In Indonesian culture, masuk angin (literally translating to " masuk angin" or catching a cold) is a very common condition characterized by symptoms such as body aches, chills,
fatigue, nausea, and notably, perut kembung (abdominal bloating and trapped gas). While reaching for over-the-counter medication is common, many people prefer natural,
time-tested remedies to restore comfort. Among traditional kitchen staples, Galangal (Alpinia galanga), known locally as lengkuas or laos, stands out as an exceptional natural
solution for driving out wind, warming the body, and relieving digestive distress.
Galangal belongs to the ginger family, sharing the same warming properties that make it uniquely suited for treating digestive discomfort and cold symptoms:
Carminative Properties: Galangal acts as a natural carminative, meaning it helps break down and expel trapped gas from the digestive tract, instantly relieving bloating, cramps,
and abdominal pressure.
Warming the Body (Efek Menghangatkan): When dealing with masuk angin, the body often feels chilled and fatigued. The aromatic volatile oils in galangal generate internal
warmth, helping to combat shivering and restore comfort.
Stimulating Digestive Juices: Galangal stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile, helping your stomach process food more efficiently and preventing the buildup of
gas caused by sluggish digestion.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Action: If a mild gastrointestinal bug or inflammation is the root cause of your discomfort, galangal's active compounds help soothe the
stomach lining and fight off unwanted pathogens.
You can harness the healing power of galangal easily at home using traditional preparation methods:
Galangal Herbal Infusion (Wedang Laos): Slice or bruise a few pieces of fresh galangal root, boil them in water for about 10–15 minutes, and add palm sugar or honey. Drinking
this warm tea helps expel gas and warms the stomach from the inside out.
External Application (Boreh or Balms): In traditional Indonesian households, grated galangal is sometimes mixed with a little eucalyptus oil and rubbed onto the back, chest, and
stomach to help sweat out masuk angin and relieve physical stiffness.
Culinary Integration: Adding generous amounts of fresh galangal to clear soups (sayur bening) or traditional herbal broths provides gentle, ongoing digestive support.