Alpinia officinalis is a flowering plant that is native to Asia. The plant is also known by many other names such as Lesser Galangal and Small Galangal. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments such as nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. The root of the plant is the most commonly used part and is known for its aromatic and spicy flavor. In some regions, the plant is also called "Thai ginger" due to its similarity in flavor to ginger. Other synonyms for Alpinia officinalis include Chinese ginger, lesser cardamom, and rangoon root. Despite the different names, all refer to a plant that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties.