Luffa

Luffa acutangula

Other Names: Angled Loofah, Dishcloth Sponge, Loofa, Loofah, Lufa, Luffa acutangula, Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrical, Luffa operculata, Luffaschwamm, Sigualuo, Sponge Cucumber, Vegetable Sponge, Water Gourd.

Special Precautions of Luffa

• When taken by mouth, luffa seems to be safe in food amounts. But there isn't enough information to know if luffa is safe when taken as medicine. The possible side effects of luffa are unknown.
• Luffa is safe for most people when applied directly to the skin as a sponge. The safety of using luffa charcoal for shingles is unknown.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Luffa seems to be safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts should be avoided until more is known.

Benefits and uses of Luffa are

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.

• Treating and preventing colds.
• Nasal swelling.
• Sinus problems.
• Pain.
• Menstrual problems.
• Promoting breast-milk production.
• Removing dead skin, when the intact luffa “sponge” is rubbed against the skin.
• Stimulating the skin, when the intact luffa “sponge” is rubbed against the skin.
• Shingles infection in the face and eye area, when charcoal made from luffa is applied directly to the affected area.
• Cancer : Luffa acutangula and Lippia nodiflora leaf extract induces growth inhibitory effect through induction of apoptosis on human lung cancer cell line