Family: Zingiberaceae Scitaminae
Arabic Name(s): Kholanjan
Urdu Name(s): Khulanjan, Khalanjan, Kalijan, خولنجان
English Name(s): Galangal, Java Galangal
Parts Used
Rhizomes.
Quality/Temperament
Warm and dry in second order.
Functions and Properties (Pharmacological Actions)
Aromatic stimulant, stomachic, carminative, sialagogue, masticatory, antituberculous. The drug has a slight irritant action on the mucus membrane of the stomach and produces a reflex increase in bronchial secretion.
Specific Action
Pectoral (especially in tuberculous conditions) and cardiacal.
Medicinal Uses
Galangal being effective against phlegmatic and atrabilious affections included in cardiac tonic, liver and stomach tonic preparations. As a sialagogue and to alleviate stammering it is applied over the tongue or prescribed as masticatory. As expectorant and antiphlegmatic recommended largely in asthma, bronchitis, bronchial catarrh, whooping cough and phlegmatic hoarseness. In incontinence of urine, and kidney pain of cold (humoural predominance) origin it is also administered. As aphrodisiac included in electuaries (ma'jun) and powders (prescribed for the purpose) especially to the old-age persons. In children it has more benefit in pectoral affections. Therefore as linctus along with honey, betel root and glycyrrhiza it is considered of significance in such complaints. Literature reveals that as masticatory, it removes disagreeable (foul) smell in mouth as well as it finds extensive use by singers in addition to glycyrrhiza.
Compound Preparations
Hab Jadwar, Jawarish Ood Shirin, Arq Pan, Laooq Surfah, Lubub Mo'tadil, Ma'jun Chob-Chini, Ma'jun Khadar, Jawarish Jalinus, Ma'jun Samagh, Ma'jun Muqawwi wa Mumsik, Ma'jun Sa'leb.
Dosage
2-3 g
Corrigent
Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston,Santalum album Linn.,Bambusa arundinaceaRetz. and Pimpinella anisum Linn.
Tenedium
Kababe Khandan(Zanthoxylatum armatum DC.).
Comments
Large doses or long-term use has harmful effect of desensitizing the respiratory centres and in general may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Large doses may arrest urination temporarily.
