Evidence supporting the use of: Sharp-leaf galangal
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sharp-leaf galangal (Alpinia galanga) is traditionally used in various Asian medical systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for respiratory ailments including sinus congestion. Historical texts and ethnobotanical records describe its application as an expectorant and decongestant, often administered as decoctions or poultices for relief from nasal blockage, coughs, and other cold symptoms. The aromatic rhizome is believed to possess warming and stimulating properties, which are thought to help “open up” the sinuses and promote mucus drainage.
However, scientific validation of these effects is limited. While some laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mild bronchodilatory properties in extracts of Alpinia galanga, clinical trials specifically evaluating its efficacy for sinus congestion in humans are lacking. Most of the support for its use in sinus congestion therefore comes from long-standing traditional practice rather than robust clinical evidence. The overall quality and quantity of scientific data is insufficient to confirm its effectiveness for this indication, but its traditional usage persists in many cultures.
More about Sharp-leaf galangal
More about Congestion (sinus)
Other ingredients used for Congestion (sinus)
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alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
onion
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
lovage
Mint
mustard seed
spruce
oregano
Peppermint
perilla
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
Sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
Wasabi
boneset
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
Mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lemongrass
Yerba santa
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
Trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
Menthol oil
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
sea salt
Agastache
alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
asafoetida
andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteraceae
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
atractylone
black seed
Baphicacanthus cusia
bicarbonate
balsam
bishop\'s weed
bayleaf
bitter grass
Bougainvillea
bee hive
bioflavonoids
black salt
bee products
Buddha\'s hand
borage
balloon flower
Belamcanda
borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coriander
Citrus
cineole
cajuput
Chinese raisintree
carvone
Cistus
calamus
cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Chondrus
dragonhead
Ephedra
European Elder
English horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
ephedrine
eugenol
fang-feng
frankincense
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Gallesia
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
honey
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Horsemint
Isatis
long pepper
Ivy
Ledebouriella
Litsea
Lomatium
Laggera pterodonta
limonene
Ligustrazin
labrador tea
Ligusticum
Mustard
Marjoram
Marsh Tea
Monoterpenes
Meadow sage
Mucolase
Nardostachys
Nigella seed
Nutmeg
Osha
Orris
Osmanthus
Phellodendron
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Rhus coriaria
ravinsara
Sabadilla
Sichuan Lovage
Sophora
Smartweed
Sesquiterpenes
Solanum indicum
Sambucus nigra
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sundew
Sassafras
Thymus
Vervain
Vasicine
Viola
Vasicinone
Wulinshen
Winter Savory
Yuzu
Yerba buena
Zedoary
Zingerone
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