Rasna Powder (Alpinia Galanga)

*Rasna plant is a member of the lily family, and it's growth patterns are similar to that of ginger. It is also known as blue ginger or galangal root. It is an excellent joint and musculoskeletal health promotive herb. Rasna's pungent principles are capable of resolving inflammation and pain. Since Rasna is an anti-aging herb, it can also be added to hot teas and fresh juices. It is also used in soups and Indian curries.

*Benefits include supporting the respiratory system, regulate temperature levels, improves joint flexibility, supports menstrual health, increases metabolism, addresses skin diseases, and inflammation.

Suggested Use: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in powder form, once or twice daily, or use as directed by your health practitioner.

Botanical Name – Pluchea lanceolata / Alpinia galanga
Family – Asteraceae
English Name – Lesser galangal

Morphology –
Rasna is a small plant growing up to a height of 2 -4 feet in bushes. The flowers are white, pale yellow or pale purple. The leaves are glossy, almost hairless, oblong-shaped, with 50-centimeter length. Stems: The rhizome or underground horizontal stem is reddish yellow in color with many branches. Flowers are fragrant, yellowish-white in color. Fruits are red in color, round, with 2 – 3 seeds. Fruits turn black after ripening.

Physical and chemical properties of Rasna –
Taste – Bitter
Quality – Heavy
Potency – Hot
Post Digestive effect – Pungent

Bhavaprakasha – Haritakyadi Varga
रास्नामपाचिनी तिक्ता गुरूष्णा कफवातजित् |
शोथश्वाससमीरास्रवातशूलोदरापहा |
कासज्वरविषाशीतिवातिकामयसिध्महृत् ||१४४||