Evidence supporting the use of: Greater galangal
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
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, for treating respiratory ailments such as colds and coughs. Its rhizome is commonly used in decoctions, teas, and soups intended to relieve symptoms of colds. The traditional rationale is based on its warming, expectorant, and purported antimicrobial properties, as described in Ayurveda and Thai traditional medicine. Scientific research on the antiviral properties of Greater galangal is limited and mostly in vitro. Some studies have identified compounds such as galangin and 1’-acetoxychavicol acetate, which show weak to moderate antiviral and antimicrobial activity against certain pathogens in laboratory settings. However, there is little direct evidence from clinical trials or robust animal studies confirming its efficacy against the viruses that cause the common cold (such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses). In summary, the use of Greater galangal for colds is primarily supported by traditional practice. While it does contain bioactive compounds with potential antiviral activity, current scientific evidence is preliminary and insufficient to strongly validate its effectiveness for this purpose in humans.
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood
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