Beyond ginger: the aromatic rhizome that defined medieval medicine and Southeast Asian cuisine

Gardening · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Often mistaken for its cousin ginger, galangal is a diverse family of pungent rhizomes essential to Southeast Asian cooking. From the floral, peppery heat in Thai soups to its historical role as a medieval European heart remedy, this versatile ingredient offers a complex flavor profile that remains distinct from common ginger.

Galangal refers to the aromatic rhizomes of four distinct species within the Zingiberaceae family. While closely related to ginger and turmeric, each variety possesses a unique 'hotness' and flavor profile, often described as a blend of cardamom, peppery cinnamon, and floral notes. The most prominent variety, greater galangal (Alpinia galanga), is a staple in Indonesian, Thai, Lao, Malaysian, Vietnamese, and Cambodian kitchens. It is a foundational element in dishes ranging from Khmer kroeung paste to iconic soups like tom yum and tom kha gai.

The culinary application of these rhizomes extends far beyond Southeast Asia. Lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum), also known as Chinese ginger, was once a popular ingredient in medieval European cooking. Its reach even extends to the spirits industry, where it flavors the Polish vodka Żołądkowa Gorzka. Other varieties, such as Boesenbergia rotunda (fingerroot) and Kaempferia galanga (kencur), offer further nuances, though they are used less frequently than the greater galangal. Interestingly, the term 'galingale' is sometimes erroneously applied to the unrelated sweet cyperus, a plant historically used in European folk medicine.

Beyond the kitchen, galangal has a long history in ethnobotany and traditional medicine. Hildegard of Bingen, a German medieval abbess and polymath, famously utilized the rhizome to address heart conditions, including angina. In traditional Asian practices, various species are used to promote digestion and treat respiratory or stomach ailments. Specific applications are highly localized; for instance, in Myanmar, lesser galangal is used to regulate bowels, and its oil is applied to treat stiffness in the neck or back. Some traditions even involve rubbing a rhizome paste on children's tongues to improve speech, highlighting the deep cultural significance of this pungent plant.

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