LUFFA Overview Information
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.
How does it work?
There isn't enough information to know how luffa might work.
LUFFA Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- 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.
- Other conditions.
LUFFA Side Effects & Safety
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.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.LUFFA Interactions
We currently have no information for LUFFA Interactions
LUFFA Dosing
The appropriate dose of luffa depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for luffa. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
