Kacholam, chandramula in Hindi, is aromatic ginger or sand ginger, a small, stemless ginger-family herb whose few round leaves lie flat on the soil. Its small, camphor-scented rhizome is used in Kerala Ayurvedic oils and hair preparations and in South-east Asian cooking, where it is called kencur. It is grown on a small scale in Kerala. It is not galangal, Alpinia galanga.
- Botanical name
- Kaempferia galanga L.
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Tamil
- Kacholam
- Hindi
- Chandramula
- Sanskrit
- Candramūla
- Parts used
- Rhizome
- Habit
- Stemless ginger-family herb with a small fragrant rhizome
- Last updated
- 2026-10-30
How to recognise Kacholam
It is a low perennial with no visible stem, growing from a short, fragrant rhizome.
Two to four broad, round leaves spread flat on or just above the ground.
White flowers with a purple spot on the lip open one at a time from the centre and last a single day.
The rhizome is small, finger-like, brown outside and white inside, with a camphor-like scent.
Galangal is a tall, leafy plant with a much larger, hard rhizome.
Traditional use of Kacholam
Ayurveda
Kachora is used in Kerala Ayurvedic oils, hair washes and formulas for coughs and digestion.
Kerala Ayurvedic practice
Kitchen
In Indonesia and Malaysia kencur is pounded into spice pastes and the drink beras kencur.
Indonesian and Malay food practice
Household
Dried rhizome is placed among clothes to deter insects.
Kerala household practice
Modern notes on Kacholam
Its main aroma compound is ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, studied in laboratories for anti-inflammatory and insect-repellent effects.
It is propagated from rhizome pieces and harvested after the leaves die back.
Human trials are few.
Kacholam safety
Kacholam is safe in cooking amounts. Use concentrated preparations only with a practitioner and avoid them in pregnancy.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to South and South-east Asia.
It grows in shaded, moist, loose soil.
It goes dormant in the dry season.
Related plants
Also in Zingiberaceae
Questions about Kacholam
Is kacholam galangal?
No. Galangal is Alpinia galanga, a much taller plant.
What is kencur?
Its Indonesian name, used in spice pastes.
Why do the leaves lie flat?
The plant has no upright stem, so its leaves spread on the ground.
How is Kacholam used in Kerala?
In Ayurvedic oils, hair washes and formulas.
Can I grow Kacholam in a pot?
Yes, in shade with moist, loose soil.
Sources
- Kaempferia galanga L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q1113398 (Kaempferia galanga)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.