Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Galangal, Aromatic Ginger
Sanskrit: सुगन्धवचा, चन्द्रमूलिका
Hindi: सुगन्धवचा
What is Galangal (Sugandha Vacha / सुगन्धवचा)?
Sugandha Vacha (Galangal/Kaempferia galanga) is mentioned in the text as a fragrant rhizome sometimes confused with or substituted for Kapur Kachri (Hedychium spicatum). The rhizome is small, aromatic, and camphoraceous. It is used as a digestive, expectorant, and for Vata disorders. The plant is low-growing with round leaves close to the ground and white flowers with purple markings. It is cultivated in southern India and Southeast Asia.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Kasahara (antitussive)
- Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Vacha (Acorus Calamus), vamsha bark (Bambusa arundinacea), patha (Cissambelos Pereira), nata (Valeneria wallichii), flower stalk of tulasi (Ocimum sanctum), bala (Sida cordifolia), atibala (Abutilon indicum), nakuli (Alpinia galangal), kushtha (Saussurea lappa), shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck), haridra (Curcuma longa), daruharidra (Berberis aristata), guha (krishnaparni - Uraria picta), atiguha (shalaparni - Desmodium gangeticum), shveta (Clitoria ternacia), ajagandha (Carum roxburghianum), shilajat
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.