- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (South and Southeast Asia)
- Sanskrit
- Dhamargava
- Other names
- Loofah
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Food · № 519
Luffa cylindrica
Food · Asia
Sponge gourd
Luffa cylindrica
Traditionally attributed effects: seeds emetic, laxative, diuretic; fruit cooling, soothing, stimulates appetite, diuretic, promotes milk flow; oil for skin conditions.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Fruit as a vegetable; seed oil externally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Dhamargava. Young fruits are eaten as a vegetable in Asia; the dried fruit provides the well-known loofah sponge. In Chinese medicine the fibre network (si gua luo) is used to 'open the channels' in painful breasts and joints.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Seeds emetic, laxative, diuretic; fruit cooling, soothing, stimulates appetite, diuretic, promotes milk flow; oil for skin conditions.
Preparation and amount
Fruit as a vegetable; seed oil externally.