The galangal plant flourishes in the warm locales of Southern Asia, in countries including China, India, Thailand, Indonesia. It is commonly called greater galangal, Thai ginger in English, while being known as “Kulanjan”, “Bara Kulanjan” in Hindi, “Dhumarashmi” in Kannada, “Aratta” in Malayalam and “Perarattai” In Tamil. It is a rhizome that sprouts up to a height of 2 meters from the surface of the soil above the ground, with a greenish hued, red or light yellow, strong-smelling feature.

Scientifically termed Alpinia galanga and being a wonderfully-flavoured spice indigenous to South Asian countries of China, India, Indonesia, galangal encompasses myriad beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants, that lower inflammation in the body and fight free radical damage to prevent cancers. It is also rich in dietary fibers, vitamin A and vitamin C, for enhanced digestion, optimal eyesight and bolstered immunity, respectively.

Galangal Health Benefits:
Boosts Immune System
Consuming some galangal essence along with regular diet will satisfy the daily vitamin C requirement in healthy adults. Vitamin C not only functions in enhancing iron absorption for enhanced blood circulation, but also works to improve immunity by white blood cells in the system. In addition, vitamin C is obligatory for growth and development of all body tissues and a key antioxidant for removing toxins from the system.

Maintains Heart Health
Being intrinsically high in potassium levels, galangal assists in the maintenance of normal blood pressure. It also functions in promoting cardiac muscle activity, lowers the amounts of bad LDL cholesterol and raises levels of good HDL cholesterol. Galangal is very advantageous in preventing instances of heart attacks and stroke and thereby contributes to a longer and healthier lifespan.

Relaxes Muscle Cramps
Galangal is bestowed with the key mineral for optimal muscle function – magnesium. The significantly high magnesium content in galangal roots makes it an ideal option to provide relief from muscle cramps. Moreover, post a high intensity workout, when muscles in the arms and legs are strained, having warm water infused with galangal powder can instantly alleviate symptoms of pain and discomfort.

Prevents Cold And Flu
Ingestion of fresh galangal enriches the blood circulation with potent antioxidants, which perform the vital task of preventing toxin build-up in the system. Accumulation of harmful substances triggers ailments such as cold, allergies, asthma etc. where the immune system fails to operate normally. Galangal supplies ample vitamin C to boost the body’s innate defense mechanism and circumvents the occurrence of cold and flu.

Effectually Combats Cancer
Galangal root is a treasure trove of powerful nutrients, particularly bioflavonoids, a class of plant-based antioxidants. These significantly lessen the symptoms of pancreatic and intestinal cancers. Galangal also possesses the ability to remove excess estrogen – a female reproductive hormone involved in breast development and thus prevents breast cancer. The inherent dietary fibers infused in galangal ward off colon cancer and enhance gut health.

Treats Constipation
Galangal comprises valuable dietary fibers which ensure proper bowel movement upon ingestion of heavy meals. This is crucial to regulate kidney function and filter out all the toxic waste products upon digestion of food and assimilation of required nutrients. It also efficiently relieves intestinal conditions like constipation and indigestion.

Fortifies Bones
The calcium present in galangal root is absorbed by bones in the body, thereby helping to maintain optimal bone density for day-to-day functions and flexible, unobstructed movement. The very high potassium content in galangal complements bone health by enhancing mineral uptake by cells and tissues in the body.

Combats Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Galangal offers profuse amounts of vitamin C that confers anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling in the bladder, UTI which is more common in women than men. Also, its antioxidant capabilities are useful in removing detrimental free radicals and harmful bacteria from the body. This in turn helps to avoid oxidation of the healthy cells in the excretory system organs, thus ensuring proper elimination of wastes and unnecessary food residues from the body and preventing their accumulation in the system.

Helps Cure Anemia
Vitamin C also performs one very vital function in the human body which is of enhancing the absorption of iron from ingested food. Deficiency in iron quantities leads to a condition known as anemia wherein there is a lack of adequate red blood cells in the body to transport nutrients and oxygen to all cells and tissues. Galangal in the diet will guarantee ample uptake of iron, from foods, into the system and promote red blood cell synthesis and blood passage.

Galangal Uses For Skin And Hair:
Reduces Skin Inflammation
Anti-Aging Benefits