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| LUFFA CYLINDRICAL LINN. |
The
sponge gourd is a herbaceous vine, annual, with a slender stem, bearing tendrils. It grows up to 5 metres long. The leaves are oval-shaped with five shallow lobes and a heart-shaped base. The female flowers are solitary at the axils. Both flowers are borne on the same vine. The fruit is elongated, about 30 cm long and 10 cm wide. The young fruit is edible, rich in phosphorus, iron and calcium. This is cultivated especially for the use of the ripe fruit which contains sponge-like fibres and is commonly used as bath sponges.
Medicinal use:
- Liver diseases, abnormal stoppage of the menses, iron deficiency and anaemia.
- For the expulsion of worms.
How to use:
- The decoction of the stem and the leaves of the plant are used for liver diseases, abnormal stoppage of menses and anaemia.
- The seeds take by infusion expel worms from the body.
Parts used:
Stem, leaves and seeds.
Dose:
20 grams for 1 litre of water, by infusion. Use 4 to 5 cups a day.
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