GET TO KNOW YOUR OILS
Greater Galangal
Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.
Chemotype: 1,8-cineole / sesquiterpene type
- PLANT PART
- root (rhizome)
- EXTRACTION
- steam distillation
- AROMA NOTE
- mid
LEARN AS YOU COMPARE
What’s inside this oil?
Constituents are the natural chemicals that give an oil its character. See the main ones, learn what they do, and explore differences between batches.
Meet the main constituents, then select one to see what makes it interesting.
FOLLOW YOUR SENSES
Aroma & character
A closer look at this oil's scent, strength, and staying power.
- Aroma intensity
- 76 / 100
- Note layer
- mid
If you like this scent, explore
A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY
Using it thoughtfully
Read the full safety context before bringing this oil into your routine.
- Cited dermal maximum · leave-on
- 1%
- Phototoxicity
- Not flagged in this profile
- Oxidation risk
- medium
A cited maximum is a limit, not a suggested dilution. Missing restrictions do not establish safety.
Contraindications & cautions
- minorWhile Tisserand & Young list no specific hazard for greater galangal (Alpinia galanga), secondary aromatherapy safety guidance recommends avoiding use during pregnancy as a precaution, citing its traditional warming/emmenagogue-associated reputation.
Explore measured chemistry from supplier batches
A supplier report describes a particular sample. Open this workspace to investigate measured constituents and their original documents.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SCENT
Inside the oil
An oil's character comes from its natural chemical composition. Explore each constituent to understand the connections.
About this composition
Greater galangal rhizome oil varies by origin, but public rhizome studies consistently show cineole-rich material with recurrent beta-bisabolene, beta-caryophyllene, and farnesene/farnesol markers. Thai commercial material is therefore modeled here as a cineole-led rhizome oil with sesquiterpene support. The profile has been expanded with the full A. galanga rhizome oil constituent set (monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, phenylpropanoids, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons/alcohols) reported by Raina & Abraham (2017, Indian J Exp Biol) for South Indian A. galanga germplasm, using conservative-to-upper literature range values to reach mass-balance closure while preserving the originally sourced Thai/Malaysia-anchored major constituents (1,8-cineole, beta-bisabolene, farnesol, beta-caryophyllene, beta-farnesene) unchanged.
| Constituent | Typical amount | Reported range | Chemical family | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol) | 39.4% | 29.8–40.5% | monoterpene oxide | View sourceChemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Rhizome Essential Oils of Very Closely Allied Zingiberaceae Species Endemic to Borneo; Constituents of the Rhizome and Seed Oils of Greater Galangal Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. from Malaysia; The essential oil of greater galangal [Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.] from the lower Himalayan region of India Borneo comparison reporting A. galanga rhizome oil 1,8-cineole 29.8%; Malaysia rhizome oil 40.5%; lower Himalayan rhizome oil 39.4% |
| beta-Bisabolene | 8.4% | 8.4–8.4% | sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceConstituents of the Rhizome and Seed Oils of Greater Galangal Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. from Malaysia Rhizome oil beta-bisabolene 8.4% |
| (Z,E)-Farnesol | 3.8% | 3.8–3.8% | sesquiterpene alcohol | View sourceConstituents of the Rhizome and Seed Oils of Greater Galangal Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. from Malaysia Rhizome oil (Z,E)-farnesol 3.8% |
| beta-Caryophyllene | 3.6% | 3.6–6.4% | sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceConstituents of the Rhizome and Seed Oils of Greater Galangal Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. from Malaysia; Volatile Components of the Essential Oils in Galanga (Alpinia officinarum Hance) from Vietnam Greater galangal Malaysia rhizome oil beta-caryophyllene 3.6%; comparator lesser galangal fresh rhizome profile shows beta-caryophyllene as a recurrent galangal sesquiterpene marker |
| (E)-beta-Farnesene | 3.2% | 3.2–3.2% | sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceConstituents of the Rhizome and Seed Oils of Greater Galangal Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. from Malaysia Rhizome oil (E)-beta-farnesene 3.2% |
| alpha-Pinene | 3.2% | 0.7–3.7% | monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: alpha-Pinene 0.7-3.7% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| beta-Pinene | 0.8% | 0.3–0.9% | monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: beta-Pinene 0.3-0.9% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Camphene | 0.1% | 0.1–0.1% | bicyclic monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Camphene 0.1-0.1% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Sabinene | 0.25% | 0.1–0.3% | monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Sabinene 0.1-0.3% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Myrcene | 0.5% | 0.3–0.5% | monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Myrcene 0.3-0.5% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| delta-3-Carene | 0.3% | 0.2–0.3% | monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: delta-3-Carene 0.2-0.3% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| alpha-Terpinene | 0.5% | 0.3–0.5% | monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: alpha-Terpinene 0.3-0.5% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Terpinolene | 0.3% | 0.2–0.3% | monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Terpinolene 0.2-0.3% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Linalool | 0.5% | 0.2–0.5% | monoterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Linalool 0.2-0.5% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| trans-Sabinene hydrate | 1% | 0.5–1% | monoterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: trans-Sabinene hydrate 0.5-1.0% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Terpinen-4-ol | 3.1% | 2–3.1% | monoterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Terpinen-4-ol 2.0-3.1% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| alpha-Terpineol | 2.7% | 1–2.7% | monoterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: alpha-Terpineol 1.0-2.7% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Chavicol | 0.7% | 0.2–0.7% | phenylpropanoid phenol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Chavicol 0.2-0.7% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Bornyl acetate | 0.7% | 0.5–0.7% | monoterpene ester | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Bornyl acetate 0.5-0.7% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Eugenol | 2.6% | 0.8–2.6% | phenylpropanoid phenol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Eugenol 0.8-2.6% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Methyl cinnamate | 2.4% | 1–2.4% | phenylpropanoid ester | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: (E)-Methyl cinnamate 1.0-2.4% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| beta-Elemene | 0.2% | 0.1–0.2% | sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: beta-Elemene 0.1-0.2% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Methyl eugenol | 1.2% | 0.7–1.2% | phenylpropanoid ether | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Methyl eugenol 0.7-1.2% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| trans-alpha-Bergamotene | 0.3% | 0.1–0.3% | sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: trans-alpha-Bergamotene 0.1-0.3% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Germacrene D | 3.3% | 1–3.3% | sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Germacrene D 1.0-3.3% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| alpha-Selinene | 0.8% | 0.4–0.8% | sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: 7-epi-alpha-Selinene 0.4-0.8% (reported as alpha-selinene isomer) (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| beta-Sesquiphellandrene | 10.8% | 2.4–10.8% | sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: beta-Sesquiphellandrene 2.4-10.8% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Nerolidol | 0.7% | 0.3–0.7% | sesquiterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Nerolidol 0.3-0.7% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Spathulenol | 0.3% | 0.1–0.3% | oxygenated sesquiterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Spathulenol 0.1-0.3% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Caryophyllene oxide | 0.5% | 0.3–0.5% | oxygenated sesquiterpene | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Caryophyllene oxide 0.3-0.5% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| Viridiflorol | 0.5% | 0.2–0.5% | sesquiterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: Viridiflorol 0.2-0.5% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| gamma-Eudesmol | 0.9% | 0.3–0.9% | sesquiterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: gamma-Eudesmol 0.3-0.9% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| beta-Eudesmol | 0.7% | 0.1–0.7% | oxygenated sesquiterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: beta-Eudesmol 0.1-0.7% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
| alpha-Cadinol | 1.1% | 0.4–1.1% | sesquiterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India Raina & Abraham (2017) Indian J Exp Biol 55(11):776-781, Table 2, A. galanga rhizome oil column: alpha-Cadinol 0.4-1.1% (South Indian A. galanga germplasm, n=12 accessions); https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43047/1/IJEB%2055(11)%20776-781.pdf |
Profile source: Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Rhizome Essential Oils of Very Closely Allied Zingiberaceae Species Endemic to Borneo; Constituents of the Rhizome and Seed Oils of Greater Galangal Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. from Malaysia; The essential oil of greater galangal [Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.] from the lower Himalayan region of India; IFRA CONFORMITY CERTIFICATE - Galanga Root Essential Oil · ResearchGate/public abstracts for A. galanga rhizome composition; https://perfumersworld.com/ifra/IFRA/IFRA_7SH00198.pdf
A TRADITION OF BOTANICAL CURIOSITY
Traditional & reported uses
These uses reflect the profile's reported traditions and literature. They are not established treatment recommendations.
- traditionally used in Southeast Asian culinary and aromatic traditions for a warming, spicy-fresh character
- reported to be used in massage blends for muscle comfort and warmth
- used in perfumery for its fresh, camphoraceous-spicy note
- traditionally associated with digestive-comfort folk traditions in its regions of origin
- shares the traditional warming reputation of other cineole-rich rhizome oils like ginger and turmeric
For aromatherapy and wellness use only — not medical advice. Effect statements are traditional/reported associations, not treatment claims. The Synergy Rating scores blend craft, harmony and safety, not medical efficacy. Read the safety framework.
What we're still learning · 3 data gaps
Good decisions start with knowing what is — and isn't — in the evidence.
- The odor_intensity value is a normalization of supplier and literature language describing galangal rhizome as aromatic and pungent rather than a published 0-100 sensory score.
- The leave-on max dermal value comes from a directly viewable IFRA certificate for a galanga root essential-oil fragrance compound rather than a public Tisserand monograph page.
- The 29 additional constituents added for mass-balance closure are sourced from a South Indian A. galanga rhizome germplasm study (Raina & Abraham 2017) rather than Thailand-specific material; typical values were set at the mid-to-upper end of the reported germplasm ranges to close the mass balance, so exact percentages for Thai-origin oil may differ from this modeled composition.