Can people with a cold eat luffa?

Whether a person with a cold can eat luffa (sponge gourd) depends on the type of cold. It is acceptable to consume it in moderation for wind-heat type colds, but not recommended for wind-cold type colds. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Wind-heat type colds are commonly caused by exposure to wind-heat pathogens and often present symptoms such as high fever, sore throat with swelling, cough with yellow phlegm, etc. Luffa is cool in nature and rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Consuming it in moderation can help clear internal heat, relieve thirst, and alleviate discomfort associated with wind-heat colds.

Wind-cold type colds are usually caused by exposure to wind-cold pathogens and often accompanied by symptoms such as severe chills, mild fever, nasal congestion with clear runny nose, cough with white phlegm, etc. Since luffa is cool in nature, consuming it may exacerbate internal coldness and hinder recovery from a wind-cold type cold. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with this type of cold.

Regardless of the type of cold, consumption of luffa should be moderate and should not replace standard medical treatment. If cold symptoms persist or do not improve, prompt medical attention is advised.