Greater Galangal, Red, Greater Galangal, Culinary Galangal, Alpinia Galangal

Arabic and Asian healers prized galangal as food and medicine. Modern uses include: fighting inflammation, strengthening the immune system, increaseing sperm count and motility, protecting against cancer, as a antimicrobial, for the skin, for digestive health, brain health, may help reduce blood cholesterol levels, fights respiratory ailments, and can boost cardiac health.

Galangal does increase the blood pressure slightly, people suffering from hypertension should use this herb with caution.

Galangal pairs well with lemon grass. It can’t be grated like ginger because the root is much harder and is usually sliced.

Perennial to 2 m, tolerates a light frost. Galangal likes plenty of compost or manure and moisture.

For home garden use simply dig carefully around the plant and harvest anytime.

Other names: greater galangal, lengkuas or laos.