Aratha

  • Botanical Name : Alpinia galanga
  • English Name : Blue Ginger
  • Sanskrit Name : Sugandhamula
  • Malayalam Name : Aratha (അരത്ത)
  • Part Used : Tuber
About Image

Overview

  • Aratha, native to Southeast Asia, was originally cultivated in Java during the spice trade and is still extensively grown in the Greater Sunda Islands and the Philippines. Its cultivation has also expanded into Mainland Southeast Asia, notably Thailand.
  • Aratha leaves are utilized by the Kavalan people of Taiwan to create Nanel, a rolled leaf instrument, a traditional children’s toy in Austronesian cultures.
  • The plant grows from rhizomes in clumps of stiff stalks up to 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) in height, with long leaves bearing red fruit. The rhizome, known as “galangal” is used in cooking.
  • Valued for its use in food and traditional medicine, the rhizome has a pungent smell and a strong taste reminiscent of citrus, black pepper, and pine needles.
  • Red and white cultivars are used differently, with red cultivars primarily for medicinal purposes, while white cultivars are used as a spice. The red fruit is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, offering a flavor similar to cardamom.

Habitat

  • Alpinia galanga, commonly known as Siamese ginger, Thai ginger, or galangal, is a tropical evergreen perennial with a thick aromatic rhizome, native to Southeast Asia.

Phytochemistry

  • Alpinia galanga rhizome contains the flavonol galangin.
  • The rhizome contains an oil known as galangol, which, upon fractional distillation produces cineol ( with medicinal properties), pinene, and eugenol, among others.
Nutritional Prowess Image

Nutritional Prowess

  • Consuming galangal as part of a regular diet meets the daily vitamin C requirement for healthy adults. Vitamin C supports iron absorption, enhances white blood cell immunity, and acts as a crucial antioxidant to remove toxins from the system.
  • Galangal, being intrinsically high in potassium, helps maintain normal blood pressure, promotes cardiac muscle activity, lowers LDL cholesterol, and raises HDL cholesterol levels. This contributes to preventing heart attacks and strokes, promoting a longer and healthier lifespan.
  • Rich in magnesium, galangal is ideal for relieving muscle cramps, especially after a high-intensity workout. Infusing warm water with galangal powder provides instant relief from pain and discomfort.
  • Fresh galangal enriches blood circulation with antioxidants, preventing toxin build-up, and supporting the body’s defense against colds, allergies, and flu.
  • Galangal root, rich in bioflavonoids and antioxidants, effectively combats pancreatic and intestinal cancers, removes excess estrogen to prevent breast cancer, and dietary fibers in galangal ward off colon cancer while enhancing gut health.
  • Galangal’s dietary fibers ensure proper bowel movement, regulating kidney function and relieving intestinal conditions like constipation and indigestion.
  • Calcium in galangal is absorbed by bones, maintaining optimal bone density for day-to-day functions and flexible movement. The high potassium content complements bone health by enhancing mineral uptake by cells and tissues.
  • Galangal’s vitamin C reduces swelling in the bladder, and its antioxidants eliminate harmful free radicals and bacteria, preventing urinary tract infections and ensuring proper elimination of wastes from the body.
  • Vitamin C in galangal enhances iron absorption, preventing anemia by promoting red blood cell synthesis and blood passage.

Dermatological Perks

  • Galangal contains essential amino acids that build healthy skin cells, suppressing redness and swelling in skin exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Its high flavonoid content provides antioxidant traits, combating acne, scars, dark spots, and reducing skin irritation.
  • Spermidine in galangal delays skin cell aging, and flavonoid antioxidants reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sunken skin. Drinking warm galangal tea boosts collagen production, essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Additionally, galangal’s high antioxidants treat infections and possess bacterial properties.
Office
Kerala:

1st Floor, KSIDC Investment Zone
SDF 2, Canal Pirivu, Palakkad
Kerala - 678621 India

Tamil Nadu:

2B, Mayflower
Brookefields Apartments
Sastri Road, RS Puram
Coimbatore – 641002
Tamil Nadu, India

UAE:

105, Aspect Towers
Business Bay, Dubai
PO Box 242982

Quick links
© 2025 ATHACHI. All Rights Reserved.
Downloads