It has a very distinctive cardamom fragrance when brushed or rubbed, but this is not the plant that produces the spice by that name.

[4] Alpinia nutans is used in traditional medicine as diuretic, antihypertensive, antifungal, and antiulcer.

[2][3] The plant extract was experimentally shown to induce dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure in rats and dogs.

[1] Two new glucoside esters of ferulic acid isolated from the rhizome have higher antioxidant activity than Trolox.

[6] Its chemical compound dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain has an inhibitory effect on lipid peroxide, and has an activity similar to that of beta-carotene.