Synopsis

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

Galangal, a rhizome related to ginger and widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, has a long history in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In these traditions, galangal (which may refer to Alpinia galanga or related species) has been used to address a variety of digestive complaints, including colic in adults. Colic, broadly defined as abdominal pain or discomfort caused by gastrointestinal issues, is traditionally thought to be alleviated by galangal due to its purported carminative (gas-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and stomachic (digestive-aiding) properties. Classic herbal texts and ethnobotanical records from regions such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia frequently mention the use of galangal for “wind” or “cold” affecting the stomach, symptoms that can overlap with adult colic.

However, while traditional use is well documented, scientific studies directly evaluating galangal's efficacy for colic in adults are lacking. Some in vitro and animal studies do suggest spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory effects of galangal extracts, which could theoretically relieve colic symptoms, but clinical trials in humans are absent or insufficient. Therefore, galangal’s use for adult colic is primarily supported by tradition, with limited scientific validation at this time.

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