Evidence supporting the use of: Sharp-leaf galangal
For the health condition: Sore Throat
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sharp-leaf galangal (Alpinia galanga) has been traditionally used in various Southeast Asian and Ayurvedic medicinal systems to alleviate symptoms of sore throat and other respiratory ailments. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys report that the rhizome is frequently employed as a remedy for throat inflammation, coughs, and hoarseness, often prepared as decoctions, teas, or chewed directly. The rationale in traditional medicine is attributed to its perceived "warming" and anti-inflammatory effects. Scientific studies on sharp-leaf galangal’s efficacy for sore throat specifically are sparse. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts from Alpinia galanga possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically benefit throat infections or irritation. For example, certain compounds such as galangin and essential oils have shown activity against pathogens commonly involved in upper respiratory tract infections. However, these findings are preliminary and mostly limited to laboratory or animal models; clinical trials in humans for sore throat are lacking. In summary, while sharp-leaf galangal is widely used in traditional medicine for sore throat, the scientific validation for this specific indication is minimal. The evidence supporting its use is primarily traditional, bolstered modestly by in vitro research suggesting plausible mechanisms of action.
Other ingredients used for Sore Throat
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black pepper
chamomile
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
glehnia root
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
mint
spruce
platycodon root
sage
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
chaff flower
yarrow
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
flowering quince
sweetgums
camphor oil
wood betony
horehound
Sichuan pepper
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
acacia
Agrimony
Alchornea
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Bryonia
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bougainvillea
Buddha's Hand
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Carvone
Cistus
Cubeb
Carlina
Calamus
Culvers Root
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
English Horsemint
Elder
Goldthread
Orsa salt
Spikenard
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