Botanical name Alpina Officinalis/Galangal
Botanical synonyms Amomum galanga L., Languas vulgare
Family Zingiberaceae
Source Rhizomes
Origin India
Processing Method Steam Distillation
Color/Consistency Light yellow
Aromatic Summary / Note / Strength of Aroma Sweet, spicy with wood and camphor nuances.
Blends With Black Pepper Cardmom,Chamomile Roman, Cistus, Cypress, Elemi, Eucalyptus Globulus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger Fresh, Hinoki, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram Sweet, May Chang, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Scotch Pine,Rose Moroco Absolute, Rosemary, Rose Wood, SageDalmation, Spikenard, Sugandha Kokila, Turmeric, Vetiver.
Product Abstract
Galangal is regarded as a stimulating oil with antiseptic and antifungal properties. It's not commonly used in Aromatherapy but may be useful in massage blends to boost circulation of the blood and lift the spirits. It can also be blended in a cream or lotion to take advantage of its antifungal properties and assist in the treatment of Athlete's Foot and other minor fungal infections. Its antiseptic properties also make it suitable for application to minor infections, acne and other skin problems.
It's also said to be very effective in preventing travel sickness. Just add a couple of drops to a tissue and inhale regularly, making sure that the essential oil does not come into direct contact with the skin.
History
The plant is native to Southern China and Southeast Asia. The plant is now cultivated indonesia, Indo-China, Thailand, India Malaysia and Vietnam.The plant was brought from the Middle East and was used during the Crusades in England. The plant was used by the turks in the 13th century for preparing tea.
Harvesting/Extraction Information
Our Galangal essential oil is steam distilled from fresh rhizomes. Aroma and quality can vary widely depending on skill of the distiller and quality of rhizomes (roots) distilled, much like the difference between Ginger and Ginger Fresh. The best quality Galangal essential oil is always distilled from fresh rhizomes.
Common Usage
Caution
Dilute before use; May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use. Contact with eyes should be avoided.
Key constituents
1,8-Cineole 30.2–33.6%
Camphor 5.0–14.0%
b-Pinene 0.9–12.9%
a-Fenchyl acetate 1.1–12.7%
a-Terpineol 2.3–9.3%
(Z)-b-Ocimene 0–6.4%
(E)-Methyl cinnamate 2.6–5.3%
(þ)-Limonene 3.5–3.7%
Camphene 0.5–3.1%
Farnesol 0–3.1%
a-Pinene 0.5–3.0%
Bornyl acetate 0.6–1.5%
b-Patchoulene 0.3–1.5%
Terpinen-4-ol 0.9–1.3%
b-Eudesmol 0.4–1.1%
Geraniol 0.3–1.1%
Pentadecane 0.6–1.0%
Safety summary
Hazards None known.
Contraindications None known!
Organ-specific effects
Adverse skin reactions No information found.
Reproductive toxicity The low reproductive toxicity of 1,8-cineole, camphor, b-pinene (þ)-limonene, camphene and
a-pinene suggests that greater galangal oil is not hazardous in pregnancy.
Systemic effects
Acute toxicity No information found.
Carcinogenic/anticarcinogenic potential Galangal rhizome oil significantly induces glutathione S-transferase activity in mouse tissues. The oil contains no known carcinogens. 1,8-Cineole is non-mutagenic and shows no evidence of carcinogenesis in rodents; (þ)-limonene is anticarcinogenic.
Comments
There appear to be at least two chemotypes, a 1,8-cineole, and a (E)-b-farnesene. Methyl cinnamate has also been reported as a major component.
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