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Kaempferia galanga L., Zingiberaceae, is reported ‘not found in the wild’, although it is believed to be a native to India. .
The plants of this species are without an aerial stem (Kaempferia galanga1). It is cultivated throughout India, as well as in Malaysia, Thailand, Java, China, Sri Lanka and Africa.
The rhizomes (Kaempferia galanga2) are strong smelling, with note of ginger, due to a combination of several essential oils.
The rhizomes are stimulating, expectorant, carminative, diuretic, and given in cough. They reduce irritation of caterpillar stings. The rhizomes are an ingredient of medicated hair oils effective in controlling dandruff and head lice, and are often used insect repellents.
The rhizome oil is used in cosmetics and perfume industry.