Galanga Major & Minor (India Root, Chinese Ginger)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Alpinia galanga, Alpinia officinarum
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Various parts of the entire plant, frequently differing by
country and/or culture
Chemicals this herb contains:
Cineloe
Galangin
Galangol
Kaempferid
Resin (See Glossary)
Volatile oils (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Anti-bacterial effect acts against bacterial germs, such as streptococci, staphylococci and coliform bacteria.

Miscellaneous information:
Related botanically and pharmacologically to ginger. Known and used by ancient Greeks and Arabs.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract. Treats impotence. Reduces excess phlegm caused by allergies. Treats painful teeth and gums. Stimulates respiration.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS