Physical and psychological complaints can not only be alleviated by conventional medicine. Herbal components that have a similar effect are often found in nature. So can Real galangal for example, can be used for psycho-vegetative problems.
Occurrence and cultivation of the real galangal
Of the Real galangal belongs to the ginger family. The plant is used for seasoning as well as for healing. The tuber originally comes from the island of Hainan. However, it is now widely grown in Thailand and across Southeast Asia and some of it is imported into Europe. The flowers of the plant look similar to those of orchids. Their color spectrum is based on white and reddish tones. Flowering time is between April and September.
The leaves of the plant are green and reach 20 to 30 centimeters in length. Overall, the herbaceous plant takes up about 1.5 meters based on its size. For medicinal and aromatic purposes, however, the root of the real galangal is used. This has a brownish to yellow hue and is perceived as spicy and slightly burning in terms of taste. The real galangal can be found in numerous spice mixtures.
It is used particularly often in Chinese and generally Asian kitchens. It is also often used to burn herbal liqueurs. The medical history of the real galangal goes back a long way. It was first mentioned in European literature in the 10th century. Thus the tuber must have reached the west via India in the early Middle Ages.
Effect & application
Genuine galangal is particularly often used for psycho-vegetative complaints. Psycho-vegetative disorders are caused by psychological components, but trigger physical ailments. The starting point is often stressful or stressful situations. The physical disturbances therefore have no organic causes as a basis. There is inner restlessness, nervousness, difficulty falling asleep, headaches, sensitivity to the weather, heart problems and cycle disorders.
Some people react with sluggish digestion, constipation, a feeling of fullness, or a lack of appetite. The common galangal can be consumed through various products to alleviate numerous complaints. Consumption through food is particularly popular. For this purpose, the tuber is grated or cut into small pieces and, like ginger, integrated into various recipes. It goes well with vegetables, broths, stews, soups and various sauces.
Aside from the fresh real galangal, it can also be dried and purchased in powder. Dried pieces should be soaked in water before use. Generally a dry and cool storage is recommended. A tea can also be made from the root. For this purpose, a piece of the fresh tuber is cut into thin slices and placed in a saucepan with boiling water. The galangal should steep for about ten minutes before the pieces can be removed with a sieve. However, the spice is perceived as hot and bitter, especially by children.
A little sugar or agave syrup can soften the taste of the mixture. For galangal wine, one teaspoon of the plant is boiled in about 250 milliliters of wine. If only the dried product is available, the ratio is one tablespoon to 750 milliliters of wine. For purely medical purposes, tablets with the active ingredients of the real galangal can also be purchased. These are usually available without a doctor's prescription. The manufacturer's specifications apply.
Importance for health, treatment & prevention
The real galangal enjoys a proven effectiveness in psycho-vegetative terms. The same goes for loss of appetite and indigestion. On the one hand, clinical studies were carried out on the use in the context of the complaints mentioned, on the other hand, the connection could be assessed by an independent commission. Based on the experience of doctors and folk medicine, the real galangal is used for inflammation, biliary colic, stomach pain and upper abdominal pain.
The decisive factor for the effect of the real galangal are its ingredients. In addition to essential oils, the root contains hot substances and flavonoids. The hot substances are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect. They are able to inhibit the activity of certain messenger substances. This allows inflammation to subside faster and restores a patient's overall health. How the real galangal works against headaches, menstrual pain, fever, colds, heartburn, flatulence and cardiovascular problems has not yet been fully researched.
Furthermore, the effect as a cancer prevention as well as the treatment of increased fat levels and vomiting is not scientifically established and proven. Real galangal can thus alleviate numerous complaints. At the same time, no side effects have so far been found at low, customary doses. If the amount exceeds a limit of about 2 grams, stomach pain may occur.
Nevertheless, everyone reacts in a different way. Thus, the development of stomach problems is not necessarily associated with a high dosage. So far, no interactions with other drugs could be determined. Nevertheless, it is advisable to contact a doctor in the case of chronic diseases before starting therapy with real galangal. Generally speaking, the plant is a treatment method.
The tuber is not suitable for preventive purposes, but can weaken the symptoms in the case of existing disorders. As with all drugs, self-treatment should be viewed critically. This is especially true for people with heart problems. If the symptoms to be treated do not go away within a week, a doctor should be consulted. Generally speaking, the real galangal is an alternative to conventional medicine.
