The Efficacy and Functions of Luffa Seeds
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
The effects and functions of luffa seeds include clearing heat and reducing fire toxicity, reducing swelling and relieving pain, expelling parasites, resolving phlegm, lubricating the intestines to relieve constipation, and regulating blood lipid levels. Luffa seeds have a sweet taste and cold nature, offering the effect of clearing internal heat. They can be used to alleviate symptoms such as sore throat and dry mouth caused by excessive internal heat. Luffa seeds are rich in potassium ions and low in sodium content; moderate consumption also helps to remove dampness and promote urination.
Generally, the effects and benefits of luffa seeds include clearing heat and relieving fire toxicity, reducing swelling and alleviating pain, expelling parasites and resolving phlegm, lubricating the intestines to relieve constipation, and regulating blood lipids. Details are as follows:
1. Clearing Heat and Relieving Fire Toxicity
Luffa seeds are sweet in taste and cold in nature, possessing the function of clearing internal heat and reducing fire toxicity. They can be used to alleviate symptoms such as burning throat pain and dry mouth caused by internal heat. Luffa seeds are rich in potassium ions and low in sodium ions; moderate consumption can also help remove dampness and promote urination.
2. Reducing Swelling and Alleviating Pain
Luffa seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce swelling, improving conditions such as limb and facial edema. Additionally, the active components in luffa seeds have anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce discomfort caused by inflammation and aid in managing chronic inflammatory diseases.
3. Expelling Parasites and Resolving Phlegm
Black luffa seeds can expel roundworms and are effective in treating ascariasis. Luffa seeds can also clear heat and resolve phlegm, improving symptoms of lung heat cough, such as yellow, thick phlegm. Luffa seeds contain abundant plant saponins, which also help resolve phlegm and relieve coughing.
4. Lubricating the Intestines and Relieving Constipation
Luffa seeds are rich in dietary fiber and oils, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, accelerate metabolism, and help prevent and alleviate constipation. Moderate consumption of luffa seeds increases fiber intake without easily causing gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Regulating Blood Lipids
Luffa seeds contain abundant unsaturated fatty acids. After being ingested by the body, these components help remove low-density lipoproteins from the bloodstream, reduce blood viscosity, and thus regulate blood lipid levels. This has an auxiliary role in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
When consuming luffa seeds, it is important to eat them in moderation to avoid excessive intake that may lead to discomfort symptoms such as diarrhea or indigestion. Additionally, when using luffa seeds for medicinal purposes, follow medical advice. Pregnant women, individuals with spleen deficiency, and patients with chronic enteritis should use them cautiously or avoid them altogether.
