Alpinia, also known as Galanga-Minor, Chinese Root or Lesser Alpinia, is a medicinal plant known to help treat digestive disorders such as insufficient production of bile or gastric juice and difficult digestion.
Its scientific name is Alpinia officinarum, and it can be purchased at natural products stores, handling pharmacies or free markets. This is a medicinal plant similar to ginger as it is only used the root of this plant for preparation of tea or syrups.
What Alpinia is for?
This medicinal plant can be used in the treatment of various problems, such as:
- Helps increase the production of bile or gastric juice;
- Helps treat loss of appetite;
- It improves digestion, especially in cases of digestion of fatty or heavy meals;
- Induces menstruation in cases of absence of menstruation;
- Relieves inflammation and toothache;
- Helps to treat irritations and infections on the skin and scalp;
- Relieves abdominal pains and spasms, including biliary colic.
In addition, alpinia can also be used to improve appetite and is an option for patients who are looking to gain weight.
Properties of Alpinia
The properties of alpinia include an action that reduces spasms, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic. In addition, the properties of this medicinal plant also help to regulate the production of secretions.
Mode of 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 dried root powder can also be used as a condiment in food, having a ginger-like taste.
Alpinia tea for indigestion
The tea of this plant can be easily prepared using the plant's dry or fresh root, as follows:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried alpinia root in pieces or powder;
Method of preparation
Put the root in a cup with boiling water and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Coar before drinking.
This tea should be drunk 2 to 3 times a day.
Alpinia syrup with honey
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh root of alpinia. If using the fresh root this should be well chopped;
- 1 teaspoon of marjoram powder;
- 1 teaspoon of Celery seed powder;
- 225 g of honey.
Method of preparation
Start by heating the honey in 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 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 dyes from this plant may also be purchased, which should be used according to the directions on the packaging. Generally, it is advisable to take 3 to 6 capsules per day at mealtimes, or 30 to 50 drops of tincture diluted in liquid 2 to 3 times per day.
When not to be used
The alpinia should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, since it can can cause abortion.
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