Can people with cough eat luffa (sponge gourd)?

Jun 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Whether one can eat luffa (sponge gourd) when coughing depends on the severity of the condition. For mild coughs, luffa, which is rich in nutrients and has a cool nature, can be consumed in moderation and prepared as a light soup to help alleviate discomfort and promote recovery. For severe coughs, especially when the body is weak and the gastrointestinal system is sensitive, luffa's cool nature may place additional strain on the body and irritate the respiratory tract, which is unfavorable for recovery. In all cases, cooking should be kept light and清淡 (light and bland), avoiding spicy and greasy foods.

Whether a person with a cough can eat luffa depends on the severity of the cough. Mild cough allows for moderate consumption, while severe cough is not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

For individuals with a mild cough, luffa is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It has a slightly cooling nature and possesses functions of clearing heat, resolving phlegm, cooling the blood, and detoxifying. Consuming a small amount of luffa, such as in the form of a light luffa soup, can provide nutrition, alleviate discomfort caused by coughing, relieve symptoms like dryness and itching in the throat, and promote recovery.

During severe coughing, the patient's body is generally weak, and gastrointestinal function may also be affected. Luffa has a cooling nature, and excessive consumption may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, causing indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other issues. It may also irritate the respiratory tract, worsening cough symptoms and delaying recovery; therefore, it is not suitable for consumption.

Regardless of the severity of the cough, luffa should be cooked in a light manner, avoiding excessive use of spicy or greasy seasonings to prevent irritation of the respiratory tract and worsening of cough symptoms.

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