Kaempferia galanga | കച്ചോലം

Kaempferia galanga (Kachholam / കച്ചോലം) is an aromatic, low-growing rhizome herb with beautiful flat leaves and a warm, camphor-like fragrance. Widely used in Ayurveda, cosmetics and cooking, its fragrant rhizomes flavour dishes and feature in traditional remedies and pooja preparations. Plant the seed rhizomes in fertile, well-draining soil with partial shade at the start of the monsoon; they sprout with the rains and mature over 8–9 months. Hardy and perennial, kachholam grows well in pots and garden beds — a fragrant, useful addition to any herb garden.