Galangal (Alpinia officinarum)

Galangal is related to ginger. It has a strong taste which somewhat resembles cloves. It's mostly used as a hallucinogen and as a taste enhancer.

Galangal has a positive effect on the blood circulation and the central nervous system. This in turn has a positive effect on mental focus, memory and other cognitive functions.

Effects

Galangal improves the appetite and stimulates the blood stream throughout the body and the brain. The herb improves health and vitality. It is also used as a sexual stimulant.

The mild psychoactive effect is felt quite soon after chewing and swallowing a few teaspoons of Galangal (especially on an empty stomach). You can experience a warm feeling, clear thinking and altered perception, especially visual.

Larger doses can lead to mild visual hallucinations.

Usage

Chew on 1 to 10 grams, use it to make a tea, or dissolve it in a warm or cold drink. Use an amount that that gives you a satisfactory effect. A small amount on a daily basis stimulates the central nervous system and improves blood circulation. When used as a tea you can add some honey and/ or peppermint leaves to improve the taste.

It is possible to use Galangal as a spice in meals such as rice dishes. Add a teaspoon Galangal when boiling the rice. When used in combination with honey, you get an extraordinary hot and spicy dish. Galangal can be mixed with other herbs like damiana to improve the taste.

Links

Botanical with a description, medical uses and recommended doses of Galangal.

Erowid with a short piece about Galangal.

Reviews

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Apr 15, 2009 Neuromancer said:
    
“An interesting plant. I drink it as a tea (2 tsp. infused in just boiling water). I feel it is more a relaxant than a stimulant, but it's trickier than that. Galangal doesn't make me drowsy or sleepy, but I don't think it would actively prevent me from sleeping either (it is absolutely nothing like caffeine). It just makes me calm, quiet and clear-minded. I wouldn't really say it improve concentration because I don't feel like I am very deeply focused on what I'm doing, but I do it anyway and it definitely helps with boredom. It's not about being high or being deep, more about being light.

The physical and perceptive effects are very present too. The main physical effects was that it makes me feel very warm during about 45 minutes after drinking it ; it's not very pleasant because it often makes me sweaty. Perceptions are mildly altered too, colors and lights are a bit sharper and more beautiful. There is also something with touch and body sensations, I feel globally more at ease with my body ; I'm not surprised the plant is often sold as an aphrodisiac.

And finally, it is a pleasant and tasty spice ! It must be interesting for cooking, and the tea is quite good if you like spicy things (it's even better with a bit of honey).”

Jul 19, 2007 andrea said:
    
“Very nice herb, though nowhere near the Herb at all ;)

Tastes very good, like ginger but milder and with a hint of black pepper. Two teaspoons soaked in 200 ml steaming water for a few minutes with a teaspoon of honey make for a spicy, sweet, strongly aromatic tea.

As to the effects, they're mild but definite. Very relaxing and warm, perfect for a quiet evening at home.

I also tried making tea with galangal and passion flower (approx two teaspoons each) - tastes kind of nice, the effect is stronger but not particularly enjoyable (felt much like the headrush/flushing feeling you get from mild hyperventilation or from downing a few shots of vodka in a row).

All in all a pleasant and mellow herb to try out - if nothing else it will still make for a good kitchen spice :)”

Nov 2, 2004 hiven said:
     
“good product, but i did not have any sort of allucination, is a good relaxing herb”