What is Luffa Cylindrica? (Sponge Gourd): Luffa cylindrical is a cucumber shape like plant or vegetable used for either food or medicinal purposes. Commonly found in Egypt, Asia, and other parts of Africa. It has a sponge-like shape, and most Africans use it as a sponge for bathing because of its therapeutic effects against skin diseases and infections. Eating vegetables and using other medicines made from it benefits the body.

Luffa cylindrica common names

Luffa aegyptiaca, sponge gourd, Egyptian cucumber, Vietnamese luffa, Angled Loofah, Courge Éponge, Courge Torchon, Dishcloth Sponge, Éponge Loofa, Éponge Végétale, Liane Torchon, Loofa, Loofah, Lufa, Luffa acutangula, Luffa operculata, Luffaschwamm, Papangaye, Sigualuo, Sponge Cucumber, Vegetable Sponge, Water Gourd.

What are the uses of luffa cylindrica?

This plant has many uses on men, women, and children. People not only eat them, but sponge gourd has also been used in many medicines like skincare products, hair products, and many others. Below are the most common uses of sponge gourd.

1. Used for the prevention and treatment of a cold.
2. Used to treat problems with sinus and nasal swelling.
3. It also relieves muscle pains, chest pains, and arthritis. 
4. Used to restore menstrual periods and ease the pains.
5. Used as a sperm booster.
6. Nursing moms use it to increase breast milk. 
7. Used on the skin to treat skin rashes.
8. Used to treat and cool down an ulcer.
9. Used for skin stimulation, removing dead skin, and treating facial and eye shingles.
10. Used for food because of its nutritional benefits.
11. Used also as animal feed 
12. Used for fertilizer. 

What are the benefits of luffa cylindrica?

Among all the uses of these plants, there are also some important sponge gourd benefits.

• It helps to clean the blood.
• Consuming the veg help to remove impurities like poison from the blood and promote liver health.
• For a healthy stomach and arteries
• The sponge gourd helps to reduce blockage problems in the arteries because of its healthy purgative qualities. It also aids in the stomach’s normal functioning and full working capacity. 
• Help to mend jaundice: The juice from sponge gourd vegetables contains some therapeutic properties that help to mend jaundice. Read more on what jaundice is.
• It’s a source of dietary fiber, Vit-C, Zinc, Iron, Riboflavin, Magnesium, and Thiamine. 
• It helps to reduce body fat by lowering cholesterol and calories. 
• It is high in cellulose and water content that helps relieve any blockage and retrieve heaps.
• It helps lower blood sugar levels through the insulin-like Peptides and Alkaloids it contains. 
• It helps to improve visual sensation.

Luffa cylindrica medicinal uses

Below are some medicinal luffa cylindrica uses and how to make them.

How to use sponge gourd 

For menstrual pains: Soak the sponge in the hot water, taking it like tea to ease the pains. 

To boost sperm: Use the ten fresh seeds inside the sponge gourd vegetable mix with a handful of fresh groundnut and chew the first thing in the morning for six days. 

For Ulcer: Cut the seeds into chips, soak them, and allow them to ferment for about 12-24 hours, then drink it to help cool it down and heal the wound. 

For shingles: Apply the charcoal from the seed on the face and eye area. 

Luffa side effects

• Luffa is safe when taken by mouth in food, with no known side effects. 
• Luffa is safe, with no known side effects when taken as a medicine.
• Luffa is safe, with no known side effects when applied to the skin as a skincare product.
• Luffa is safe for breastfeeding moms and pregnant women, with no known side effects. Only food amount should be consumed.

What does sponge gourd taste like?

The sponge gourd taste is mild with a silk texture; it tastes more like zucchini with a sweet taste. But the more mature sponge gourd is not tasty; they are bitter and brownish. 

Is sponge gourd good for diabetes?

The sponge gourd vegetable contains Peptides and Alkaloids, similar to insulin that helps lower the levels in both the urine and blood.

Luffa cylindrica plant

The luffa cylindrica plant can grow in most places, and the vegetable can be homegrown or farm-grown. The internet has made it possible to buy anything you want, and the luffa cylindrical plant has found its place too. You can easily buy these luffa cylindrical plant seeds on Amazon. You can find Amazon plants below.