Known as “Greater” Galangal or Siamese Galangal, also called “True” Galangal. Warm, spicy, and pungent. Marge and Jim both described the aroma as “oil and vinegar,” or “like sharp salad dressing.” Aromatically, Galangal is in-your-face, but its benefits far outweigh any potential dislike of its scent.
My mentor Madeleine Kerkoff Hayes says it is best used for congestion, colds, sinus infections, bronchitis, flu-like ailments and that it is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is also an excellent mucolytic and expectorant and helpful for rhinitis and sinus problems triggered by inflammation. Acts as an antiseptic, radical scavenger and lipoxygenase inhibitor (reducing inflammation). High in sesquiterpenes.
From the Zingiberaceae Family, it is known to have at least two, possibly more chemotypes. Most common is the 1,8 cineole chemotype, per Robert Tisserand. However, this particular Galangal is known as the beta farnesene (b-farnesene) chemotype. Thought to be anti-microbial and a bactericide, massive amounts of research is ongoing into its use as a food preservative to prevent food-borne illnesses.
Quite stimulating and due to its potency, we would avoid use with infants and during pregnancy. We would also advise lowering dilution for topical use in the elderly.
Topically dilute to between 0.5% and 2% for use on skin and use only in a very small area on the body. Perhaps blend with Helichrysum or German Chamomile to soothe mucous membranes, along with an appropriate carrier oil. Inhalation is our recommended method of use, since its most appropriate use is for sinus or respiratory infections.(By inhalation, we mean via a personal inhaler, not room diffusion.)
SAFETY: High in diarylheptanoid (as curcumin) which may interact with some blood thinners/anticoagulants.
Batch No. GE-651301
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