English: Kencur, Aromatic Ginger, Sand Ginger, Cutcherry, or Resurrection Lily.
Sanskrit: Shigru, Shigrugandha, Tikshnagandha, Danshamula, Shigruka, Laghupatra, Mulakparni, Akshiva, Bahala, Mochak, Haritshak, Komalpatrak, Bahumula.
Hindi: चँद्रमूला Chandramula, Sidhoul.
Malayalam: Kacholam, Kachoori (കച്ചോലം, കച്ചൂരി, കച്ചൂരിക്കിഴങ്ങ്).
Aromatic ginger or Sand ginger is a deciduous herb commonly found in tropical, wet areas, leaves are thick and rounded and lay flat on the ground. Flowering starts after the maturity of the plant almost in the rainy season (June). After disappearing the leaves rhizomes remain underground through winter. Rhizomes are very aromatic, and used in many Ayurvedic medicines.
Leaf Arrangement
| Shape-Oblong | Margin-Entire | Venation-parallel |
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Useful plant parts:
Rhizome, oil
Medicinal uses:
Indigestion, fever, and stomach pain control Kapha.
Kencur, also known as “Kaempferia galanga” or “Aromatic Ginger,” is valued in Ayurveda for its various medicinal properties and applications. Here are some of its traditional uses:
1. Digestive Aid: Kencur is used to alleviate digestive issues like indigestion, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort.
2. Anti-inflammatory: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
3. Respiratory Support: Kencur is employed in respiratory conditions such as cough, cold, and asthma.
4. Antimicrobial: It has natural antimicrobial properties, aiding in combating various pathogens.
5. Menstrual Disorders: It may be used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate discomfort associated with menstruation.
6. Anti-emetic: Kencur can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
7. Wound Healing: It is applied topically to promote wound healing.
8. Cognitive Support: Some traditions believe it aids in mental clarity and cognitive function.
9. Expectorant: It helps in expelling mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract.
10. Anti-diarrheal: It may be used to manage diarrhea.
11. Stimulant: Kencur is known to have stimulating effects on the body.
12. Aphrodisiac: In some cultures, it is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
13. Anti-oxidant: It is rich in antioxidants, which help in neutralizing free radicals.
14. Anti-cancer Properties: Some studies suggest it may have potential in inhibiting certain types of cancer cells.
15. Pain Relief: It may help alleviate pain, especially in conditions like headaches.
16. Skin Conditions: Kencur can be used externally for skin conditions like itching and inflammation.
17. Cardiovascular Health: It may support heart health by regulating blood pressure.
18. Nervine Tonic: It is considered a nervine tonic, which means it supports the nervous system.
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before using Kencur or any other herb for medicinal purposes. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health condition and needs.
Chemical contents:
Camphene, Kaempferol, Kaempferide, Cineol, Borneol, 3-Carene, Cinnamaldehyde, Ethyl Cinnamate, P-Methoxycinnamic Acid, and Ethyl P-Methoxycinnamate.
How to prepare medicines:
Dried rhizome powder of sand ginger mixed with honey is and have twice a day better for treating cough.
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