Fingerroot, Chinese ginger, Chinese key, Chinese ginger, Fingerroot, Lesser ginger

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read

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বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Fingerroot Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health Benefits of Fingerroot in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Fingerroot, also known as Chinese ginger, Chinese key, Chinese-keys is the low herb which creeps in soil. It has rhizomes which is thick, aromatic and yellow brown of size 5-30 x 0.5-2 cm in size. The petiole of the plant is hairless, grooved and 7-16 cm long. Leaves are lanceolate and erect in shape with pointed tip and smooth surface. The leaves have light green color of 5-11 cm wide. The flowers are pink to yellow to white which is tubular and 50-52 mm. It grows in lowland tropical regions. The flowering time occurs in January to February and April to June. It grows well in humid and hot climate. Fingerroot is native to Southeast Asia and China but also cultivated in India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.

NameFingerroot uses and benefitsScientific NameBoesenbergia rotunda (L.) MansfNativeNative to China and Southeast Asia. It is also cultivated in India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.Common/English NameChinese ginger, Chinese key, Fingerroot, Lesser gingerName in Other Languages

Cambodian: k’cheay;
Chinese: Āo chún jiāng (凹唇姜), Suo shi, Yao shi;
Czech: Číňan zázvor;
Dutch: Temoe koentji;
English: Chinese ginger, Chinese key, Chinese-keys, Fingerroot, Lesser ginger, rotund boesenbergia, Temu Kunci, kunchi, Chinese keys, Resurrection lily, Finger root, Tropical crocus, Lesser galangal
French: Petits doigts
German: Chinesischer Ingwer, Gewürzlilie, Fingerwurz;
Hungarian: Kínai gyömbér;
Indonesian: Temu kunci;
Japanese: Gajutu (ガジュツ);
Khmer: Khchiey;
Korean: ping-geo-ru-teu, Pinggeo-rutu, Pinngo-rutu, ping-geoluteu (핑거루트);
Laotian: Houo ka sai, Neng Kieng, Kasay;
Lithuanian: Besenbergija;
Malay: Kunci, Temu kunchi;
Sinhalese: haran kaha (හරං කහ);
Thai: Ka chai, Khingsai khingkaeng, Ka chai, Ka-aen, Khingsai khingkaeng, kra chaai, Kra chai, Wan-phraathit, Wan-phra’a-thit, Krachāy (กระชาย), K̄hing sāy k̄hing khæng (ขิงซาย ขิงแคง);
Vietnamese: Bong nga truat, Ngai num kho, Cu ngai;

Plant SizeHeight: 50 cmRhizomesBright yellow, aromatic, ovoid to globoseLeavesOblong, ovate; Wide: 12 cmFlowerPinkFlavor/aromaSpicy

Fingerroot Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Superdivision	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class	Liliopsida (Monocotyledons)
Subclass	Zingiberidae
Order	Zingiberales
Family	Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)
Genus	Boesenbergia Kuntze (boesenbergia)
Species	Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. (rotund boesenbergia)
Synonyms	Boesenbergia cochinchinensis (Gagnep.) Loes. Boesenbergia pandurata (Roxb.) Schltr. Curcuma rotunda L. Gastrochilus panduratus (Roxb.) Ridl. Gastrochilus rotundus (L.) Alston Kaempferia cochinchinensis Gagnep. Kaempferia ovata Roscoe Kaempferia pandurata Roxb.

Health Benefits of Fingerroot

Fingerroot is a vital ingredient used in many Asian countries and also used as a condiment in food. Traditionally it is used for the treatment of various illnesses as a tonic for childbirth, preventive remedy for leucorrhea and beauty aid for teenage girls. Rhizomes are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Leaves are used for alleviating poisoning and allergies. It is also used to cure infections. The study shows that the isolated bioactive compounds found in fingerroot helps to treat various diseases. It is used to accelerate the development of stronger drugs to counteract diseases in future.

Prevents Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria which is the cause for dyspepsia, gastritis and peptic ulcer and also associated with the development of colon cancer and gastric. Fingerroot prevents the infection of Helicobacter pylori. The oil extracted from the roots helps to exhibit anti-Helicobacter activities. B.rotunda has flavonoid components that serve as a drug for inhibiting infection caused by H.pylori.

Prevent bacteria

Pathogenic bacteria are the cause for promoting diseases in humans as well as plant. The study shows that Fingerroot has high inhibitory activity against B.cereus, L.monocytogenes and S. Aureus. The extract inhibits the spoilage bacteria such as L.cellobiosus and L.plantarum. It also possess antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus strains.

Helpful for HIV patients

Amoeba Entamoeba histolytica causes the infection called Amoebiasis that causes chronic and acute diarrhea in the patients of HIV. It is used to treat the diseases at low cost. The chloroform extracts of B.rotunda, A.galangal and B.lupulina helps to inhibit propagation of amobeas.

Inhibits giardiasis

B.rotunda has inhibitory activity against Giardia lamblia which is the cause for giardiasis that is the infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation of small intestine that causes nutrient deficiencies and diarrhea. It might cause chronic diarrhea in HIV patients. The chloroform and methanol extracts contains bioactive compounds that helps to prevent giardiasis.

Prevent cavity

The oral bacteria named Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus is the cause for tooth decay and dental caries. It produces bacteria in the presence of fructose and sucrose that damages the tooth. The extract of B.rotunda has bactericidal activity against S.mutans that could be used as a mouthwash or applied to toothpaste.

Treat ulcers

Fingerroot is a medicine used for the treatment of ulcers in Indonesia as well as Thailand. The methanolic extract of B.rotunda provides antiulcer effect and has pinostrobin that exhibits cytoprotective effects on the rats induced with ulcers. It lowers the mucosal content. Pinostrobin has antioxidant activity that could lower the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.

Obesity

This has become a common threat to humans globally. It is caused due to accumulation of fat due to improper balance of energy and lipid metabolism. It could also cause cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases. The study shows that the improvement in serum lipid profiles and reduction in fatty liver was shown in mice.

Prevent colon and breast cancer

Colon cancer and breast cancer has become the leading cause for cancer deaths. Although the research is going on for the effective treatment or anticancer drug to counteract these diseases, due to the lack of knowledge on these cancers physiology, researchers are still far. The current researches are being focused on the natural herbs that act as anticancer drug. Fingerroot is one of them. It is found that Zingiber aromaticum and B.rotunda has the ability to exhibit the growth of colon cancer cells and breast cancer cells.

Treat leukemia

The rhizome of Fingerroot has antileuckemic activity and possess five flavonoid derivatives , pinocembrin, pinostrobin, alpinetin, pinocembrin, boesenbergin and cardamonin that could inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Heal wounds

Rhizome of Fingerroot has ethanolic extracts that helps to accelerate the wound healing process in rats. The study shows that the wounds which are dressed with the extract of rhizomes as well as intrasite gel healed quickly. It lead to lower appearance of scar. It prevents mitigation and treats various diseases.

Traditional uses

It is used for the treatment of illnesses such as muscle pain, rheumatism, peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal disorder, dental caries, dermatitis, diarrhea, wounds and diuretic.
The tonic made from roots is used as carminative, stomachic and an aid for colds, sore throat and coughs.
It is useful for rheumatoid ailments.
The rhizome is helpful for the people with erectile dysfunction, sexual problems and low sperm counts.
It prevents the chances of dengue fever.
Apply rhizomes and crushed roots to the painful body parts to ease rheumatic pain.
It is also used internally to eliminate flatulence, improve digestion and appetite.
It is a remedy for ulcers and dry mouths.
It is useful for muscle pains, dysentery, diarrhea and rheumatism.
It is also used to increase male libido.
It maintains balance in blood pressure.
It helps to relieve dysentery.
It assists the function of kidneys.
Roots and rhizomes are useful for treating ringworms.
It is used to cure skin diseases.
It is used for lung and sinus issues.
It assist in detoxification of the body.

Precautions

Seek medical help if you experience allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling of lips, face, throat and tongue.
Side effects such as diarrhea, heartburn, heavier menstrual periods, stomach discomfort and skin irritation might be experienced.
Use with the consultancy of doctor.

Culinary uses

In Indonesia, it is used in Javanese cuisines.
It is used as an ingredient in dish named kaeng tai pla.
It is frozen or pickled in west.
It is used in Thai cuisine named krachai.
Rhizomes are consumed as vegetables.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.