Description

Botanical name: Alpinia species

Orgin: China

Galangal root, also known as Little John, Chewing John and Galingale, comes from the rhizome of a tropical plant native to Indonesia.

The dried, cut root is used to flavor Żołądkowa, a popular brand of Polish vodka. Reputedly, chewing the root and then spitting on the floor of a courtroom before the judge takes the bench will ensure a legal outcome in your favor. (Of course, you might want to hire a lawyer, too.) The chopped root is used to make teas and tinctures.