Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lesser Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia and China, where it has been employed to address respiratory ailments such as colds and feverish conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lesser Galangal is believed to have warming properties and is thought to help expel cold, stimulate digestion, and alleviate symptoms related to chills and fever. The rhizome is commonly included in herbal formulations intended to "warm the middle" and dispel pathogenic "cold," which may manifest as chills, aches, and sometimes fever in the context of a common cold.

Despite its traditional use, scientific studies specifically validating Lesser Galangal’s effectiveness against colds with fever are limited. Some laboratory research indicates that extracts from the rhizome have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but these findings are preliminary and do not directly translate to clinical efficacy for treating colds or fever in humans. There is also a lack of well-designed human clinical trials assessing its use for this indication.

In summary, the use of Lesser Galangal to support or treat colds with fever is mainly justified by traditional practices rather than robust scientific evidence. Its role in traditional medicine as a warming herb for respiratory complaints is well documented, but current scientific validation for this specific use remains weak.

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