Evidence supporting the use of: Sharp-leaf galangal
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sharp-leaf galangal (Alpinia galanga) has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asian and Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for respiratory ailments such as bronchial congestion. Traditional healers have used preparations of galangal root as an expectorant, believing that its warming and aromatic properties help to loosen mucus and ease breathing. Ethnobotanical surveys from regions like India, Thailand, and Indonesia frequently mention galangal in remedies for coughs, colds, and chest congestion.
However, scientific validation for its efficacy in treating bronchial congestion remains limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have reported mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of Alpinia galanga extracts, which could theoretically support its use for respiratory conditions. These studies suggest that certain compounds in galangal, such as galangin and essential oils, may inhibit the growth of respiratory pathogens and reduce inflammation. Despite these findings, there are no robust clinical trials specifically demonstrating its effectiveness in treating bronchial congestion in humans.
In summary, while sharp-leaf galangal is traditionally used for bronchial congestion and there is some preliminary pharmacological evidence that may support its historical use, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking. Thus, its use for this condition is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.
More about Sharp-leaf galangal
More about Congestion (bronchial)
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
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benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
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caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
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cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
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forsythia
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mustard seed
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spearmint leaf
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mullein
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capsicum
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trichosanthes
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menthol oil
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abies spectabilis
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cayenne pepper
soursop
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Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
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Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
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Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
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Essential Oil Blend
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Other health conditions supported by Sharp-leaf galangal
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bronchitis
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores