Botanical Overview
Curcuma zedoaria, commonly known as White turmeric or Zedoary, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The medicinal part primarily used is the rhizome. This perennial herb is native to South and Southeast Asia and valued in several traditional medicine systems.
Energetics
This plant exhibits warming and drying energetic qualities with bitter and pungent tastes. Directionally, it is considered descending and outward-moving. It has a tonifying nature and principally influences the Qi and Blood.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Digestive stimulant
- Antispasmodic
- Choleretic
- Carminative
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Menstrual pain
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Dyspepsia
- Inflammatory conditions
- Menstrual irregularities
TCM
- Abdominal pain
- Stagnation of qi
- Poor digestion
- Dampness
Syndromes
- Qi stagnation
- Dampness accumulation
Ayurveda
- Gastritis
- Bloating
- Menstrual cramps
- Loss of appetite
Syndromes
- Kapha and Vata imbalance
- Ama (toxicity)
Unani
- Stomachache
- Flatulence
- Menstrual pain
Syndromes
- Imbalance of Sanguine and Phlegmatic humors
Constituents & Mechanisms
The rhizome contains curcuminoids, essential oils, sesquiterpenes such as zedoarondiol and curcumenol, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and digestive stimulant activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered rhizome 1-3 g 1-2 times daily
- Decoction 2-5 g dried rhizome 1-3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol 2-4 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Curcuma zedoaria is generally safe in traditional doses but should be used cautiously during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. It is contraindicated in bile duct obstruction or gallstones. Potential interactions with anticoagulants require monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-substantiated astrological or elemental rulers are documented for Curcuma zedoaria.
Selected References
- Curcuma zedoaria – Edible Medicinal And Useful Plants (Plants For A Future Database)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 3
- Handbook of Medicinal Plants by James A. Duke
- Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica