DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Alpinia galanga (L.) Wild.
Common Name: Galangal
Family: Zingiberaceae
Vernacular Names: Sugandhamula – Sanskrit., Kolinji – Tamil., Aratha – Malayalam
Synonyms: Alpinia abla (Retz.) Roscoe., Alpinia bifida Warb., Amomum galangal (L.) Lour.
Plant Description: A galanga grows from rhizomes in clumps of stiff stalks upto 2 metres in height with abundant long leaves that bear red fruit. It is an evergreen perennial.
Distribution and Habitat: A. galangal is a tropical evergreen perennial plant that is native to Southeast Asia.
Uses:
The plants rhizome is used in food and traditional medicine. Rhizome has a pungent smell and strong taste reminiscent of citrus.
Rhizome is a common ingredient in curries.
In Ayurveda, this plant is considered as Vata shaman drug, also used as folk medicine for colds and sore throats.
