Sponge gourd, a summer vegetable native to native to South and Southeast Asia, is considered in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to be useful in treating and preventing a wide range of ailments.

The vegetable, also called luffa, may lower blood pressure, reduce blood lipids, and alleviate constipation. It may also help to reduce swelling and prevent gout, and has potential antiviral and cancer-preventive properties. From a nutritional standpoint, it’s a good source of plant protein and rich in vitamin C and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Zhang Weijun, the fifth-generation successor of privately run health clinic Huai Sheng Tang and the director of Ji-Sheng Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic in Taiwan, spoke with NTD’s “Health 1+1” program about the medicinal benefits and dietary uses of sponge gourd, as well as how to make homemade sponge gourd water for skin care applications.

Health Benefits of Sponge Gourd

1. Lower Blood Pressure

Regular consumption of sponge gourd helps lower blood pressure. The vegetable contains L-citrulline, which converts to L-arginine in the body. L-arginine helps dilate blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and promoting blood circulation. Additionally, sponge gourd can eliminate excess salt and urea, a chemical waste product, from the body, further contributing to lower blood pressure. People with particularly strong-smelling urine, which may indicate high urea levels, can benefit from eating more sponge gourd.

2. A Natural Diuretic

Sponge gourd has diuretic properties that help the kidneys filter and eliminate toxins. And unlike other diuretic foods, sponge gourd has low potassium content, making it safe for individuals with kidney conditions. It may also help reduce swelling caused by kidney issues.

Due to its diuretic effects and ability to expel uric acid, sponge gourd can be boiled with herba lophatheri (dan zhu ye) to help reduce the frequency of gout attacks.

3. Improving High Blood Lipids 

Drinking sponge gourd water can help improve high blood lipids, Zhang said. For people who are physically frail or susceptible to illness and have high blood lipids, simmering sponge gourd with ginseng is beneficial.

Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Place one sponge gourd and 0.71 ounces (20 grams) of ginseng in a clay pot.
2. Steam them without adding water.
3. Collect and consume the liquid produced by the steam daily.

Drinking this mixture once a day for a week may improve symptoms of high blood lipids and could lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.

A study conducted on rats showed that sponge gourd extract reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels by approximately 38 percent, 80 percent, and 86 percent, respectively.

4. Calming the Nerves and Improving Sleep

Sponge gourd contains gamma-aminobutyric acid, a compound known for helping to reduce stress, lessen anxiety, and alleviate insomnia. Zhang recommends eating steamed sponge gourd with clams, a dish that helps soothe irritability, induce calmness, and promote relaxation, thereby enhancing mood.

5. Improving Allergy Coughs

While we often associate allergies with skin reactions like itching or nasal symptoms like sneezing, they can also manifest in other ways, Zhang said. For instance, coughing at night may indicate an allergic reaction similar to asthma, he added.

Sponge gourd contains an anti-allergic compound called bryonolic acid. Stewing sponge gourd with red dates can as a result help treat an allergy-caused cough.

6. Alleviate Constipation

Sponge gourd contains fiber, which helps promote bowel movements and alleviate constipation symptoms.

The Cooling and Detoxifying Effects of Sponge Gourd

Research has shown that compounds found in sponge gourd exhibit immunomodulatory activity. The fruit, leaves, and seeds of sponge gourd have been used to treat diarrhea, viral infections, and inflammatory diseases, demonstrating significant medicinal value. Zhang outlined four specific uses of sponge gourd:

1. At the onset of a cold with a sore throat, sucking on a small piece of sponge gourd and slowly swallowing the juice can help alleviate symptoms.
2. For conditions like furuncles or pustules, eating sponge gourd can aid in eliminating the infection. Rubbing a small piece of sponge gourd and applying it to the affected area can speed up healing.
3. For urethritis with burning pain, drinking a decoction, or boiled-down essence, made from sponge gourd and white rice can help improve symptoms.
4. When hemorrhoid bleeding is severe and difficult to stop, slice the sponge gourd, roast it until charred, then grind it into a powder and consume it to help stop the bleeding.

The Versatile Sponge Gourd Loofah

The fibers of mature sponge gourd are particularly coarse. After removing the flesh and seeds, the remaining mesh-like fibers dry out and the result is what’s known as a loofah.

According to TCM, consuming foods and herbs that resemble the appearance of specific organs or tissues in the body can have a beneficial and nourishing effect on those organs and tissues, Zhang said.

The structure of loofah closely resembles that of the human lungs. In TCM, loofah is valued for its ability to treat coughs; it helps soothe the respiratory system, relieve coughing, and expel phlegm.

The shape of loofah also resembles the network of blood vessels and meridians in the body. According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. They are responsible for transporting qi, the energy that exists in all living things, and blood throughout the body. In TCM, all nutrients that supplement the body are collectively referred to as blood. The circulation of qi and blood maintains the balance and stability of various tissues and organs.

Blocked meridians can disrupt the flow of qi and blood, leading to bodily pain. The loofah can promote blood circulation and unblock meridians, making it effective for treating muscle and joint pain, as well as lower back pain, Zhang said. To prepare, boil a few slices of loofah in 16 or so fluid ounces (roughly 500 milliliters) of water, let the mixture cool, and drink it throughout the day.

For delayed menstruation with lower abdominal bloating and discomfort, boiling one-half ounce (roughly 15 grams) of loofah in rice wine and drinking it can help alleviate symptoms and induce menstruation.

Sponge Gourd Water for Natural Skincare

Research has found that sponge gourd contains various antioxidant constituents. Sponge gourd water can nourish the skin, enhance elasticity, reduce wrinkles, provide moisture, and delay skin aging, Zhang said.

Zhang shared a method for making sponge gourd water at home. First, peel and cut the sponge gourd into pieces. Steam the pieces for 20 minutes. The juice released from the sponge gourd can be collected and filtered to obtain sponge gourd water.

Uses of Sponge Gourd Water:

1. Natural Makeup Remover: Effectively cleanses deep-seated impurities, restoring skin vitality.
2. Skin Protection: Apply before using facial care products to reduce potential harmful effects of chemicals or preservatives.
3. Skin Whitening: Rich in amino acids and natural vitamin C. For enhanced whitening and rejuvenation, soak a face mask in sponge gourd water and apply for 15 minutes, Zhang said.
4. Moisturizer: Carry in a small spray bottle for dry skin or as a moisturizing sunscreen.
5. Sunburn Relief: Regular application can accelerate the healing of sunburned areas.

Additional Benefits

Drinking tea made by boiling dried sponge gourd leaves can combat free radicals, slow aging, and even provide anti-cancer benefits, Zhang said. Research has shown that both sponge gourd and its leaves possess anti-cancer qualities.

A study on sponge gourd found that applying crushed sponge gourd leaves topically can effectively treat fungal infections. This method is often effective within three days, according to Zhang.

Sponge gourd seeds can help alleviate excessive menstrual bleeding. Also, sponge gourd roots can be used to treat sciatica and relieve frequent headaches.

Children often experience nosebleeds while growing up. Zhang’s family uses a special remedy of stewed sponge gourd mixed with brown sugar to help alleviate this issue. While adults can benefit from this remedy as well, it is particularly effective for children. He shared how it’s made:

Preparation:

1. Wash and peel half a sponge gourd. Cut it into chunks.
2. Place the chunks in a steamer and add 0.71 ounces (20 grams) of brown sugar.
3. Steam for 15 minutes once the water starts to produce steam.
4. Cool to a safe temperature before drinking.

Consume once daily for three consecutive days to improve nosebleed symptoms.

Precautions

While sponge gourd offers numerous health benefits, the following groups of people should limit their consumption of it, according to Zhang.

1. People who have cold hands and feet, along with frequent lower back pain and fatigue, should avoid consuming too much sponge gourd, as it can cause diarrhea.
2. Excessive consumption of sponge gourd may lead to erectile dysfunction, but this can be countered by cooking it with ginger.
3. Pregnant women and those with a history of recurrent miscarriages should avoid sponge gourd due to the abortifacient properties of its seeds.

Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but they are generally available in health food stores and Asian grocery stores. It is important to note that treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult with a health care professional for a specific treatment plan.

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