Chengazhineerkizhangu ചെങ്ങഴിനീർക്കിഴങ്ങ്
Genus: Kaempferia
Botanical name: Kaempferia rotunda Linn
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Sanskrit: Bhumichampaka, Bhuchampaka, Hallaka
Hindi: Bhuyichampa
English: Indian crocus, Bhumi Champa, Indian Crocus, Peacock Ginger, Round-rooted galangale
Malayalam: Chengazhineerkizhangu, Malamkuva
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Chengazhineerkizhangu is found in various parts of India and adjoining regions but seldom in wild. The plant is groomed in small herbal nurseries for applications in medicine preparation. As its Sanskrit name ‘bhoomi champa’ (bloom from within earth) implies, the indigo coloured flower shoots right from within the soil. In fact, the flower emerges much in advance than the whitish leafy shoot. Both the flower and leaf are never seen at the same time.
The flower contains the toxin benzyl benzoate that is used to make ointments to treat scabies. This plant is boiled and its oil is used to treat itch. It has potential antioxidant effects. The tubers are used for blood clots and malignancy.