Description

Luffa is a plant. When the mature fruit is allowed to dry, a fibrous, sponge-like structure remains. The fibers can be boiled in water, which is then used as medicine.

Luffa is taken by mouth for treating and preventing colds. It is also used for nasal swelling and sinus problems. Some people use it for arthritis pain, muscle pain, and chest pain.

Women use luffa to restore absent menstrual periods. Nursing mothers use it to increase milk flow.

Sometimes the whole luffa "sponge" is rubbed against the skin to remove dead skin and stimulate the skin. Luffa charcoal, which is prepared by heating luffa fibers in a closed container, is applied directly to the skin for shingles in the face and eye region.

In foods, young luffa fruits are eaten as vegetables.

In cosmetics, powdered luffa is used in skin care products to reduce swelling and "detoxify" the skin.

Health Benefits

1 Hay fever. Early research suggests that using a homeopathic nasal spray (Luffa comp.-Heel Nasal Spray) containing luffa and other ingredients for 6 weeks might help control seasonal allergy symptoms.

2 Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis). Early research suggests that taking a specific homeopathic product (Sinusitis PMD) containing luffa and other ingredients for about 2 weeks might help relieve symptoms of sinusitis.

3 Common cold.

4 Pain.

5 Menstrual problems.

6 Shingles (herpes zoster).