Galangal is a spice that has long been used in various Southern Asian healing rituals and remedies. From Ayurvedic Medicine to the ancient Indonesian wellness custom of jamu, this root has helped promote better health and wellness for thousands of years.
Key takeaways
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Galangal root can help protect against cancer
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It's able to fight infections
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Galangal root may be able to reduce inflammation and pain
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This herb can strengthen the immune system
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It's full of antioxidants and is a natural antimicrobial
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Galangal is great for supporting skin health
A close relative of ginger and turmeric, this tropical rhizome can both add a flavorful aroma to culinary dishes and aid in the fight against various types of cancer. Whether you're looking to treat an infection or elevate your favorite Thai foods, galangal root can do it all.
Keep reading, and we'll share the six most fantastic and surprising health benefits of this herb!
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#1. Galangal root can help protect against cancer
For thousands of years, many wellness traditions have focused on utilizing natural remedies to bring about better health, wellness, and happiness.
However, in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of one of the most simplistic, effective, and enjoyable ways to take care of your mind, body, and soul.
Holistic healing is a lifestyle approach that prioritizes taking care of all parts of a person and seeks to prevent issues rather than just address them.
Herbs, roots, and spices are often utilized thanks to the abundance of health benefits that they carry.
Natural ingredients with long-standing applications
Galangal root is native to Southern Asia and has been used in Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai foods, health customs, and alternative medicine.
For thousands of years, this rhizome frequented recipes and rituals of the jamu lifestyle, an ancient Indonesian approach to health and wellness.
Jamu is all about natural ingredients and holistic healing. Active botanicals derived from ingredients like avocado, turmeric, coffee, rice, and clove flower are often found in anything from jamu-inspired skincare products to stomach-soothing and healthy tonics.
Galangal: The strength of this flavorful and vitamin-rich root
Though galangal is similar to spices like turmeric and ginger, its citrusy flavor and anti-inflammatory properties help establish it as a unique and potent cooking ingredient as well as a health remedy.
One of the most notable benefits of galangal is its ability to help protect against cancer. Fresh galangal rhizomes are full of phytochemicals that are linked to cancer prevention.
Science-backed findings that point towards the healing power of galangal
A study has shown that galangin, a flavonoid in galangal, can induce apoptosis of human colon cancer cells, meaning it's able to help fight off dysfunctional cells in the human body.
Scientists have said that this rhizome can be effective in protecting against a variety of cancers, including skin and breast cancer.
#2. It's able to fight infections
Galangal extract may be able to help fight against various microorganisms in your body.
Many studies have shown that galangal extracts can inhibit the growth of bacteria and can help fight against both bacterial and fungal infections.
Galangal extract is a great way to help fight infections
Studies have even shown that galangal might be a better and healthier alternative to many conventional antifungal drugs.
Galangal can even help prolong the shelf life of certain foods, thanks to the many microorganisms it carries!
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#3. Galangal root may be able to reduce inflammation and pain
Though more research is needed on the benefits and applications of galangal roots, this rhizome has already proven its worth time and time again.
Galangal is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron and has plenty of other properties that can help improve your health inside and out.
Galangal can help naturally soothe and ease the pain of inflammation
It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is able to help calm and soothe any irritation throughout your body.
Lesser galangal also contains galangin, and this flavonoid is able to help elicit the anti-inflammatory response of your body quite effectively.
Pain is another symptom of inflammation, which galangal can help treat in a natural and holistic manner.
Various health concerns or conditions can be effectively treated with galangal
Various studies have been done on the effectiveness of galangal when it comes to treating inflammation, and this root has repeatedly proven its usefulness.
Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to help treat rheumatoid arthritis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, heart disease, and even lower blood cholesterol levels.
#4. This herb can strengthen the immune system
Your body works hard day in and day out, and oftentimes, it could use little boost. That's where galangal comes into the picture!
This antioxidant-rich rhizome is able to help stimulate your body's immune system by delivering an assortment of vitamins and other antioxidants.
#5. It's full of antioxidants and is a natural antimicrobial
It's impossible to overstate the value that galangal can bring, especially thanks to the many amazing antioxidants it carries.
That alone is enough to understand the health benefits that this root can bring.
When it comes down to it, galangal is full of countless properties that help establish it as a true staple in alternative medicine.
It is also a natural antimicrobial, meaning the essential oil derived from this relative of the ginger family can help inhibit bacteria, yeast, fungi, and parasites.
#6. Galangal is great for supporting skin health
With all of the health-boosting elements in galangal, it's no surprise that this root can also help promote better skin health.
It's able to help turn back the clocks and smooth the fine lines and wrinkles that come with age and can even soothe eczema, itchy skin, and acne.
It can do it all!
Wrapping Up
Your mind, body, and soul deserve to be treated with love, care, and affection. Opting for natural and healing remedies to promote better overall wellness is exactly what you need to look and feel your best again.
Though galangal might seem like a simple root at first, this tropical rhizome can actually do a lot for your body. Whether you want to indulge in a cup of steaming galangal tea or incorporate it into your favorite Thai foods, don't underestimate the healing and nurturing power of this root!
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