Galangal from the ginger family
Galangal originates from Southeast Asia and belongs to the ginger family. Visually, it resembles ginger as well as the turmeric root.
Hildegard von Bingen called galangal the "spice of life" and swore by its healing powers. She recommended the galangal root for stomach and intestinal ailments as well as heart conditions. And even today, galangal is valued for its warming, tonic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antibacterial properties. It also stimulates the production of bile, which helps the body detoxify. Since it has a detoxifying effect, it can also be used to support a diet.
As with ginger, pregnant women should avoid galangal root, as it promotes blood flow to the mucous membranes and could therefore trigger miscarriages.
Applications of Galangal:
- Stomach and intestinal disorders (nausea, flatulence, diarrhea)
- Against inflammation (joint inflammation and joint pain)
- Headache
- Sleep disorders
- Rheumatism
- Circulatory disorders
- Menstrual cramps and abdominal pain
- Calming for nervousness
- Cold symptoms (fever, cold, cough)
- Strengthening for the immune system
- Help with dry skin
Galangal is also used in cosmetics, because the essential oil protects the skin from drying out and from germs and environmental influences.
Ingredients of Galangal:
- Secondary plant compounds (galangols and gingerols, both are pungent substances)
act against free radicals and inflammation as well as against pathogenic bacteria and viruses
- Flavonoids (Galangin)
also act against bacteria and viruses and has anti-cancer properties
- Tannins
are good for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, mouth and throat
have an astringent and dehydrating effect and thus remove bacteria from their breeding ground
Recipe idea:
Galangal tea
Just cut down a few pieces of galangal root (as thin as possible), put it in boiling water and let it simmer for a while. Then simply enjoy.
Fun Fact:
Galangal is a natural aphrodisiac - if you chew on a slice of galangal root during "lovemaking", you can seemingly increase your pleasure immeasurably 🙂 .
Deutsch 
English