Kencur (Kaempferia galanga L.)

Kencur is one species of medicinal plants belonging to the tribe Zingiberaceae. Rhizome of this plant contains essential oils and alkaloids are used as a stimulant. Other names are cekur (Malaysia) and pro hom (Thailand). In the international literature (English) frequently occurs in chaos by calling kencur as lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum) and zedoary (Intersection white), which is actually a different species and is not a substitute spices.

Kencur a small gathering that flourished in the lowlands or mountains where the land is loose and not too much water. The number of strands of leaf kencur no more than 2-3 pages dealing with the composition. The leaves are dark green herbs seem fresh and have a thick surface smooth serts. The flowers are arranged and a half sitting with a crown of flowers amounted to between 4 to 12 pieces, lip berwara violet flowers with white color is more dominant. These herbaceous plants have rhizomes that grow in a clustered and branch out, sometimes the tubers can occur at ground level. Rhizome dark brown and shiny, when cleaved will appear bright white flesh colored rhizome.

This plant grows well in the rainy season. This herb can be grown in pots or in gardens that enough sunlight, not too wet and in the open.

The content of substances in kencur
Content of substances contained in these herbs that is, alcohol, oil-laden attrition cineol, camphor, minerals, starch, and gums. In a dose of about 1.5 grams to 5 grams, kencur can be used to:

• Ekspektoransia, namely as a drug to relieve the cough with phlegm
• Diaforetika, namely to launch a sweat.
• Karminativa, namely to smooth exhaust gas from the stomach.
• Stimulant, namely to increase the excitement.