Luffa Cylindrica Is Not Just Sponge Or Weed.

Luffa cylindrica plant is a creeping plant whose fruit is a natural cellulose fiber that is popularly used as scrubbing sponge for cleaning and bathing. Luffa cylindrical is popularly called vegetable sponge, sponge gourd, vegetable gourd and loofah. It is called Kankan Ayaba in Yoruba.

Because Luffa cylindrica is an invasive plant, it is often regarded as weed due to the fact that it will thrive under almost all conditions and is often found covering abandoned buildings and land under a short period of time.

Luffa cylindrica plant contains a lot of phytonutrients which make it useful for different nutritional and medicinal purposes. The seeds, leaves, fruits and other parts of Luffa are used in medicinal preparations in different parts of the world.

Dried matured fruits of Luffa cylindrical are popularly used;

• To scrub and exfoliate the skin.
• To wash and scrub pots, utensils and other household items.
• As additions to exfoliating soap.
• To decorate and adorn in arts and craft.

Young fruits, flowers and buds are usually eaten as vegetables in some parts of the world.

The seed contains about 50% oil which is used as a healing moisturizer for the skin and a natural sunscreen. The oil has anti-microbial properties, so it is used to treat numerous skin disorders and infections like boils, eczema, acne, pimples, leprosy, etc. The seed is also used to expel worms and as anti-aging oil because of its moisturizing, healing, emollient, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds are emetic and purgative as well.

The leaves have anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. The juice is used to resolve respiratory issues like sinusitis, bronchitis, removing phlegm and relieving cough. It is used as eye drop to treat conjunctivitis and taken for relieving amenorrhea. The leaves are also used in preparations for malaria and typhoid fevers. Pounded leaves are used to treat hemorrhoids.

The sap from the leaves repels insects.

Luffa sponge is excellent for removing dead skin while promoting circulation. So the next time you see a Luffa plant, think further than it being a weed or sponge, there are so many things you can use it for. 

Share below other medicinal purposes that you know Luffa is used for. Follow on Twitter @heal2well.