Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Galangal, a rhizome related to ginger and widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, has been used historically to treat digestive ailments, including diarrhea. In systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, galangal (most commonly Alpinia galanga or Alpinia officinarum) is considered to have carminative and antiemetic properties, and its roots are often included in remedies for gastrointestinal disturbances. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys report its use for diarrhea management, likely due to its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, while in vitro and animal studies suggest some potential antimicrobial activity against pathogens that can cause diarrhea, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans specifically validating galangal’s efficacy for treating diarrhea. As such, the primary justification for its use in diarrhea comes from traditional medicine rather than modern scientific evidence, and the quality of supporting evidence is relatively low.

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Other ingredients used for Diarrhea

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