HerbsRx
Moderate evidence

Galangal

Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) is a rhizomatous spice closely related to ginger, prized in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine. It contains active diarylheptanoids (like galangin), gingerols, and essential oils that exert powerful antiemetic, gastroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Galangal stimulates digestive enzyme secretion, increases gut motility, and acts directly on the brainstem and gastrointestinal tract to shut down nausea pathways.

What Galangal is used for

  • Nausea
  • Motion Sickness
  • Flatulence
  • Impaired Digestion (Dyspepsia)
  • Mild Inflammatory Pain
  • Sore Throat

Pharmaceuticals Galangal is studied as a natural alternative to

  • Ginger supplements
  • Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
  • OTC antacids

Educational information only — never stop or change a prescribed medication without talking to your prescriber first.

Safety and warnings

⚠️

Generally safe as a spice. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy unless supervised by a physician. May increase gastric acid secretion; use caution if you suffer from peptic ulcers or severe GERD.

Evidence level: Moderate

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