Zedoary Root

Zedoary root is actually a rhizome with a thin brown skin and a bright orange, hard interior. Its smell is similar to turmeric and mango. Because of the mango-like fragrance, zedoary is called amb halad in many Indian languages (amb means mango). The essential oil produced from the dried roots of Curcuma zedoaria is used in perfumery and soap fabrication, as well as an ingredient in bitter tonics. Zedoary is used for colic, spasms, loss of appetite, vomiting,cough and indigestion. Some people also use it for anxiety, stress, fatigue, and pain and swelling (inflammation).Zedoary is sometimes applied directly to the skin to keep mosquitoes away. Zedoary is valued for its ability to purify the blood. It is an antiseptic and a paste applied locally to cuts and wounds helps healing. Zedoary is used as anti-venom for the Indian Cobra. The herb, when taken in powdered form, helps in regularizing menstruation. It is used in the manufacture of liquors, stomach essences, bitters, perfumes and cosmetics. The herb proves useful in case of abdominal cramps, amenorrhea-abdominal pain and rheumatic pain. It is also used in anti-periodic pills.