Galangal Ginger, Alpinia galanga Galangal is a rhizome and a member of the Ginger family, Zingiberacea, and is used extensively in Southeast Asian and Indonesian cuisine. The Medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen recommended the herb as a tonic for the heart, and called it “the spice of life” and said it was a gift from God meant to keep diseases at bay. With an earthy, floral and citrus-like flavor, Galangal introduces a unique aromatic experience to our tea and superfood blends. In addition, its medicinal profile is profound and pairs well with its cousins, Yellow Ginger and Turmeric . While it holds true to the familial characteristics of reducing inflammation and offering digestive support, Galangal is different in that it is much heartier in composition and character. Thus, it may be used for stronger afflictions. A growing body of research is pointing towards its actions in preventing and fighting cancer. In addition, Galangal has been used in Ayurveda and throughout history for improving male fertility. (The smell is similar to Ashwagandha , which is also used to increase fertility). Galangal has a beautiful presence in our gardens and signals to us its tenacity via the way it grows. It remains strong throughout the seasons (not dying back like Yellow Ginger and Turmeric ), grows taller than any other rhizome and requires a much more dedicated harvest, as the root is thick, woody and fibrous.
