Galangal root: beneficial properties and applications

Today we will introduce you to the healing root of galangal. Our article will teach you how to properly prepare medicinal infusions, decoctions and teas from this plant, and will also tell you what diseases these folk remedies will fight.

Health is the main value of human life, so as we age we begin to pay more and more attention to it.

But no matter how hard we try to monitor our well-being, from time to time our body malfunctions, and we still get sick. The first thing we do in this case is run to the doctor, and then buy a huge amount of pills.

• The most unpleasant thing is that we don’t think at all about how these drugs will affect our body. After all, no matter what anyone says, absolutely all pills have their side effects. Therefore, it will be better if you try to find an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs and support your body with natural remedies
• Our nature is rich in healing medicinal plants that fight many diseases quite effectively. Kalgan is considered one of the best. Due to the fact that it contains penicillin and aspirin in huge quantities, it quickly blocks all inflammatory processes, increases the body's defenses and maximizes the quality of life.

Where does galangal grow and when to collect it?

Basic rules for collecting galangal

• Kalgan, or as it is also called Potentilla erecta, is a perennial herbaceous plant with a tuberous tree-like root. In terms of its taste and medicinal properties, this plant is very similar to ginger. Although all parts of galangal can be used to prepare medicinal tinctures, most often people prefer the root. Absolutely all herbalists claim that it is this part of the plant that contains the largest amount of substances that help our body resist various kinds of diseases

• If we talk about the place where galangal grows, then this unpretentious plant can be found in almost every corner of the earth. But he feels most comfortable in Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, the European part of Russia and western Siberia. The climate of these places contributes to the fact that galangal in these places reproduces quite efficiently and conquers more and more new territories every year. You can meet it in meadows, pastures, forest edges and road edges. For good and intensive growth it needs moist soil, open space and good lighting.

• You can collect galangal twice a year. The first time this can be done is at the end of May, when the plant blooms intensively. It will be possible to harvest galangal for the second time only in the fall, starting from October and until approximately half of November. If you decide to collect this medicinal plant in the fall, then wait until the above-ground part begins to die off. After you dig the root from the ground, be sure to thoroughly clean it from the soil, rinse with water and dry. It is best to place the prepared root in a clean, dry jar and store it in a cool, dark place.

What does the plant look like?

It is well known to Europeans because it is found everywhere. A small bush with bright yellow flowers grows up to 40-50 cm in height; on a straight, thin stem there are sparse rosettes of leaves, reminiscent of a starched dancer’s skirt. They have carved edges and pointed tips.

The flowers sit singly on the branches, have 4 petals, open alternately, flowering begins in May. All summer the plant looks elegant and festive, and in September the seed boxes begin to ripen.

The rhizome of the galangal plant is the most valuable part. It is massive, with small branches, located horizontally. At the break of a young plant it is white, eventually becoming red or acquiring a burgundy tint.

There are several other subspecies in the family, but only galangal (another name for Potentilla erecta) is used for treatment. The white or goose varieties do not have the necessary properties.

The benefits of galangal for men and women

The benefits of galangal for the body

• Galangal root has an equally positive effect on both the female and male body. Remedies prepared from this plant are simply irreplaceable in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The medicinal substances that they contain quickly block the proliferation of pathogenic microflora, thereby stopping inflammatory processes

• Kalgan also helps fight thyroid problems and improves metabolism in the body quite well. Therefore, if you want to bring your body into ideal condition as quickly as possible, then try to regularly consume decoctions made from galangal leaves and flowers

Benefits of galangal for the human body:

• For women. This medicinal plant copes very well with almost all female problems. With its help you can get rid of skin eczema, cracked lips and nipples. In addition, galangal decoction helps calm the nerves during PMS, and also stops uterine bleeding well and quickly
• For men . Regular consumption of galangal makes men more stress-resistant, relieves them of insomnia and causeless irritability. But, perhaps, this plant best fights such a male problem as impotence. Due to the fact that this inconspicuous herb maximizes blood flow to the sexual organ in men, erectile function is restored and a large amount of vitality appears

Contraindications and restrictions

Galangal root has many medicinal properties, but there are also contraindications to its use. It is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age with severe allergic reactions or increased blood clotting. The use of the root during pregnancy is prohibited. It is used with caution for high blood pressure and chronic constipation.

An overdose of the drug is expressed by skin rashes on the face and body, nausea, and heartburn. If these symptoms occur, you should stop taking cinquefoil-based medications.

A course of use of products with galangal root will help improve your well-being, protect against infections during the period of widespread seasonal diseases and maintain the beauty of your skin and hair.

Kalgan, medicinal properties: for what diseases is it used?

Medicinal properties of galangal

• The healing properties of galangal allow it to fight many diseases. The substances that it contains cope equally well with cholecystitis, pancreatitis, jaundice, stomatitis, sore throat and cystitis. Moreover, a decoction of this plant can be taken not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of various diseases
• The essential oils contained in galangal have a high antibacterial property, due to which they contribute to a sharp reduction in pathogenic microflora in the oral cavity during tonsillitis, pharyngitis and stomatitis.
• In addition, galangal has antipyretic, wound-healing and regenerating properties. All this allows it to be used for the treatment of dermatological diseases, scratches and purulent wounds

Beneficial properties of products prepared on the basis of galangal:

• Improves the functioning of the circulatory system
• Promotes proper functioning of the heart and blood vessels
• Normalizes blood sugar levels
• Minimizes the risk of cholesterol plaques
• Has a beneficial effect on the nervous system

Useful properties of galangal

The benefits of the herb include bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic effects. It has a slight sedative effect, accelerates regeneration, and improves blood composition. Its astringent and choleretic properties are valued; it is part of diuretic and expectorant preparations.

Course use of cinquefoil-based products speeds up metabolism, normalizes cholesterol levels, and stimulates the thyroid gland. The properties of galangal are useful for diseases of the male and female genital area.

Tinctures and decoctions are recommended for disorders of the nervous system, neuroses, unmotivated fears and anxiety, and depressive states. The plant is used to relieve symptoms of ENT diseases; it effectively treats burns, non-healing wounds, eczema, and dermatitis.

The use of the mighty one gives excellent results for insomnia, disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract, and problems with potency. The grass is sometimes called the plant for its powerful fastening effect. It even copes with dysenteric diarrhea, preventing rapid fluid loss, while simultaneously disinfecting the intestines and eliminating pathogenic microbes.

How to take galangal to treat stomach ulcers?

Kalgan for the stomach

• A stomach ulcer is a rather unpleasant disease that occurs due to excessive production of hydrochloric acid by the stomach. If this happens regularly, then after some time the balance of good and bad microflora in the intestines is disturbed and this leads to the formation of bleeding wounds
• A person who develops an ulcer constantly feels pain in the abdomen, which can intensify quite strongly after eating. But to cope with this disease, it is enough to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, an infusion made from galangal root may well be an excellent alternative to tablets.

Recipe for the remedy:

• Take a small piece of galangal root and grate it on the finest grater
• Boil water and pour it over the chopped root
• Leave the product to sit overnight
• In the morning, strain everything and divide into three equal parts.
• Take the product three times a day thirty minutes before meals
• For such treatment to give a positive result, galangal infusion must be taken for at least one month.

Using galangal tincture for men to increase potency

Tincture for increasing potency

• Even the most minimal problems with potency terrify men. Most of them simply close themselves off and don’t even try to deal with this unpleasant problem. But in principle, if you put in at least a minimal amount of effort, you can cope with this problem in a fairly short time

• Most often, erectile dysfunction develops due to the fact that a person’s circulatory system does not work quite normally. For this reason, arterial blood cannot flow in the required quantity to the genitals and this leads to men having problems in bed

• An alcoholic infusion of galangal can help you improve the steam function of the circulatory system. This folk remedy will quickly restore the functioning of almost all internal organs, maximize metabolic processes and help calm the nervous system.

Rules for preparing galangal tincture
Rules for preparing galangal tincture to increase potency:

• To prepare this medicinal product, it is best to use galangal root, collected in the fall after the entire aerial part of the plant has been measured.
• The root must be cleared of soil, washed under running water and cut into small pieces (preferably their size should not exceed 5 ml)
• Place the chopped galangal in some dark place and dry it thoroughly. This will take you approximately 5-7 days
• When it reaches the desired consistency, put it in a clean glass jar, fill it with medical alcohol and send it to infuse in a cool, dark place.
• After two weeks, strain the product and pour it into any hermetically sealed container.
• Take galangal tincture one teaspoon three times a day for one month
• If the treatment does not give the desired result, then take a two-week break and undergo the treatment again

Kalangal tincture recipe

Kalgan infused with alcohol

• Galangal tincture is a powerful herbal remedy that can restore vitality to a person and save him from many diseases. A properly prepared potion has a beautiful cognac color and a very pleasant coffee aroma. If desired, in addition to galangal, you can add licorice root, dried cinquefoil and even walnuts to it. In addition to the fact that these components slightly improve the taste of the medicine, they will further enhance its beneficial properties.

• If we talk about the cooking method, then in our country it is customary to fill this plant with medical alcohol or moonshine. It is believed that thanks to this, the root releases all its beneficial substances as well as possible and, after preparation, can be stored for quite a long time. But there are times when a person, for some specific reason, cannot afford to take alcohol tincture

• This may be due to his job or health condition. Such people can prepare a healing tincture with honey. This product will have the same properties as alcohol, the only thing you must take into account is that it cannot be stored for a very long time, so you need to prepare it in fairly small portions

Recipe for galangal tincture with honey:

• Boil water and cool it to room temperature
• Dissolve honey in it and mix everything thoroughly
• Add a couple of tablespoons of crushed galangal root to the resulting liquid and send everything to infuse in a dark place.
• Every three days, take the tincture out of the pantry and shake it well
• After two weeks, strain the resulting product through cheesecloth and store it in the refrigerator.
• Take 2 tbsp. l 3 times a day for 1.5-2 months

Kalangal decoction, recipe

Kalangal decoction

• A decoction made from galangal root is a fairly universal drug. If desired, you can use it as both an internal and external remedy. If you take a concentrated decoction of this plant internally, you can get rid of almost all stomach diseases and problems with the heart and circulatory systems

• Due to the fact that the fresh decoction contains a huge amount of antimicrobial substances, it can be used to treat sore throat and acute stomatitis. If you use this drug as an external remedy, you can get rid of cracks, shallow burns, scratches, dermatitis and even acne.

Recipe for preparing galangal decoction:

• Take a tablespoon of galangal and pour a glass of hot boiled water over it
• Place the resulting mixture in a steam bath and simmer for about half an hour
• Strain the broth through several layers of gauze and pour into a clean container.
• Bring the volume of the resulting liquid to 250 ml with boiled water
• Take the prepared product in tablespoons 3 times a day.
• If you don’t really like the taste of the drug, you can sweeten it with natural honey

Using galangal root in beauty recipes

The cosmetology industry actively uses plant components in lotions, creams and other face, body and hair care products. The restorative and nourishing properties of cinquefoil are especially appreciated.

For skin

Decoctions, infusions and lotions are used for acne, irritated dry skin and microcracks during cold periods.

• The compress softens and relieves inflammation, is applied for 15-20 minutes, the napkin is moistened with an aqueous infusion of the root.
• To wash your face if you are prone to irritation, use micellar water with the addition of 25 ml of alcohol tincture per 200 ml of bottled water. Apply 2 times a day.
• An undiluted decoction is used for increased dryness and a tendency to focal inflammation. It is applied to the face with a cotton pad and allowed to dry naturally.

For hair

Potentilla tincture is added to water for rinsing when hair is oily (you can also use an undiluted decoction for this purpose). To normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, the liquid is lightly rubbed into the scalp, left for 2-3 minutes and washed off with chamomile decoction.

The root is used as a natural dye for dark hair, giving it shine and a noble wine-aged hue. To prepare, take 1 fresh root, grate it into fine chips and pour a glass of boiling water.

To obtain a saturated solution, boil it for 5 minutes and add chamomile decoction to 250 ml. The composition is applied for 20 minutes along the entire length of the hair, then washed off with warm running water.

Galangal tea recipe

Galangal tea

• You probably already realized that galangal is an ideal assistant for the human stomach. It copes equally well with the treatment of gastritis, pancreatitis and even banal diarrhea. The substances contained in galangal quickly suppress pathogenic microflora in the stomach and intestines, and thanks to this, a few hours after drinking the healing tea, the patient’s almost all unpleasant symptoms disappear

• Also, tea made from galangal helps the body cope with the effects of long-term use of antibiotics. If you drink this healing tea at least twice a day, then after 10 days your body will be completely cleansed of all the bad substances that pharmaceutical drugs left behind.

Recipe for tea with galangal:

• Place water on the stove and bring it to a boil
• Place chopped galangal root in it and boil it for 10 minutes
• The tea should be brewed on the lowest possible heat.
• When the time is up, turn off the heat and let the tea steep
• Take the medicine warm, without adding honey or sugar.

Galangal root - application, benefits and treatment

Due to its wide range of beneficial properties, the rhizomes of Potentilla erecta are used to treat many diseases:

• Ulcers of the stomach and duodenum;
• Diseases of the stomach and liver;
• Diarrhea and dysentery;
• Nervous disorders, stress, insomnia;
• Anorexia and decreased appetite;
• Uterine bleeding;
• Cervical erosions;
• Prostatitis and weak potency;
• Stomatitis, gingivitis, tonsillitis;
• Eczema, fungus, frostbite, burns;
• Bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, pharyngitis;
• Tuberculosis;
• Rheumatism and gout;
• Disorders of the thyroid gland;
• Weak immunity.

Treatment with galangal and how to brew it

The root is used to make tea and infusions, and is included in various medicinal preparations.

The medicinal properties of galangal root are based on its high content of tannins (up to 30%), which have antiseptic, astringent and hemostatic effects on the human body.

The healing root is recognized by official and folk medicine and is used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases.

Medicines are prepared on its basis - extracts, decoctions, infusions, tinctures, ointments; they are included in herbal preparations; many medications contain extracts from the root.

Tea - place a teaspoon of roots in a teapot and pour boiling water over it. Wrap up and let sit for 20-30 minutes. Take warm. The roots have antibacterial and antiseptic properties; drinking the drink has an effective preventive effect during epidemics of flu and colds.

Decoctions and infusions of galangal help in the treatment and prevention of many diseases

Galangal decoction - place a container with a glass of boiling water and a spoonful of crushed raw materials on low heat and leave for five minutes from the moment of boiling. Let it brew and strain. You should take galangal decoction three times a day according to Art. spoon to eliminate gastrointestinal and uterine bleeding, as well as for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and gallbladder, pancreas, gastritis and weak immunity.

Infusion - place a tablespoon of dried crushed roots in a container with a glass of water, hold for 5-6 hours, then put on fire and let it boil. Use the strained product to rinse the mouth and throat for diseases of the respiratory system and oral cavity.

The finished tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy at a price of 230 rubles per 50 ml.

Galangal tincture with vodka – preparation: 100 gr. the root is poured with a liter of vodka, put in a dark place to infuse for three weeks. The strained product is consumed 30 drops with water three times.

The tincture helps with gastrointestinal diseases, diseases of the liver and gallbladder, intestines, and uterine bleeding. Externally – for compresses, rinses, lotions and rinses.

For children

With the permission of the pediatrician, children can use the plant from 4 years old. It will help the child cope with influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, upper respiratory tract diseases, stomatitis, whooping cough, dysentery and diarrhea, external use - with diaper rash, burns, frostbite, dry skin and cracks. It is not recommended to use if you are prone to allergies, as well as taking alcohol tincture due to the ethyl alcohol content.

Uses of galangal root for men

The medicinal properties of the plant for men play an important role - they relieve nervous tension, activate blood circulation in the pelvic organs, relieve inflammation of the genitourinary system; preparations based on galangal are a therapeutic and preventive remedy for prostatitis and sexual dysfunction.

The root stimulates male desire and sexual libido in both men and women

Cognac tincture for impotence – 50 g. pour 250 ml of root. cognac, put in a dark place to infuse for 10 days, the contents must be shaken from time to time. After infusion, strain the product. Tincture of galangal is used twice a day according to Art. spoon for a month.

Root for women

The healing properties of galangal provide invaluable assistance in maintaining women's health - they normalize the menstrual cycle, stop uterine bleeding, and stabilize hormonal levels. External use in the form of douching with galangal infusions helps to cope with gynecological diseases, vaginal inflammation, and cervical erosion.

Use in cooking

Galangal root has a spicy, bitter-burning taste and is used as a spice for canning, pickling and salting fish, boiled roots as a side dish, fresh leaves as a seasoning for cereals, fish, and meat. Based on the root, the tincture “Kalganovka” is prepared - a unique healing product.

Kalgan tincture

The tincture has a powerful healing effect on the entire body, gives vigor and energy. It is good to use to strengthen the immune system, increase appetite and as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent during flu and cold epidemics.

There are many recipes for making tincture at home

A simple tincture - chop fresh roots (2-3 pieces) and pour half a liter of vodka. To infuse, place in a shaded place for 10-12 days; during this period, the container should be shaken from time to time. Strain the infused liquid and take in small doses.

Classic recipe:

• two tbsp. l. pour the crushed root into a container, add coffee beans (8-10 pcs.), two tbsp. l. honey, a liter of vodka or moonshine;
• close and place in a dark place to infuse for three weeks;
• After the expiration date, strain through a sieve and then through a thick layer of cotton wool.

Tincture with prunes - two teaspoons of root and 4-5 pcs. place prunes in a container with a liter of vodka or moonshine. Close tightly and place in a place protected from light for 10-14 days.

During infusion, the liquid must be shaken several times. The finished tincture is filtered and consumed within reasonable limits.

Tincture with ginger - take two tbsp. l. Kalgan, according to Art. l. anise and dill, ground ginger (2-3 grams), a liter of moonshine. Mix everything and place in a dark place for 20 days. Shake the contents periodically during the infusion process. After straining, the tincture is ready for use.

Tincture of galangal has a bactericidal and general strengthening effect, increases the body's defenses

Root tincture with herbs - you need to take a dessert spoon each of galangal root, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, anise and cloves. Mix everything, close and leave in a dark place for three weeks. Strain the finished tincture and use it for oral administration in small doses.