Synopsis

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

Lesser Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) has a longstanding history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Asian herbal systems, where it is often prescribed to address respiratory complaints such as "cough with dampness." In TCM, this condition is perceived as an accumulation of phlegm and moisture in the lungs, leading to symptoms like productive cough and chest congestion. Lesser Galangal is considered to have warming properties and is believed to transform phlegm, disperse cold, and stimulate the flow of qi, thereby alleviating coughs associated with dampness and cold.

While its traditional use is well-documented in classic TCM texts and pharmacopeias, scientific studies specifically validating Lesser Galangal's efficacy in treating cough—especially cough classified as "damp"—are limited. There is some general pharmacological evidence that extracts of Alpinia officinarum possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically support respiratory health. However, there are no robust clinical trials directly linking Lesser Galangal with cough relief in modern biomedical literature. Thus, its use for cough (damp) is justified mainly by tradition, with only low-level supporting evidence from laboratory studies.

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