With its soft spice and sweet, woody aroma, Galangal offers a warm and comforting experience. This aromatic perennial herb is part of the Zingiberaceae family, with notable relations being Ginger, Ginger Lily, Turmeric, and Cardamom. Considered one of several plants with the name Galangal, Kaempferia galanga actually has multiple common names, including sand ginger, maraba, galanga, resurrection lily, false galangal, and aromatic ginger.

Its impressive historical resume includes traditional use throughout Asia, from Ayurvedic systems to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Believed to support the nervous system, Galangal has long been used to encourage rest and relaxation. Investigations into two particular compounds within the plant, ethyl-cinnamate and ethyl (E)-para-methoxycinnamate, are believed to be primary contributors to the mind and body’s calm response to this oil’s natural characteristics.

This makes it a great choice to diffuse before going to bed to encourage a good night’s rest. Its benefits go far beyond being just a great nighttime companion, though — Galangal has a wide array of uses. Like other oils in the ginger family, this is a great resource to reach for when you’re in need of some digestion support or want to warm up tense, tight muscles. Its calming properties may also ease feelings of discomfort that arise from coughing, congestion, and head and neck tension.