Description

Jardpan, Kholanjan, جڑپان ,خولنجاں, at sknatural is Alpinia galanga Willd. It belongs to family “Zingiberaceae Scitaminae”. Generally, people use its rhizomes. It is warm and dry in second degree.

Other names:

Arabic Name(s): Kholanjan

Urdu Name(s): Khulanjan, Khalanjan, Kalijan

English Name(s): Galangal, Java Galangal

Recommended dosage:

2-3 g. Excessive consumption or prolonged usage of galangal can have detrimental effects by desensitizing the respiratory centers and potentially adversely impacting the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, large doses of galangal may temporarily inhibit urination.

Medicinal uses:

Galangal, known for its effectiveness against phlegmatic and atrabilious affections, frequently features in cardiac tonic, liver, and stomach tonic preparations. Furthermore, it acts as a sialagogue, applied over the tongue or prescribed as a masticatory to alleviate stammering. Moreover, it earns recommendation as an expectorant and antiphlegmatic, particularly in conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, bronchial catarrh, whooping cough, and phlegmatic hoarseness. Additionally, it finds application in cases of incontinence of urine and kidney pain of cold origin.

It also serves as an aphrodisiac in electuaries (ma’jun) and powders, especially for older individuals. In children, it offers more benefits in pectoral affections. Consequently, when used as a linctus along with honey, betel root, and glycyrrhiza, it holds significance in such complaints. Literature indicates that as a masticatory, it eliminates foul smells in the mouth and is extensively used by singers, often in conjunction with glycyrrhiza.

Galangal functions as both a stimulant and carminative, providing particular benefits in addressing flatulence, dyspepsia, vomiting, and stomach sickness. Indian Ayurveda endorses its efficacy in combating seasickness. Additionally, it aids in toning up the tissues and occasionally physicians recommend it for fever. In cases of catarrh, administration of the powder occurs via sniffing. Modern research has confirmed galangal’s bronchodilator properties. In veterinary medicine, galangal finds usage for cattle, while the Arabs employ it to invigorate their horses. Although several compound preparations incorporate it, it is not frequently used alone nowadays.