Evidence supporting the use of: Greater galangal
For the health condition: Belching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) has been traditionally used in various Asian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, primarily as a digestive aid. Its use for belching (excessive eructation) is rooted in its broader application for gastrointestinal complaints such as indigestion, bloating, and flatulence. Historical records and ethnobotanical surveys indicate that galangal rhizomes have been consumed in teas, decoctions, or as culinary spices to help ease digestive discomforts and stimulate appetite. The warming and carminative properties attributed to galangal are believed to help expel gas from the digestive tract, thereby reducing belching and bloating.
Scientific studies directly evaluating the effects of greater galangal on belching specifically are lacking. However, some in vitro and animal research has demonstrated that extracts of Alpinia galanga possess gastroprotective and prokinetic effects, which may theoretically support its traditional use for digestive complaints. The active compounds, such as galangin and eugenol, have demonstrated mild antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially contribute to improved digestive function. Despite this, there are no clinical trials that directly confirm its efficacy for belching in humans. As such, the use of greater galangal for belching is supported primarily by traditional knowledge, with only indirect or low-level scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Belching
allspiceapple
basil
black pepper
chamomile
chen pi
clove
cowage seed
curcumin
fennel
gentian root
ginger
green tea
lemon
lovage
mastic gum
mint
pancreatin
pear
peppermint oil
rhizome
spearmint leaf
water
cardamom
atractylodes
shen-chu
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
anise
fumaria parviflora
sweet flag
caraway
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
Angelica
Amomum
Asafoetida
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
boldo
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Bitter principals
Cumin
Centaury
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Chervil
Coriander
Citron
Citrus
Carvone
Coca
Colombo
Calamus
Dragonhead
Dill
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
Galangal
Mallow
Quince
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vinegar
Other health conditions supported by Greater galangal
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating