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ALPINIA GALANGA - GREATER GALANGA.
Synonym Languas galanga. Common name Siamese ginger, siamese galanga, java galangal, greater galangal, el galangal, el adkham, hang dou kou, stor kalanga, galanga, galanga de l'inde, laos, galgant, kulanjan, naukyo, lenkuas, galanga maior, kha, ka, riêng, großer galgant, herbe indienne, da liang jiang, grand galanga,galanga majeur. Family Zingiberaceae (Ginger family). Overview This ia a tropical plant with a ginger-flavor rhizome that is very popular in the Eastern - and Caribbean kitchen alike. The Galanga is an aromatic perennial growing up to 7' tall. The leaves are lanceolate while the flowers are small greenish-white.The fruit is orange-red. Originally from Java in Indonesia, it is growing abundantly in Suriname. Phytochemicals The creamy white rhizomes contain a volatile essential oil quite similar to that of the ginger. The chemical constituents of this oil are methyl cinnamate, cincole, camphor and d-pinene. Present are also: phoblaphenes, starch, sulphates and chlorides. The Greater galanga has medicinal applications; the rhizome is used against rheumatism, bronchial catarrh, bad breath, and ulcers whooping colds in children, throat infections, to control incontinence, fever and dyspepsia.  Visit our CHOLESTEROL -, DIABETES - , HYPERTENSION - , TINCTURE - and APPLICATION & DOSAGE pages. Pharmacology The essential oil is active again gram positive - and gram negative micro organisms. Broncho-spasm induced by pilocarpine is counteracted by small doses of a tincture of galanga. The seeds have anti-ulcer activity. Hardiness USDA zone 8 B - 11. Propagation Rhizomes. Culture Full sun / shade, good water drainage and moist soil. Plant in frost free areas; can also be grown in the greenhouse. High humidity is preferred. |