Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Galangal, a rhizome related to ginger and common in Southeast Asian and traditional Chinese medicine, has historically been used as a digestive stimulant and to support appetite in cases of deficiency. In traditional systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), galangal is classified as a warming herb that is thought to invigorate the digestive system, stimulate gastric secretions, and improve appetite. TCM texts often mention its use to "warm the middle" and "dispel cold," which are concepts associated with improving digestive function and appetite.

However, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence from clinical trials specifically validating galangal's efficacy in stimulating appetite in humans. Most of the support comes from long-standing traditional use and anecdotal reports. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that galangal and its constituents may influence digestive enzymes and gastrointestinal motility, which could, in theory, support appetite, but these findings have not been confirmed in large human studies.

In summary, while galangal’s use for deficient appetite is well rooted in traditional medicine systems, the current scientific evidence is limited, and its traditional use outweighs scientific validation for this particular indication.

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