Zedoary (botanical name Curcuma zedoaria) is also known as white turmeric. This ancient spice is closely related to the normal turmeric and is indigenous to India as well as Indonesia. In the sixth century, this spice was introduced to Europe by Arab traders and during the middle ages zedoary became very popular throughout the continent. However, these days this herb is very rarely used in the West, as it has been largely substituted by ginger. In India, people use zedoary as a substitute of arrowroot and in local perfumes. People in India also use it in rituals performed during festivals. In the eastern part of the globe, the root of zedoary is very popular both as a spice and also a medicine. This herb is used in the same manner as we use its cousin turmeric (botanical name Curcuma longa L.) in curries and condiments. Zedoary root forms an important ingredient in the gastrointestinal disorder remedy called Swedish Bitters. The odour of zedoary root is akin to that of camphor and its flavour is somewhat like bitter ginger. As in the case of turmeric, chewing zedoary root also changes the color of saliva to yellow.