Names: Angled Loofah, Dishcloth Sponge, Loofa, Loofah, Luffaschwamm, Sigualuo, Silky Loofah, Smooth Loofah, Sponge Cucumber, Vegetable Sponge, Water Gourd. Luffa aegyptiaca; Luffa acutangula; Luffa cylindrica.

Family: Cucurbitaceae.

Properties:

expel wind, damp heat obstructing channels – sore chest and flank areas
sore muscles and sinews, stiff joint, traumatic injury, breast abscess
expel phlegm, lung heat – high fever, chest pain, sticky sputum
expel summer heat - promote urination
breasts – swollen-painful breasts, insufficient lactation

Dosage: 6 – 12g.

Also Used For:

Orally, Si Gua Luo is used for treating and preventing colds, nasal inflammation, sinusitis, and suppuration of the sinuses.

Topically, Si Gua Luo is used to remove dead skin and stimulate the skin. Luffa charcoal is used topically for shingles in the face and eye region.

Also in Chinese Medicine,Si Gua Luo is used orally for arthritis and associated pain,muscle pain, chest pain, amenorrhea, and to promote lactation.

Food uses, young luffa fruits are eaten as vegetables.

Cosmetics, powdered luffa is used in skin care products as an anti-inflammatory and detoxicant.