It is frequently
found in the sub-Himalayan region of Bihar,
West Bengal, Assam, and is extensively cultivated all
over India, mostly in shady situations. It is a reputed
drug in the indigenous systems of medicine and is fairly
largely used in southern India as a domestic remedy. The
dried rhizome provides the drug greater galangal, which
is widely used in rheumatism and bronchial catarrh. It
is considered as a tonic, stomachic, carminative and
stimulant.