HERBAL GARDEN
Kulanjan (Alpinia galanga Willd.)
Classification
Synoyms
Sugandhamula
Rasna
Kulanjana
Maharasna
Sthula Rasna
Habit
A perennial rhizomatous herb, similar to ginger, growing up to 1.5 meters in height with aromatic rhizomes.
Habitat
Cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of India — especially in Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Eastern Himalayas. Also found wild in moist forests and shady areas.
Morphology
- Rhizome: Thick, hard, aromatic, reddish-brown externally, pale within; strongly fragrant and pungent in taste.
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Stem: Erect, leafy pseudostem arising from the rhizome.
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Leaves: Long, lanceolate, alternate, with a sheathing base; smooth and green.
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Flowers: White with red streaks, borne in spikes; bisexual.
- Fruits: Small, round, red berries containing several black seeds.
Chemical Composition
Contains volatile oils (0.25–1%), resin, flavonoids, tannins, starch, and alkaloids.
Major constituents include:
1,8-Cineole,
α-Pinene,
β-Pinene,
Eugenol,
Galangin,
Kaempferide,
Methyl cinnamate
These compounds contribute to its aromatic, stimulant, and antimicrobial properties.
Guna-Karma
Rasa- Katu, Tikta
Guna- Laghu, Tikshna
Virya- Ushna
Vipaka- Katu
Karma- Deepana,
Pachana,
Shothahara,
Vatakaphahara,
Krimighna,
Arshoghna,
Rasayana, Shwasahara, Hridya
Doshakarma- Pacifies Vata and Kapha doshas; slightly increases Pitta.
Medicinal uses
Used in indigestion, flatulence, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain
Beneficial in cough, cold, asthma, and bronchitis
Useful in rheumatism, joint pain, and arthritis
Acts as an aphrodisiac and tonic
Used in bad breath and oral ulcers
Powder or decoction used in fever and sore throat
Chewing a small piece improves voice quality (swarashuddhi)
Useful Part
Rhizome
Doses
Powder (Churna): 1–3 g
Decoction (Kwatha): 20–50 ml
Fresh Juice (Swarasa): 5–10 ml
Important Formulation
Rasnadi Churna
Karpuradi Taila
Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa
Vyaghri Haritaki Avaleha
Shwasakuthar Rasa
Shloka
कुलञ्जनं कटुतिक्तं तिक्ष्णोष्णं दीपनं परम्।
कफवातहरं हृद्यम् पीनसकासहरं प
Hindi Name
Kulanjan, Sugandha, Rasna, Mahabrahmi
English Name
Greater Galangal, Thai Ginger
Botanical Name
Alpinia galanga Willd.
Family
Zingiberaceae