Common Name: Galangal
Botanical Name: Alpinia galangal
Zone: 9 – 12
Type: Tropical perennial
Height: 4-6 ft
Spread: 2-4 ft
Bloom Season: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom: Yellowish-white
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Fertile, well-drained
Water: Medium
Fragrance: Blend of black pepper and pine
Culinary Uses: A common ingredient in Thai curries and soups, where it is used fresh in chunks or cut into thin slices, mashed and mixed into curry paste. Indonesian rendang is usually spiced with galangal. Has a sharp, sweet taste with a hint of cinnamon.
Garden Uses: Container, Florida room
Medicinal Uses: Used against rheumatism, bronchial catarrh, bad breath and ulcers whooping colds, throat infections, incontinence and fever. Alpinia species show promise as anti-fungals, hypotensives, enhancers of sperm count and motility. Anti-tumor and anti-dementia effects have been observed in rodents. Harvesting: Allow several months before harvesting to allow rhizomes to reach adequate size. With care, new sections may be harvested while allowing the remainder to continue growing.
AKA: laos, kanghu, pa de kaw, romdeng
Information provided on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational use only, and is not in tended as medical advice. You should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.
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