Hello.
No foundation, Milobina, and Manager Nonko are always welcome.
As some of you may know, I am a certified aromatherapy instructor by the Japan Aromatherapy Environment Association, and I am also an expert in aromatherapy and herbs.
I attended aromatherapy school for three years, and I remember being engrossed in studying it every day, constantly amazed by its power the more I learned about aromatherapy and herbs.
Among them, I've encountered excellent herbs known for their versatility, such as lavender, rose, and tea tree, but the one that truly blew me away was ginger lily.
In this series of 12 episodes, I'd like to introduce you to the amazing herb, Getto (Alpinia zerumbet).
So, please stay with us until the end this time as well.
Large flowers and leaves, Alpinia zerumbet
Getto (Alpinia zerumbet) is a plant that grows wild in Okinawa and Kagoshima, and is well known to everyone in Okinawa.
The scientific name is Alpinia.
It is a plant belonging to the ginger family.
Getto (shell ginger) is used in various ways, such as for skincare and insect repellent.
There are two main types.
One is the large-flowered ginger lily (Tairin Getto).
As the name suggests, both the flowers and leaves are large, and the amount of essential oil extracted is also large (generally, about 100 ml of essential oil can be obtained from 100 kg of leaves), making it relatively affordable.
It produces flowers that bloom in beautiful clusters.
This species is believed to have been introduced via the Silk Road.
The scent is distinctly refreshing and spicy.
It could also be described as having a strong eucalyptus-like scent.
Okinawan native species, Island Getto
Another is the Okinawa ginger lily, a native Japanese species that has grown wild in Okinawa for a long time.
This variety has smaller flowers and leaves than the large-leaved ginger lily, and yields less essential oil (about 30 ml from 100 kg of leaves). Therefore, the essential oil extracted from the island ginger lily is considered to be of comparable value to high-end essential oils such as rose oil.
The flowers are a little less impressive compared to the large-flowered ginger lily, but they are still beautiful.
Furthermore, the leaves of the island ginger lily have also been used to wrap mochi (rice cakes) in traditional ceremonies.
Alpinia zerumbet leaves have very high antibacterial properties, making them ideal for wrapping food in the hot climate of Okinawa.
Mirobina also received mochi from Okinawa some time ago, and I was captivated by its fragrance. It reminded me of my visit to the ginger lily factory in Okinawa, and I felt very nostalgic.
The fragrance of the Shima Getto (Alpinia zerumbet) is generally said to be better than that of the Tairin Getto (Alpinia zerumbet).
From my perspective, Shimagetsou has a floral quality that Tairingetsou lacks, resulting in a deep and mysterious fragrance.
For those from Okinawa or those who love Okinawa, Shimagetto is a representative Okinawan fragrance that evokes images of Okinawa.
Alpinia zerumbet is the ultimate eco-plant.
Furthermore, I was surprised to learn that ginger lily is a truly self-sustaining plant, meaning "nothing goes to waste."
This plant is highly regarded as the ultimate eco-plant.
Essential oils and hydrosols can be extracted from the leaves and stems, and these are used as ingredients in lotions, bath products, creams, skincare gels, soaps, and other products.
It is used for deodorizing, sterilizing, antibacterial purposes, and as an insect repellent.
It has many beneficial effects and properties when used to make herbal tea (ginger lily tea), and I really like it because it has a full-on herbal flavor that I enjoy.
Furthermore, the residue left over after distillation can be returned to the soil to become a good insect repellent and compost.
Furthermore, the stems are rich in fibers and can be used as a raw material for paper. (Getto paper)
I just learned this, but apparently the stems can even be used in biofuel blends!
Furthermore, its seeds and flowers are used in herbal teas (ginger lily tea) and traditional Chinese medicine, and it is said that there is no other plant with such a wide variety of uses and a completely circular nature where nothing goes to waste.
That's amazing...!
I still consider myself incredibly lucky to have encountered such a herb.
Next time, I'd like to share an amazing story that proves the high antibacterial properties of this ingredient, which is even used to wrap mochi.
see you!
It's also explained in the video
This content is also briefly explained in the video.
If you want to get a general idea of the situation first, check this out.
🌿 Nonko Shop Manager's Getto (Ginger Lily) Series
- What is Getto (Alpinia zerumbet)? | The true identity of the versatile Okinawan herb that Manager Nonko has become obsessed with
- E. coli eliminated with ginger lily water!? | Even the analyst was surprised by its antibacterial power.
- About 6 times more antioxidant than blueberries!? | The amazing antioxidant power of ginger lily
- Getto (ginger lily) is perfect for summer! | A refreshing Okinawan herb for your skin and bath. *Further releases will be announced sequentially.
- For skin exposed to sunlight | Harness the antioxidant power of ginger lily water
- Also suitable for soothing eyes after crying? | Cooling lotion pack with ginger lily water
- Will it keep cockroaches away? | The insect-repelling power of ginger lily to protect your home
- Are they using ginger lily in hospitals too? | I heard it's used to prevent bedsores.
- Why is ginger lily so versatile? | Contains approximately 300 types of fragrance components.
- Alpinia zerumbet essential oil is exceptional | A rare essential oil that condenses the power of Alpinia zerumbet.
- Getto tea is amazing too | Okinawan herbal tea rich in polyphenols
- I don't want to waste a single drop | The story of how I encountered the ginger lily *Final episode
- The Charm of Getto (Ginger Lily) | A Summary of All 12 Episodes of Nonko Shop Manager's Favorite Okinawan Herb
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