Are you a Thai food addict? If so, you would be familiar with Galangal Powder, obtained from galangal root or ‘Khaa’ in Thai. A rhizome often confused with ginger, it has a tighter skin, lighter color with pinkish portions. It also tastes more like pepper than ginger.  Two varieties of galangal are available; Indonesian variety with a sharp flavor and pine like aroma, and a pungent variety with taste and flavor like a combination of pepper and ginger, originating from southern parts of China (used in Thai food). It is available in three forms as a whole rhizome, cut peices, or as powder. Galangal powder is easy to access and has many uses and benefits, these have been listed below. Read on…

Uses of Galangal Powder

1. Culinary

Fresh and powdered galangal vary in taste. The powder has a more intense and concentrated flavor, thus, should be used cautiously. It is an integral part of Far Eastern cuisines from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Indo-China. It is a great ingredient to neutralize the ‘fishy’ odor from sea food recipes. It can be blended well with different spices and used during preparation of meat, poultry, curries, soups, spicy sauces, stir fries, rice, etc. It pairs up remarkably well with coconut milk, lemon, and lime flavors.

2. Medicine

Galangal Powder is a commonly prescribed home remedy by homeopaths, veterinarians, other health care professionals, and natural healers. It is used to treat nausea, dyspepsia, flatulence, catarrh (inflammation of mucus membrane), rheumatism, and enteritis. It is also an antioxidant, carminative, stimulant, tonic, circulatory aid, with antimicrobial properties. Traditionally, it is known to be an aphrodisiac.

3. Miscellaneous

It has been reported that galangal powder is used in the preparation of natural deodorants and restorative supplements in India.

Health Benefits of Galangal Powder

• Treats nausea – especially related to motion and sea sickness
• Cures inflammation and ulcers of stomach
• Treats stomach ailments like indigestion, bloating, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, sluggish digestion, etc.
• Helps in the digestion of fat in intestines
• Cures cold, flu, and fevers
• Fights fungal infections
• Natural laxative
• Tackles pain and inflammation – especially rheumatism related

If you are fond of oriental cuisine but are out of galangal powder, try out these Galangal Substitutes instead.

Image credits: thaifloriade.doae.go.th