Evidence supporting the use of: Galangal
For the health condition: Belching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Galangal, which refers to several species in the Zingiberaceae family (most commonly Alpinia galanga or Kaempferia galanga), has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia. In these traditions, galangal rhizome is employed to address a variety of digestive complaints, including belching, bloating, and indigestion. The rationale for its use is based on its reputed carminative properties—herbs that help expel gas from the gastrointestinal tract and relieve associated discomfort. Texts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda mention galangal as a remedy to “move qi” or digestive energy, which is believed to help with symptoms like belching. However, scientific studies directly examining galangal for the treatment of belching are limited. While some research has explored its general effects on digestion—such as promoting gastric secretions or possessing anti-inflammatory properties—there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically focused on belching. Thus, the use of galangal for this condition is primarily justified by traditional and historical usage, with only preliminary or indirect scientific support. Until more rigorous studies are conducted, the evidence supporting galangal’s efficacy for belching remains rooted in tradition rather than modern science.
Other ingredients used for Belching
Allspiceapple
basil
black pepper
chamomile
chen pi
clove
cowage seed
curcumin
fennel
gentian root
ginger
green tea
lemon
lovage
mastic gum
mint
pancreatin
pear
Peppermint
rhizome
spearmint leaf
water
cardamom
atractylodes
shen-chu
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
anise
fumaria parviflora
sweet flag
caraway
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
Angelica
Amomum
Asafoetida
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
boldo
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Bitter principals
Cumin
Centaury
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Chervil
Coriander
Citron
Citrus
Carvone
Coca
Colombo
Calamus
Dragonhead
Dill
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
False Calumba
Gentian
gum
Galangal
Horsemint
Jurubeba
Javanese Long Pepper
Lime
Large-leaf Gentian
Lycopodium
Mentha haplocalyx
Marjoram
Mallow
Mace
Meadowsweet
Natsudaidai
Nutmeg
Orris
Pepper
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Pimpinella
Quince
Sicklepod
Sete sangrias
Southern Tsangshu
Savory
Stellaria dichotoma
Sassafras
Sweet Orange alcohol
Tarragon
Tamarind
Vinegar
Yerba buena
Zedoary
Other health conditions supported by Galangal
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (damp)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation