Zedoary (Scientific name: Curcuma Zedoria) is an ancient spice and a close relative of ginger. It is a native of India, China, Nepal and Indonesia. Zeodary was introduced in the west as early as 6th Century by the Arabs. Today, however it is very rare in the West having been replaced by Ginger. Dried Zedoary is ground in a pestle and mortar. The dried rhizomes of Zeodary plant are used as a condiment and in perfumes, medicines and cosmetics. The Zerumbet has been erroneously confused with the round Zedoary.