* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Other Names Siamese ginger; lesser galangal; gao liang jiang (Chinese); galanga (French); Echter Galgant (German); galanga (Italian); galanga (Spanish).
Description: A robust, leafy perennial herb of more than 1 m high that grows from thick, fleshy rhizomes below the ground. Clusters of attractive, white and purplish flowers are infrequently borne on the stem tips. The plant resembles ginger (Zingiber officinale).
Origin: Galangal is indigenous to eastern and southeatern Asia and is widely cultivated, mainly in China, Malaysia, Thailand and India.
Parts Used: Fresh or dried rhizomes (Galangae rhizoma).
Uses and Properties: The main medicinal use of galangal is as a stomachic to treat dyspepsia and appetite loss. Galangal is a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking and is traditionally used in China as a medicine against indigestion, stomach pain, nausea and hiccups. It is also used in traditional Indian and European medicine.
Active Ingredients: Galangal is highly aromatic and contains essential oil (0.5-1%). The main ingredients are morioterpenoids (alpha-pinene, cineole, linalool), methylcinnaimate and eugenol. The pungent principles are various non-volatile diaryiheptanoids (formerly known as galangol), together with phenyl alkyl ketones (known as gingerols). Flavonoids (mainly quercetin and kaempferol glycosides) are also present.
Pharmacological Effects: Galangal has proven antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimycotic properties. The diaryiheptanoids (and also the phenyl alkyl ketones) are known to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis.
Notes: Other Alpinia species that are used in traditional medicine include greater galangal (A. galanga) in Southeast Asia, A. oxyphylla (fruit; yi zhi ren) and A. katsumadai (caodoucou) in China, and A. calcarata (rasna) in India. Seeds of the West African Aframomum melegueta (Zingiberaceae) are known as "grains of paradise" and are used medicinally for the same indications as galangal rhizome.
Status: Pharm.; Comm. E+.
Preparation and Dosage: Tea made from about 0.5 - 1 g of dried rhizome is taken half an hour before meals. A daily dose of 2 - 4 g of the dry product (or its equivalent in fresh form) can be taken. It is also used as a tincture, decoction or in powder form.
User Group Forum
Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Carol Stewart - June 2, 2006, 12:54
#10000708
Galan Root is in a tea for diet aid so how does it help
ZooScape Moderator - June 6, 2006, 15:00
#10000742
Galangal root is a stimulant and carminative. It is especially useful in flatulence, dyspepsia, vomiting and has been recommended as a remedy for seasickness. It tones up the tissues and is sometimes prescribed in fever. Related to true ginger, it was formerly used in cooking and in medicine to treat colic.
I cannot find any evidence to suggest that galangal root is beneficial in aiding weight loss and as we do not carry the specific product you are inquiring about I cannot confirm, for certain, the purpose of galangal root in the diet tea you have concerns about. From what I have read I would assume that it is being used in a small percentage as a flavoring agent and not for its nutritional value. The pungent aromatic oil of the galangal root is a bitters, vermouth, spice and ginger ale flavoring agent for beverages. The extract is used in flavoring bitters, fruit, liquor, spice, and ginger ale flavoring agent for beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, baked goods and liquors.
Anonymous - June 2, 2006, 12:54
#10000707
Galan Root is in a tea for diet aid so how does it help
ZooScape Moderator - June 14, 2006, 10:08
#10000839
Galangal Root, also known as Siamese Ginger, Gao Ling, Ju Ju Powder, Catarrh Root, Chewing John, China Root, and Low John the Conqueror, is native to China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. The root was formerly dried and powdered, then used as a snuff to treat cold and flu symptoms. It has also been used as a perfume. At least since the Middle Ages, Galangal Root has been famous as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. It has commonly been used to stimulate menstruation, often in combination with Myrrh gum. Galangal Root has also been used as a digestive aid, especially in combating dyspepsia and flatulence. It is also seen as a remedy for seasickness and motion sickness. Galangal Root is a member of the Ginger family, and has been used for many of the same ailments as Ginger Root.
I am not familiar with the tea you have purchased as a diet aid that contains galangal root. I have been unable to find any evidence to suggest that galangal root assists with successful weight loss, however, I have found evidence to the contrary. The German Commission E approves galangal for treating a lack of appetite, which would suggest that galangal would actually increase your caloric and fat intake as it does increase your appetite. As galangal root is quite similar to ginger root in terms of its flavor, it would be my assumption that the reason for this ingredient to be included in the tea you have purchased is for its flavoring properties and not for its medicinal actions. Again, as we do not carry the specific product you are inquiring about this is just an assumption and I would suggest that if you are still interested in knowing the purpose of this ingredient in your tea that you contact the actual manufacturer and ask this question of them.
Directions
Take 1 capsule, 3 times daily, with meals.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
