Galanga (commonly referring to Alpinia galanga or lesser galangal, Alpinia officinarum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia, China, and India. In these traditions, galanga is known for its warming properties and is often used to treat conditions associated with "coldness," such as chills, colds, and fevers. For example, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), galanga is believed to "dispel cold" and is frequently included in herbal formulas intended to warm the body and alleviate symptoms like chills, abdominal pain, and digestive disturbances related to cold exposure.

However, the scientific evidence supporting galanga's efficacy for treating chills specifically is limited. While some laboratory studies have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and mild stimulant properties for galanga extracts, there is no robust clinical research confirming its effectiveness against chills or conditions characterized by feeling cold. Thus, the use of galanga for chills is justified mainly by traditional practice and theoretical frameworks rather than by modern scientific validation.

In summary, galanga's use for chills is rooted in its traditional reputation as a warming herb, but contemporary scientific studies do not currently substantiate this application.