Indian Spices

Galangal root is a spice native to Southern Asia. It’s closely related to ginger and turmeric and has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries (1Trusted Source).

The word galangal refers to the root of several plants of the Zingiberaceae family. Lesser galangal, or Alpinia officinarum, is most commonly used.

Similarly to ginger and turmeric, galangal can be eaten fresh or cooked and is a popular addition to many Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai dishes (2Trusted Source).

This spice is also used to improve certain ailments, as it’s believed to help treat infections, reduce inflammation, boost male fertility, and even fight different types of cancer.

This article reviews the benefits and safety of galangal root and compares it with ginger and turmeric.