Alpinia Officinalis - Useful Properties And Use Of Alpinia Officinalis

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Alpinia officinalis

Useful properties and application of alpinia officinalis

Alpine description

Alpinia officinalis is a delightful tropical plant with a thick reddish-brown rhizome that extends horizontally underground and branches very profusely. This large perennial on the roots has ringed leaf scars of a light shade. The stem height can reach one and a half meters. As a rule, separate stems emerge from all the branches of the rhizome. A well-developed specimen can have up to 40 stems, while only a few will have inflorescences.

Sedentary alternate leaves are linear. Their length is about 25 cm. Amazing white flowers are collected in an apical short spike in the form of bunches. The tubular calyx is supplemented with a short-tubular three-lobed rim. Red stripes can be traced at the white petal lip. The alpinia fruit is represented by a small box. Outwardly, the plant slightly resembles ginger.

As a rule, to obtain unique pharmaceutical raw materials, it is grown in China on the Hainan Island and on the Leizhoubandao Peninsula. This herb with two-row lanceolate leaves has more than 200 species that are widespread in the subtropical regions of Asia. Alpinia can be easily bred at home. She only needs enough light and a temperature of at least 20 ° C heat.

By spraying and watering regularly, and feeding every two weeks during active growth, you can grow a luxurious plant. Faded shoots should be cut off immediately after flowering, leaving the rest to continue growing. In the cold period of the year in winter, the alpine must be kept in the temperature range from 12 to 14 ° C warm, with moderate watering so that the soil is slightly dry.

Reproduction is carried out by dividing rhizomes, as well as seeds. You can divide the rhizomes in the spring during the transplant process. Small pieces are planted in wide pots or in flat, low containers. Do not forget about regular, even watering of the planted plants. It is recommended to sow fresh seeds in boxes and bowls. They will only germinate at temperatures over 22 ° C. A special soil mixture combining equal parts of turf, sand and humus will allow for good growth.

Useful properties of alpinia

This plant has unique beneficial properties. It contains special substances with a pungent taste, essential oil, as well as bitter derivatives of flavones and the essential eugenol. The rhizomes contain sesquiterpenoid alcohols, cineole, galangin, kaempferol and eugenol. The presence of resins and essential oils is responsible for the burning taste. In addition, the alpinum contains various flavonoids and tannins. For medicinal purposes, aromatic rhizomes and seeds are usually used.

Alpinia application

Since ancient times, in traditional oriental medicine, small alpinia seeds have been used for cholera, malaria, heartburn, indigestion and severe toothache. Healing rhizomes are indicated for chronic enteritis and other stomach problems and various painful conditions. They are also indispensable for dangerous inflammation of the small intestine. This plant is often prescribed for digestive upset. Along with this, it prevents all kinds of relapses in complex chronic diseases of all internal organs, promotes excellent gas release, and promotes salivation.

It should also be noted that delightful alpinia is indicated to increase the functional activity of the stomach, with exhaustion and lack of appetite. For women, the exceptional properties of the plant are of no small importance, which help to cope with any disorders of the menstrual cycle, fainting and headaches. Mention may also be made of the healing effects of an enlarged liver, motion sickness and hypochondria.

With insufficient formation of the necessary enzymes, alpinia is indispensable. Often it is part of various gastric teas, endeavors to the healing effect of other herbs. Peerless tinctures are prescribed for various gastrointestinal diseases. In addition to its medical use, alpinia is used in many world cuisines as a gourmet spice to improve appetite. The sharp aromatic taste and insanely pleasant smell make the alpine seasoning wonderful. This seasoning will make any meat dish incredibly tasty.

To make tea from the alpine, you need 2 tsp. chopped rhizomes and 50 grams of boiling water. Fill the mixture with water and set aside for 5-10 minutes to infuse. Then strain. It is necessary to consume one cup of warm tea 3 times a day before meals. Tea is not recommended to be sweetened.

Alpinia contraindications

Side effects when using alpinia have not been identified. With prolonged use as a healing medicine, do not exceed the indicated dosages, and the seasoning should be consumed in large quantities.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).