiella Pneumonia. Similarly, other studies also concluded that galangal fights against the fungal activities of Candida Albicans.



4. Protect your heart
According to several research studies, galangal has antihypertensive effects and can reduce the development of plaque in arteries. Therefore, consuming galangal can improve healthy heart functions and reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.



5. Prevents cancer
Cancer is a non-communicable disease that can affect both adults and children around the world. Presently, this illness is one of the leading causes of mortality globally, with around 400 000 cases yearly. Studies done on galangal display that this warming spice can reduce the development of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer.



6. Regulates sugar level
Diabetes is a common non-communicable disease affecting millions worldwide. The prevalence of this illness increases yearly despite many attempts to curb this burgeoning disease. Nevertheless, you can educate yourself to nourish your health by choosing a balanced diet and leading a holistic lifestyle. According to studies done on galangal, this warming spice shows significant results in reducing blood glucose levels in humans. It is also safe if consumed in balance for those diagnosed with diabetes. 









All in All
Alpinia Galanga, or as it is commonly called, galangal, is notable for its use to flavour dishes and treat ailments. This medicinal spice has long been used in Southeast Asian countries to intensify the taste of the food. You can add galangal to soups and curries to enhance flavour. You can also blend it to make a paste and add it to stir-fries. This warming spice has been used in traditional medicine to improve health and well-being since the dawn of time.



Nutrition Takes explores 6 evidence-backed health benefits of Alpinia Galanga. Share or ask questions if you would like to know more about the topic or if you have different insights that you would like to share. I am always happy to know about your journey in holistic approaches. 









References
1. Sandra G et al. (2020); Galangal, the multipotent super spices: A comprehensive review; Trends in Food Science and Technology;
   101: 50-62.

2. Spence C (2025); Galangal ‘the spice of life’: History, flavour chemistry and culinary uses; International Journal of Gastronomy
    and Food Science; 42: 101372.

3. Khairullah et al. (2020); A review of an important medicinal plant: Alpinia Galanga; Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy; 11(10): 387-395.
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4. Verma R et al. (2022); Phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Alpinia Galanga: A Review; Asian Journal of Pharmacy
    and Pharmacological; 8(3): 74-85.