Medicinal properties of alpinia

Alpinia, also known as Galanga-menor, china root or Alpínia minor, is a medicinal plant known to help treat digestive disorders such as insufficient production of bile or gastric juice and difficult digestions.

Its scientific name is Alpinia officinarum , and it can be purchased at health food stores, drugstores or free markets. This is a medicinal plant similar to ginger, as only the root of this plant is used to prepare teas or syrups.

What is Alpinia for?

This medicinal plant can be used to treat several problems, such as:

Helps to increase the production of bile or gastric juice; Helps treat loss of appetite; Improves digestion, especially in cases of digestion of fatty or heavy meals; Induces menstruation in cases of no menstruation; Relieves inflammation and toothache; Helps treat skin and scalp irritations and infections; Relieves abdominal pain and spasms, including biliary cramps.

In addition, alpinia can also be used to improve appetite, being an option for patients who are looking to put on weight.

Alpinia Properties

Alpinia's properties include a spasm-reducing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic action. In addition, the properties of this medicinal plant also help to regulate the production of secretions.

How to use

As with ginger, the fresh or dried root of this medicinal plant is generally used in the preparation of teas, syrups or tinctures. In addition, its dry powdered root can also be used as a condiment in food, having a taste similar to ginger.

Alpinia tea for indigestion

The tea from this plant can be easily prepared using the dry or fresh root of the plant, as follows:

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of dried alpinia root in pieces or powder;

Method of preparation

Put the root in a cup of boiling water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain before drinking.

This tea should be drunk 2 to 3 times a day.

Alpinia syrup with honey

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of powdered or fresh alpinia root. If using the fresh root, it should be chopped well; 1 teaspoon of marjoram powder; 1 teaspoon of powdered celery seeds; 225 g of honey.

Method of preparation

Start by heating the honey in a water bath and when it is very hot, add the remaining ingredients. Mix well, remove from heat and set aside in a glass jar with a lid.

It is recommended to take half a teaspoon of syrup 3 times a day for 4 to 6 weeks of treatment.

In addition, capsules or tinctures from this plant can also be purchased, which must be used according to the packaging guidelines. Generally, it is recommended to take 3 to 6 capsules a day with meals, or 30 to 50 drops of tincture diluted in liquid, 2 to 3 times a day.