Galangal is a root that has a taste reminiscent of both pine and citrus. Galangal root, closely akin to ginger and turmeric, is a spice widely utilized in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Incorporating this root into your dishes not only enhances flavor but also introduces antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, potentially offering various health benefits.

Galangal root, also known as Thai ginger, has many uses in traditional medicine and cooking:
Traditional medicine
Galangal root has been used in traditional medicine around the world to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, pain, digestive issues, and respiratory conditions. In Ayurveda, it’s considered a warming herb that can stimulate digestion, improve circulation, and relieve respiratory conditions. In TCM, it’s believed to have warming and drying properties, and is used to promote digestion, alleviate pain, and treat conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Galangal root is also rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which may help fight disease and protect cells from damaging free radicals.

Cooking
Galangal root can be chopped, minced, ground into a powder, or used to make a decoction. It has a pungent flavor that some people prefer over other spicy ingredients, and can be used in many dishes, including Thai red curry, satay, soups, and stews. You can also buy curry paste made with galangal.

Galangal berries: while the berries can be used as a spice, similar to cardamom, once they turn bright red. Galangal is an essential element in Thai cooking, and is probably best known for making Tom Kha Gai (Thai coconut soup).

Benefits: Sharpleaf Galangal Fruit removes dampness, promotes the flow of vital energy, warms spleen and stomach. Used to treat diarrhea, poor appetite, abdominal distension, vomiting and nausea.

The fruit of the herb Alpinia oxyphylla, also known as sharp-leaf galangal, is used in East Asian medicine to treat cancer and inflammatory conditions. One study found that fruit extract from Alpinia oxyphylla can help regulate Th1/Th17 cells and improve experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

It may act as anti-microbial.
It may help enhance immunity.
It may help protect the liver.
It may show anti-inflammatory property.
It may act as an antioxidant(acts against free radicals).
It may show anti-allergic properties(helps to fight allergic reactions).