Galangal

Galangal is related to ginger. It has a strong taste which somewhat resembles cloves.
It is mostly used as a hallucinogen and as a taste enhancer.

Galangal has a positive effect on the blood circulation and the central nervous system. This has a positive effect on mental focus, memory and other cognitive functions.

Effects

Galangal improves the appetite and it stimulates the blood stream throughout the body and the brain. The herb improves health and vitality. It is also used as a sexual stimulant.

The mild psychoactive effect is felt quite soon after chewing and swallowing a few teaspoons of Galangal (especially on an empty stomach). You can experience a warm feeling, clear thinking and altered perception, especially visual.

Larger doses can lead to mild visual hallucinations.

Usage

Chew on 1 to 10 grams, use it to make a tea, or dissolve it in a warm or cold drink. Use an amount that that gives you a satisfactory effect. A small amount on a daily basis stimulates the central nervous system and improves blood circulation. When used as a tea you can add some honey and/ or peppermint leaves to improve the taste.

It is possible to use Galangal as a spice in meals such as rice dishes. Add a teaspoon Galangal when boiling the rice. When brought to taste with honey, you get an extraordinary hot and spicy dish. Galangal can be mixed with other herbs like damiana to improve the taste.

Links

Botanical with a description, medical uses and recommended doses of Galangal.

Erowid with a short piece about Galangal.

Reviews

Post a review More reviews

Jul 19, 2007 andrea said:

“Very nice herb, though nowhere near the Herb at all ;)

Tastes very good, like ginger but milder and with a hint of black pepper. Two teaspoons soaked in 200 ml steaming water for a few minutes with a teaspoon of honey make for a spicy, sweet, strongly aromatic tea.

As to the effects, they're mild but definite. Very relaxing and warm, perfect for a quiet evening at home.

I also tried making tea with galangal and passion flower (approx two teaspoons each) - tastes kind of nice, the effect is stronger but not particularly enjoyable (felt much like the headrush/flushing feeling you get from mild hyperventilation or from downing a few shots of vodka in a row).

All in all a pleasant and mellow herb to try out - if nothing else it will still make for a good kitchen spice :)”