Herb × Condition

Spiked Ginger Lily for Inflammation

Sanskrit: गन्धपलाशी | Hedychium spicatum Ham. ex Smith

How Spiked Ginger Lily helps with Inflammation according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Spiked Ginger Lily is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Kapur Kachri (Spiked Ginger Lily) is the rhizome of Hedychium spicatum, found in the Himalayan region. The text describes it as an aromatic rhizome with camphor-like fragrance. The rhizomes are used in incense, cosmetics, and medicines. The drug is pungent and bitter with heating potency. It is used for digestive disorders, cough, asthma, and worm infestations. The rhizome resembles small pieces of camphor when dried. The commentary mentions that Kaempferia galanga (Chandramula) is sometimes substituted for this drug but is distinct. The plant is found at moderate altitudes in the Himalayas. It is a valued ingredient in hair care formulations and aromatic preparations. The rhizomes yield an essential oil used in perfumery. Dose varies by preparation.

How Spiked Ginger Lily Helps with Inflammation

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Spiked Ginger Lily has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:

  • Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp)

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Essential oil, Hedychenone, Cineol, Terpenes
Also Known As
English: Spiked Ginger Lily, Kapur Kachri
Sanskrit: कपूरकचरी, गन्धपलाशी, शठी, षड्ग्रन्था
Hindi: कपूरकचरी

Other Herbs for Inflammation

⟶
Agastya Flowers Sesbania grandiflora Linn.
⟶
Arani Premna integrifolia Linn.
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Alexandrian Laurel Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
⟶
Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
⟶
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Dunal
⟶
Bael Aegle marmelos Corr.
⟶
Vamsha Bambusa arundinacea Willd.
⟶
Barleria Barleria prionitis Linn.

See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.

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.