Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Lesser Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly within systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In these traditions, galangal is valued for its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive properties. Its use for oral health issues, including canker sores (aphthous ulcers), is based primarily on these general properties rather than on specific, targeted evidence.

Traditional herbalists have sometimes recommended galangal for mouth and throat ailments, possibly because its spicy rhizome is believed to stimulate saliva, reduce inflammation, and combat microbial growth. However, references to galangal specifically for canker sores are sparse, and most mentions are anecdotal or indirect, relating more to its broader role in soothing oral discomforts or infections.

There is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting the use of Lesser Galangal for canker sores. While some laboratory studies have indicated that extracts from Alpinia officinarum possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, these studies have not specifically addressed canker sores in clinical settings. Thus, the use of Lesser Galangal for canker sores is justified primarily by tradition, with very limited evidence to support its effectiveness for this specific condition.

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