Description

Galangal is a perennial herb belonging to the genus *Alpinia* of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Its dried rhizome is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. It is pungent and hot in nature, and enters the spleen and stomach meridians. Its main functions are warming the middle jiao (spleen and stomach), dispelling cold, relieving pain, and warming the stomach to stop vomiting. It is often used to treat symptoms such as cold pain in the stomach and abdomen, vomiting due to stomach cold, belching, and acid reflux caused by stomach cold.

Main Functions and Effects:
* **Warming the Middle Jiao, Dispelling Cold, and Relieving Pain:** Galangal is pungent and hot, warming the spleen and stomach and dispelling cold pathogens. It has a good relieving effect on cold pain in the stomach and abdomen, especially suitable for pain caused by exposure to cold or consumption of raw or cold foods. It is often used in combination with prepared ginger, such as in the classic formula “Erjiang Wan” (Two Ginger Pill).

* **Warming the Stomach and Stopping Vomiting:** For nausea, vomiting, and belching caused by stomach cold, galangal can improve symptoms by warming and invigorating the spleen and stomach and stopping vomiting. It is often used with pinellia and fresh ginger to enhance the antiemetic effect.

Promotes digestion. Contains volatile oils and gingerol, which can stimulate gastrointestinal motility, aid digestive juice secretion, and improve problems such as loss of appetite and postprandial bloating.

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and improves circulation. Flavonoids have an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria; at the same time, they can dilate peripheral blood vessels and improve symptoms of cold stagnation and blood stasis, such as cold hands and feet.