First dried galangal root is ginger. Other common names are Lesser Galangal Rhizome, Galanga, Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma, Rhizoma Alpiniae Officinarum, rhizoma galangae, Chinese ginger, and so on. Medicinally It refers to the dried rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance, a plant in the family Zingiberaceae. Its name actually has tipped off a lot of information. It mainly comes from Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan in China. It was named so because it was mainly cultivated and produced in ancient Gao Liang county, where now is known as Zhanjiang and Maoming in Guangdong. This herb, namely the 4 to 6 years fresh galangal roots, is usually harvested in late summer and early autumn for best medicinal value. After that, remove the aerial stem of plant, fibrous roots and residual flakes, wash clean, cut into segments, dry in the sun, and used raw.

It is cylindrical, curved in most of them, 5 to 9cm long, 1 to 1.5cm in diameter, and with branches. Surface is from reddish brown to dark brown, and with fine longitudinal wrinkles and gray-brown wavy rings. Internode length is between 0.2 to 1cm and with rounded root marks on one side. It is tough and difficult to break. Cross section is fibrous and gray-brown or reddish-brown. Stele approximately takes up to one third. It has fragrant odor and spicy flavor.

GALANGAL ROOT HEALTH BENEFITS
As previously mentioned, galanga is tropical perennial ginger plant belonging to the genus of Alpinia. The uses for galangal root are extensive. It can be consumed for both medicinal and culinary purposes thanks to the facts that it is high in the nutrients. As a result today it is made into many different products to cater to different needs, such as galangal root tea, beer, powder, extract, essential oil, etc. So, how to use this herb to maximize its health benefits? Maybe we can get inspiration from its pharmacology.

PROVEN GALANGAL ROOT HERBAL REMEDIES 
Basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds the view that it is acrid in taste and hot in properties. And it covers two meridians of spleen and stomach. Chief functions are warming spleen and stomach for dispelling cold and regulating the flow of qi to alleviate pain. Prime galangal uses and indications include epigastric and abdominal cold pain, vomiting, belching, and more. Recommended galangal root dosage is from 3 to 6 grams in decoction, teapills, or powder.

Galangal Root

1. Gao Liang Jiang Tang.
Gao Liang Jiang Tang comes from Qian Jin Fang (Thousand Pieces of Gold Formulae). It is basically formulated for sudden angina in heart and abdomen, fullness in both rib-sides, and intolerable irritancy. Other herbal ingredients include Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Dang Gui (Dong Quai), and Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex).

2. Er Jiang Wan.
Er Jiang Wan is from Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulas of the Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary). It is mainly designed for heart-spleen pain and all injury by cold. Other herb is Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger Root).

3. Liang Fu Wan.
Liang Fu Wan comes from Liang Fang Ji Ye (A Small Collection of Fine Formulas). This prescription is primarily used for a bit of a pain in chest. Other herb is Xiang Fu Zi (Cyperus rotundus rhizome).

4. Bing Hu Tang.
Bing Hu Tang is from Sheng Ji Zong Lu (Complete Record of Holy Benevolence). This prescription is exclusively used for nonstop vomiting in cholera. Other herb is Da Zao (Jujube fruit).

5. Qun Xun San. Qun Xun San comes from Bai Yi Xuan Fang (Precisely-selected Prescriptions). This recipe is principally used for wind-induced toothache. The other herb is Quan Xie (Scorpion).