Evidence supporting the use of: Lesser Galangal
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)

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Synopsis

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

Lesser Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia and parts of China. In these traditions, the rhizome is often used to address respiratory issues such as congestion, coughs, and sinus discomfort. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers galangal as warming and useful for dispersing cold and phlegm, which aligns with its use for congestion and sinus problems. Historical herbal texts and ethnomedicinal records frequently cite lesser galangal for its ability to "open the chest" and "clear blockages" in the airways.

From a scientific standpoint, the evidence supporting these uses is modest. Some in vitro studies have identified anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties in extracts of lesser galangal, which could theoretically help with respiratory infections and congestion. However, there are no well-designed clinical trials directly examining its efficacy for sinus congestion in humans. Therefore, while traditional use is strong, scientific validation is limited to plausible but unconfirmed biological activities. The overall evidence rating is moderate based on consistent traditional usage with preliminary but not definitive scientific support.

More about Lesser Galangal
More about Congestion (sinus)

Other ingredients used for Congestion (sinus)

allspice
aloe vera
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 oil
perilla
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
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
Asteracea
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
Ivy
Mustard
Sandalwood
Vervain

Products containing Lesser Galangal

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.