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
AgastacheAllspice
alpinia galangal
Amomum
Angelica
Angostura
anise
apple
apple cider vinegar
Ardisia
asafoetida
Asam gelugor
atractylodes
balsam
basil
bayleaf
bicarbonate
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
bitter principals
black galingale
black pepper
black salt
boldo
Buddha\'s hand
Butea monosperma
calamus
caraway
cardamom
carvone
cayenne pepper
centaury
chamomile
chen pi
chervil
Cinnamomum
citron
Citrus
clove
coca
colombo
coriander
cowage seed
cumin
curcumin
curry leaf
dill
dragonhead
English horsemint
enzyme blend
false calumba
fennel
ferula assafoetida
Fumaria parviflora
Galangal
gentian
gentian root
ginger
green tea
gum
Horsemint
Indian bael
indigo leaves
Javanese Long Pepper
Jurubeba
Large-leaf gentian
lemon
lime
lovage
Lycopodium
mace
mallow
Marjoram
Mastic gum
Meadowsweet
Mentha haplocalyx
Mint
Natsudaidai
Nutmeg
Orris
pancreatin
pear
Pepper
Peppermint
Pimpinella
Piper nigrum
Piper retrofractum
Pyrrosia
quince
rhizome
Sassafras
Savory
Sete sangrias
shen-chu
Sichuan pepper
Sicklepod
Southern Tsangshu
spearmint leaf
Stellaria dichotoma
sweet flag
Sweet Orange alcohol
Tamarind
Tarragon
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
