GREATER GALANGAL Alpinia galanga Zingiberaceae
San:Sugandhamula, Rasna; Hin:Kulainjan; Mal:Aratta, Chittaratha; Tam:Arattai;
Guj: Kolinjan; Kan: Dumba-rasmi; Mar: Kosht-Kulinjan; Tel: Pedda-dumparash-tram
Importance
The greater galangal, Java galangal or Siamese ginger is a perennial aromatic
rhizomatous herb. This plant is cultivated for its rhizome in tropical areas of south and East
India. Because of the presence of essential oil, the rhizomes are used in bronchial troubles
and as a carminative. They are also useful in vitiated conditions of vata and kapha,
rheumatoid arthritis, inflammations, stomatopathy, pharyngopathy, cough, asthma, hiccough,
dyspepsia, stomachalgia, obesity, diabetes, cephalagia, tubercular glands and intermittent
fevers. It is one of the ingredients of medicated “Pan” used for removing the foul smell of the
mouth and getting relief in throat inflammation. In Ayurveda, “Rasna-saptak-kwath” and
“Rasna-adikamath” are used as antiinflammatory decoctions. In Unani, it is an ingredient of
aphrodisiac preparations, “Majun Mugawivi ma Mumsik”, “Majun Samagh”, and
antispasmodic nervine tonic “Majun Chobchine” and “Lubab Motadil”. It is also used in
“Arq Pan” as a cardiac stimulant and carminative.
Distribution
The Java galangal is mainly distributed in Eastern Himalayas and South-West India.
This is very common in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Kerala, Karnataka and throughout the
Western Ghats. It is cultivated also in these places. They are also found in countries like Sri
Lanka and Malaya.
Botany
Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd. belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. It is a perennial
herb, about 2m high with lower portion covered with smooth leaf sheaths. The leaves are
broadly lanceolate, 30-60cm long and 10-15cm broad. The flowers are arranged in erect,
terminal panicles. composed of numerous spreading dichotomous branches each with two to
six, pale greenish-white faintly fragrant flowers. Fruits 1.25 cm long, oblong, constricted in
the middle or even pear shaped, three sided and deep orange red in colour. Seeds are ash
coloured, three angled, finely striated towards the hilum. Both the seeds and rhizomes have
pungent aroma.
Apinia calcarata (Linn.) Willd is another species of the genus with much medicinal
importance. It is shorter in stature but stronger in aroma than Alpinia galanga.
Agrotechnology
Siamese Ginger comes up well in tropical climate. It grows on a wide range of
climates and soils. Well drained hilly areas and places of 1400m high altitude are good for
its cultivation. This is commercially propagated vegetatively by rhizomes. The field should
be ploughed to a good tilth. All the stones and pebbles should be removed. Organic manures
at 10t/ha are applied during land preparation. Seedbeds are prepared with 1m breadth, 2m
length and 15cm height. Small pits are made at 25cm spacing above the seedbeds and 5cm
long rhizomes are planted. Seedbeds are covered with dried leaves. It is irrigated
immediately after planting. Regular weeding is needed during the initial stages of crop
growth. This is cultivated also as an intercrop in coconut or rubber plantations. Rhizomes are