Effects and functions of Kaempferia galanga[picture]

The traditional Chinese medicine Kaempferia galanga [picture] is a very good Chinese medicinal material. Kaempferia galanga [picture] has a very good effect in regulating the body and is also widely used in medicine. Let’s take a look together.

[Other names] Sanlu, sand ginger, mountain pepper

[Source] This product is the dried rhizome of Kaempferia galanga L., a plant of the ginger family. Dig up in winter, wash, remove the fibrous roots, slice and dry.

[Original morphology] Perennial herb, rhizome tuberous, solitary or clustered, light green, fragrant; roots grow from the rhizome, thick, numerous. There are usually 2 leaves, opposite each other, almost sessile, lying flat on the ground, spreading horizontally, thin, round or broadly ovate. It blooms from August to September, with spike-shaped flowers growing from between two leaves. There are 4 to 12 white flowers, which bloom in the morning and fade in the afternoon. They are fragrant and have slender flower tubes. The fruit is a fruit of the genus Acacia.

[Properties] This product is mostly round or nearly round cross-sections, with a diameter of 1 to 2 cm and a thickness of 0.3 to 0.5 cm. The outer skin is light brown or yellowish brown, wrinkled, and some have root marks or remaining fibrous roots; the cut surface is white, powdery, and often convex. It is brittle and easily broken. It has a unique aroma and a spicy taste.

【Identification】 (1) The powder of this product is yellowish white. There are numerous starch granules, mainly single granules, which are round, oval or triangular in shape, most of which are flat, with a diameter of 5 to 30 μm, and no obvious hilums or strata. The oil cells are round or oval in shape, 40 to 130 μm in diameter, with thin walls and light yellow-green or light purple-red oil droplets in the cell cavity. The diameter of the threaded catheter is 18 to 37 μm. The pigment blocks are irregular in shape and are yellow or yellow-brown.

[Content determination] Determine according to the volatile oil determination method (Appendix Ⅹ D Method B). This product must contain not less than 4.5% (ml/g) volatile oil.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy, warm.

【return through meridians】 Return to the stomach meridian.

【Functions and indications】Promotes the flow of qi and warms the middle meridians, helps digestion and relieves pain. Used for chest distension, cold pain in the abdomen, and indigestion.

【Usage and Dosage】 6 to 9g.

【Storage】Keep in a cool and dry place.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

【Source】 "Compendium of Materia Medica"

Through the above, we have learned about the effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine Kaempferia galanga [picture]. I hope everyone can find the right medicine for their condition and consume Kaempferia galanga [picture] correctly in their lives.