Evidence supporting the use of: Greater galangal
For the health condition: Chills
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia and parts of India. In these traditions, galangal is considered a "warming" herb and is commonly prescribed to address symptoms associated with feeling cold, such as chills, poor circulation, and cold extremities. The rationale is rooted in the concept of balancing the body's internal energies or humors, with "warming" herbs believed to counteract "cold" imbalances that might manifest as chills. There is some anecdotal evidence and case reports in ethnobotanical literature describing its use for chills, often within the context of broader remedies for common colds or fevers.
However, scientific validation for the specific use of greater galangal to treat or support chills is limited. Most modern research on galangal has focused on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, rather than its thermogenic (heat-producing) effects or efficacy for chills specifically. Thus, while its use for chills is justified by tradition and supported by historical usage patterns, there is only weak evidence from scientific studies directly addressing this specific indication.
Other ingredients used for Chills
allspicegreen chiretta
betel
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
clove
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
mustard seed
pear
rhizome
schizonepeta
thyme
water
squawvine
xanthium (cockleburs)
atractylodes
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
inula racemosa
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingusticum wallichii
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
siler root
hyacinth bean
zanthoxylum
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Anamu
Aconite
Asteracea
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Capillary Artemisia
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cinchona
Chirata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Mustard
Other health conditions supported by Greater galangal
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating