Lesser Galangal Powder / Chitharathai Podi

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Order: Zingiberales

Family: Zingiberaceae

Binomial name: Alpinia officinarum

Galangal is a herbal plant that is bitter in taste. It belongs to the Alpinia genus and is a part of the ginger family. The native of this herbal plant is Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is used as a flavoring agent and used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda.

The taste and aroma of the galangal are similar to the ginger root. The peppery, spicy, and aromatic quality of this herb gives signature flavor to many traditional dishes like soups, curries, and rice.

Lesser Galangal is an excellent herb in Ayurveda that is used to treat bad breath, fever, weakened heart, stomach, and intestinal disorders.

Health Benefits

• Lesser galangal has a good amount of anti-inflammatory properties, so it is good to treat arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• The antioxidant in the galangal reduces the free radical damage and other toxins in the body.
• Adding galangal to the diet helps to improve blood circulation in the body.

• Chewing a few slices of fresh galangal provides better relief from diarrhea.
• In Ayurveda, galangal is also used to treat bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, and cough.