zerumbet

Zerumbet refers to Zingiber zerumbet, a tropical ginger species in the Zingiberaceae family. It is commonly known as shampoo ginger or awapuhi and is a herbaceous perennial with rhizomes that exude a viscous resin when cut. The plant is valued for both ornamental appeal and traditional uses related to its sap and aroma.

Zingiber zerumbet is native to Southeast Asia and various Pacific islands. It has been cultivated in tropical regions for centuries and has become naturalized in parts of the Americas and Africa. It favors warm, moist conditions, well-drained soil, and can grow as a clump or clump-forming perennial in suitable climates.

Chemically, the rhizomes contain zerumbone, a sesquiterpene that contributes to the plant’s aroma and has attracted scientific interest. The essential oil from zerumbet comprises several terpenes, and research has reported anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of zerumbone in laboratory studies. Clinical evidence is limited, and the safety profile in humans is not fully established.

In traditional practice, the rhizome resin has been used for cleansing hair and skin, earning the name shampoo ginger. Cultivation is usually by rhizome division, with emphasis on warm temperatures, humidity, and partial shade. While zerumbet holds cultural and potential pharmacological interest, it is not widely used in modern mainstream medicine, and further research is needed to confirm therapeutic applications and safety.