Wind ginger, also known as wind galangal, wild ginger, or green mugwort, is a fascinating medicinal plant with a wide range of traditional uses. Known by various names across cultures—such as phong khuong in Vietnamese, brateal in Cambodia, and ginembrefou in French—this plant, scientifically called Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith, belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Found growing wild in moist, cool soils near streams and forest edges, wind ginger has earned a reputation as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including cirrhosis of the liver.

The plant reaches heights of 1 to 1.3 meters, with branched rhizomes that are yellow and fragrant when young and become larger and firmer with age. Its elongated leaves have a smooth upper surface and a paler underside, while its flowers, which bloom from May to June, range from green to pink-red as they mature. The plant’s seeds are black with soft white coats, encased in oval capsules.

Wind ginger is rich in essential oils, fatty oils, and resins. Among its many active components, zerumbone—a key compound—has been shown to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Micrococcus pyogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This makes wind ginger a potent antimicrobial agent.

Traditional Uses in Oriental Medicine

In traditional medicine, wind ginger is prized for its warm, spicy, and slightly bitter properties. It is believed to dispel wind and cold, relieve pain, treat blood stasis, and stimulate digestion. Additionally, it has detoxifying effects, making it particularly beneficial for postpartum recovery, promoting appetite, improving sleep, and enhancing skin health.

Notably, wind ginger is used to treat simple ascites cirrhosis—cirrhosis accompanied by abdominal swelling but not caused by hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or cancer. However, its efficacy varies by individual constitution, so careful consideration and proper diagnosis are essential before use.

Remedies Using Wind Ginger

Here are some traditional remedies featuring wind ginger for various conditions:

1. Stroke and Fainting
Take 20–30 grams of fresh wind ginger root. Wash, crush, and mix with a small amount of alcohol to extract the juice. Drink immediately to revive the individual.

2. Cold Feet
Crush the ginger root and mix it with alcohol. Heat the mixture slightly and rub it over the body to improve circulation and warmth.

3. Malnutrition
Slice 40–50 grams of fresh or dried ginger rhizome thinly and soak it in 650ml of high-alcohol liquor (40–45%) for 15–20 days. Filter and drink 15–20ml before meals as an appetizer. Avoid this remedy if you have cirrhosis of the liver.

4. Stopping Bleeding
Crush wind ginger rhizome with dried Strobilanthes flaccidifolius leaves (known as thanh dai in Vietnamese) and apply the mixture to the wound before bandaging.

5. Cirrhosis with Ascites
Wash 100 grams of fresh wind ginger rhizome with the skin intact and slice it thinly. Without roasting, place the slices in a clay pot with 4 bowls of rice water. Simmer until only one bowl remains, then strain and drink at 10 a.m. For a second dose, repeat the process and drink at 4 p.m. After taking the remedy, loose, smelly stools resembling coffee grounds indicate its effectiveness.

During this treatment, follow a bland diet. Avoid alcohol, beer, animal fats, raw foods, and potassium-rich fruits to minimize bloating. Consume less vegetable oil and focus on easily digestible foods.

Precautions When Using Wind Ginger

While wind ginger offers many health benefits, it must be used with caution. Its effects vary between individuals, and improper use can lead to adverse outcomes. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment, particularly if there’s a possibility of underlying conditions like hepatitis or cancer. Proper diagnosis through testing and ultrasound is crucial to determine the root cause of symptoms.

Conclusion

Wind ginger is a versatile medicinal plant with a wealth of applications, from treating strokes and digestive issues to managing ascites cirrhosis. Its potent antimicrobial properties and ability to stimulate digestion and detoxification make it a valuable component of traditional medicine. However, like any remedy, it should be used responsibly and under professional guidance. By respecting its potency and adhering to traditional practices, wind ginger can serve as a powerful ally in supporting health and well-being.