Sanna (scientific name Hedychium spicatum ) is a perennial plant of the Zingiberaceae family native to the Himalayan region, flowering mainly from July to August. Its fragrant underground rhizomes have long been used as an aromatic stomachic and incense. It is also cultivated as a horticultural plant for its white to pale yellow flowers. Its Japanese name is written as "Yamana," but the etymology is unclear, and it must be botanically distinguished from the name of the other plant, Banukon ( Kaempferia galangal ), which is also a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is sometimes called by the same name.
In traditional medicine (Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine), the rhizome is primarily used and has been used for a wide range of purposes, including stomachic, carminative, expectorant, tonic, menstrual, and fever reducing. In Tibetan medicine, it is considered a bitter and warming ingredient and has been used to maintain conditions such as poor digestion, poor circulation due to cold, and reduced physical strength.
In terms of ingredients, a variety of monoterpene and sesquiterpene aromatic compounds have been identified, including camphene, pinene, myrcene, phellandrene, terpinene, p-cymene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool oxide, terpinolene, and benzyl cinnamate . Based on these compounds, basic research and some pharmacological studies have suggested that the compound may have effects such as supporting digestive function , anti-inflammatory , antioxidant , antibacterial, expectorant , promoting blood flow , analgesic , and supporting liver function .
Sanna's Features
- Scientific name: Hedychium spicatum
- Classification: Zingiberaceae, Hedychium genus
- Other names: Sanna (sometimes confused with Kaempferia galangal)
- Appearance: A perennial plant with upright stems and long, slender leaves that blooms with fragrant flowers in summer.
- Origin: Himalayan region
- Flowering period: July to August
- Part used: Rhizome
Expected effects
- Stomach-strengthening and digestive function support: It has been suggested that the aromatic components may contribute to stimulating appetite and maintaining digestive function.
- Carminative and abdominal discomfort relief: It has been suggested that this may contribute to the relief of abdominal bloating and discomfort by promoting the expulsion of intestinal gas.
- Expectorant and respiratory support: It has been suggested that promoting the expulsion of airway secretions may contribute to the relief of coughs and respiratory discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to reducing inflammatory responses by regulating inflammatory mediators.
- Analgesic effect: It has been suggested that aromatic components may contribute to reducing pain and discomfort through sensory modulation.
- Blood flow and circulation support: Due to its warming and blood flow promoting effects, it has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining peripheral circulation.
- Liver function support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining the balance of liver-related indicators.
- Antipyretic and physical condition support effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining one's condition when one has a fever or is feeling unwell.
- Antibacterial effect: It has been reported to have growth inhibitory activity against some bacteria and fungi.
- Tonic and physical strength support effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining physical condition when physical strength declines.
