Shampoo ginger rhizomes are traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments including
stomach ache and worms. Zerumbone, an
aromatic compound found mainly in the leaves, is being investigated as an
anti-tumour agent.
It is commonly used in
Malaysia and the Pacific islands, both as flavouring, and for making the hair
sleek and fragrant. When used as a shampoo, the whole flower head is picked,
and juices are squeezed from it and worked into the hair.Drawings of Indian plants and trees later named at the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew