Evidence supporting the use of: Galanga
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Galanga (commonly referring to Alpinia galanga, also known as greater galangal) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In these traditions, galanga rhizome is used to treat various respiratory ailments, including dry cough, sore throat, and hoarseness. The rationale lies in its purported warming, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to help loosen phlegm and soothe irritation in the respiratory tract. Several classical herbal formulations, particularly in Southeast Asian and Indian traditions, include galanga as a component for managing cough and throat discomfort.
However, direct scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of galanga specifically for dry cough is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities in galanga extracts, which might theoretically support its traditional use in respiratory conditions. Yet, robust clinical trials or systematic reviews confirming its effectiveness for dry cough are lacking as of 2024. Thus, current evidence for this use rests primarily on historical and ethnobotanical sources rather than on rigorous modern scientific studies.
Other ingredients used for Cough (dry)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
oregano
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
fumaria parviflora
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
dodder
sweet flag
menthol oil
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ambergris
acacia
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bayleaf
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Galanga
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair Care (general)
Hangover