Alpinia officinarum vs Fo Shou

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Alpinia officinarum

Digestive

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Digestive

Alpinia officinarum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Fo Shou

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Smaller galangal species used in TCM and medieval European medicine; spice trade commodity.

Uniquely shaped citrus fruit used in TCM to regulate qi, harmonize the stomach, and dry dampness, valued for its intense floral fragrance.

Active Compounds

galangin, alpinetin, kaempferide, acetoxychavicol, cineole, methyl cinnamate

limonene, hesperidin, coumarins, flavonoids, essential oils

Traditional Uses

digestive stimulant, nausea, cold and flu, stomach pain, cough

liver qi stagnation, stomach pain, nausea, phlegm cough, hiccup

Modern Uses

anti-nausea, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid

digestive support, carminative, anti-inflammatory, mood elevation

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried rhizome daily

3–9g dried fruit slices as tea

Contraindications

pregnancy high doses, GERD

yin deficiency, pregnancy high doses

Side Effects

GI warming sensation

very well tolerated, mild dry mouth

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E