Alpinia

Alpinia officiarum Hance (galangal, galangal, Chinese ginger)

China is the birthplace of an unusual plant with a beautiful name - alpinia Outwardly, it is unremarkable: it is very similar to a reed, reaching 1 m in height. The most valuable thing is located underground: fragrant, red-brown roots with an orange center, with a burning taste. Since the plant belongs to the ginger family, it is often called Chinese ginger. In medieval Europe it was called galgant or galangal Essential oil with a refreshing, spicy-camphor aroma was especially popular. In India, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and the Antilles, alpinia is cultivated as a spicy and aromatic plant. Ground roots are used as a seasoning and medicine for various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The 11th century French scientist and physician Odo from Maine-on-Loire wrote in his poem “On the Properties of Herbs”:

Take galangal, and it will immediately dissolve the phlegmon in the stomach;
If the sick person is phlegmatic, then it strengthens his strength.
Accepted, it expels the imprisoned winds,
It improves digestion and cures colic.
If you chew it, your mouth will smell pleasant,
Taken, it increases the desire and action of the kidneys.

Medicinal properties

1. Stimulates appetite, improves digestion. Used for flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, colic.
2. Stimulates the activity of the endocrine glands.
3. Helps remove toxins from the body.
4. Normalizes the menstrual cycle.
5. In folk medicine it is known as a gastric, carminative, diaphoretic, antiseptic and bactericidal agent.
6. Has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. Helps you relax and calm down.
7. Activates and enhances the natural functions of the skin.

Dosage

Prescribed individually by an aromatherapist.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance.

Note. Strong oil. Avoid overdose.