Swap your coffee for a spice hit: Galangal's surprising brain-boosting benefits

When we require a pick-me-up, we often gravitate towards coffee and energy drinks. These drinks contain caffeine, which boosts our energy levels. It's important to bear in mind, however, that caffeine consumption has its limitations. Overuse can lead to adverse effects such as nausea, headaches and tremors.

Saint Hildegard of Bingen contributed significantly to the evolution of herbalism and natural medicine. Her treatments and advice still hold validity today. She introduced galangal to our region, detailing its virtues in her book "Physica: The Healing Work of Creation. The Natural Power of Things". She attests that this spice can reduce fever, alleviate back pain, combat bad breath, and benefit lung function.

Recent scientific discoveries suggest that this substance could serve as a caffeine substitute. A study published in "Advances in Complementary & Alternative Medicine" reported fascinating results. The findings indicate that Thai ginger (otherwise known as Alpinia galanga) supports cognitive functions.

The taste of Alpinia Galanga is a mix of bitterness and spiciness. It has been a staple in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for many years. Its properties are highly prized. Galangal is effective against indigestion and respiratory infections. It also improves male fertility and combats parasites. Furthermore, it was found that 62 study participants who ingested 300 mg of galangal extract half an hour after eating displayed enhanced:

    
• reaction time,
• alertness,
• perceived fatigue,
• ability to answer questions correctly,
• fewer errors,
• subjective energy levels.

Interestingly, these effects were still evident five hours post-consumption.

Various forms of this plant are available in the market. Powdered form or dried cut pieces of rhizome are the options often selected by people. In the first case, you merely need to add a bit to water, whereas in the latter, a decoction must be prepared.

Galangal extract is an even better choice. To prepare it, boil half a teaspoon of the extract with a cup of water or milk. Do not exceed the maximum dosage of the spice – 0.1 ounces (or one level teaspoon). Remember, galangal is not suitable for children, pregnant women and individuals with serious illnesses.