What are the side effects of Luffa Sponge?
Jun 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Luffa络 (Luffa fiber) generally has side effects such as damaging the spleen and stomach, inducing allergies, causing indigestion, exacerbating bleeding tendencies, and increasing the risk of poisoning. Luffa fiber is cold in nature, and prolonged or excessive use may easily injure the yang qi of the spleen and stomach. For individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, its use may lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cold pain in the epigastric region, impairing the normal transformation and transportation functions of the spleen and stomach and resulting in decreased digestive and absorptive capacity.
Loofah sponge (Luffa) generally has side effects such as damaging the spleen and stomach, triggering allergies, causing indigestion, exacerbating bleeding tendencies, and posing risks of poisoning. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Damaging the spleen and stomach: Loofah sponge is cold in nature. If taken for a long time or in large amounts, it may impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach. Individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cold pain in the epigastric region after consumption, affecting the normal transformation and transportation functions of the spleen and stomach, thus reducing digestion and absorption capacity.
2. Triggering allergic reactions: Some individuals with special constitutions may experience allergic reactions upon contact with or ingestion of loofah sponge. Symptoms may include skin itching, red rashes, urticaria, and in severe cases, shortness of breath and throat swelling, which may threaten health.
3. Causing indigestion: Loofah sponge is rich in coarse fiber and has a tough texture. Overconsumption or insufficient cooking may increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals with weak gastrointestinal function may experience symptoms of indigestion such as abdominal distension, food stagnation, and nausea.
4. Exacerbating bleeding tendencies: From the perspective of traditional medicine, loofah sponge has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing meridian blockages. For individuals with abnormal blood clotting function or those currently experiencing bleeding, its use may worsen bleeding symptoms, which is unfavorable for wound healing or recovery from illness.
5. Risk of poisoning: If loofah sponge is improperly stored and becomes moldy or infested with insects, it may breed numerous harmful microorganisms and toxins. Consuming such loofah sponge may easily cause food poisoning, resulting in discomfort symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and dizziness.
Before using loofah sponge, carefully check its quality to ensure there is no spoilage. Control the dosage according to individual constitution and health condition. Individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, allergic constitutions, or poor blood clotting function should use it cautiously. If used for medicinal purposes, it must be done under the guidance of a qualified professional. Discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if any discomfort occurs.
