Health Benefits of Galangal
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Galangal is a herb that's bitter, belongs to the Alpinia genus, and is part of the ginger family. It's indigenous to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, where it is used as a flavoring agent and for medicinal purposes. The flavor of galangal is described by many as earthy and citrus with a rush of spiciness that comes on quickly and fades.
Many European nations import the herb for its curative and flavoring qualities. Galangal comes in four varieties, namely lesser galangal, greater galangal, Chinese ginger, and sand ginger.
Galangal, often known as Thai ginger or Siamese ginger, is used in different cuisines. It's popular in Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai cooking. It has a paler, smoother skin feature than ginger with hard flesh. Furthermore, unlike ginger, you must slice it instead of grating. Galangal oil has a lot of therapeutic value in addition to its extensive usage in cooking. Herbalists often prescribe it because of its medicinal value.
Helps in Blood Circulation
It's believed that galangal may help the body clean out impurities and increase blood circulation. As a result, more nutrients reach the skin tissue. Galangal's antioxidant qualities prevent free radicals from damaging the skin, allowing it to retain its suppleness. Galangal may also be used for promoting hair growth on the scalp since it improves blood circulation. Galangal juice mixed with jojoba oil is an excellent treatment for thinning hair.
Anti-Cancer Herb
This is probably galangal's most remarkable benefit. Because the spice contains many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, it may aid in reducing the DNA damage caused by toxic elements and free radicals in the body. According to tests conducted on people suffering from lung and breast cancer, galangal possesses cancer-fighting capabilities. Galanin, a flavonoid that regulates enzyme activity and eliminates genotoxicity, is the most potent of these anti-cancer components.
Works on Skin Burns
Galangal juice is good medicine when it comes to skin burns. When administered topically to the afflicted region, it offers immediate pain relief while also helping to cure the burn. You may also apply galangal slices on the burned region up to four times per day until the scars disappear.
Fights Fever
The combination of galangal and Nila-Embu is an excellent home treatment for bodily aches that many people experience after a cold or cold-induced fever. You have to take 5-6 Nila-Embu leaves, combine them with greater galangal, and boil them in a bowl of water until they are reduced in half. This solution should be consumed a couple of times per day.
Helps in Cognitive Function
ACA, a component found in the root of galangal, may play an important role in its cognitive-protective properties. Some research shows that it may also aid in preventing certain types of brain degeneration caused due to age.
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