Evidence supporting the use of: Sharp-leaf galangal
For the health condition: Nausea and Vomiting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sharp-leaf galangal (Alpinia officinarum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Chinese and Southeast Asian herbal practices. It has been employed as a remedy for digestive complaints, including nausea and vomiting. Traditional texts, such as those in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), describe sharp-leaf galangal as a warming herb that can harmonize the stomach and reduce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. The mechanism is generally explained in traditional terms, such as dispelling "cold" and regulating "Qi" in the digestive tract.
However, scientific research specifically validating the antiemetic (anti-nausea and vomiting) effects of sharp-leaf galangal is limited. Most studies focus on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antimicrobial properties. There are few, if any, robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies directly assessing its efficacy for nausea and vomiting in humans. As a result, its use for these symptoms is primarily supported by traditional usage rather than modern scientific validation. The evidence rating of 2 reflects this reliance on historical and ethnobotanical sources, rather than contemporary clinical data.
In summary, while sharp-leaf galangal has a well-established role in traditional medicine as a remedy for nausea and vomiting, scientific evidence supporting this use is limited. Those interested in trying it should do so with awareness of the lack of strong clinical research in this area.
More about Sharp-leaf galangal
More about Nausea and Vomiting
Other ingredients used for Nausea and Vomiting
allspicebamboo
myrobalan
benegut perilla (proprietary)
betel
black pepper
chamomile
chen pi
Coptis chinensis
fennel
fenugreek
ginger
gooseberry
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lovage
mint
orange
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
sage
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
watermelon
chickweed
tangerine
typhonium
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
anise
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
root tuber
chrysanthemum
flowering quince
dogwood
dioscorea
sweetgums
caraway
camphor oil
yerba mate
peach
horehound
Sichuan pepper
soursop
sea salt
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Agrimonia pilosa
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Buttermilk
Blue Flag
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Balsam
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
black salt
Black Nightshade
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
banana
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Bottle gourd
Cumin
Centaury
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Citron
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Cubeb
Chirata
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Colocynth
cola nut
Dill
Doxylamine succinate
English Horsemint
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Goldthread
Lotus
Little ironweed
Quince
Rose
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
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