Chitharathai, also known as Alpinia galanga, is a rhizome used in both culinary and medicinal applications. Similar in appearance to ginger, it has a distinct soapy, earthy scent and a pine-like flavor with subtle citrus notes.
Health Benefits:
- Cough Relief: Its rhizome can alleviate coughs accompanied by sputum when chewed.
- Anti-Nausea Properties: Known for its ability to combat nausea.
- Infant Health: Used in various forms, including baked or roasted with honey and breast milk, to aid with infantile digestive and respiratory issues.
- Rheumatic Relief: Powdered Chitharathai, consumed in specific doses, is believed to alleviate rheumatic disorders.
- Digestive Aid: Chitharathai powder, known as choornam, taken before meals, helps manage digestive disorders (1 to 5 grams).
How to Store:
- Store Chitharathai powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Different Languages:
- English: Chitharathai (Alpinia galanga)
- Malayalam: ചിതരത്ത (Chitharatha)
- Tamil: சிதரத்தை (Chitharathai)
- Kannada: ಚಿತರತಾಈ (Chitaratā’ī)
- Telugu: చితరత్త (Citiratta)
- Hindi: चितरत (Chitarata)
- Arabic: چیتارتای (Chitaratay)
