This product is made from the mature fruit of the annual climbing herbaceous plant of the bottle gourd peel family, the cylindrical sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.), after processing into Luffa Vegetable Sponge. It was first recorded in the Bencao Gangmu: "Sponge gourd, sown in February, grows seedlings and extends vines, climbing trees and bamboo, or on trellises... It was unknown before the Tang Dynasty. Originating from the south, it was called 'barbarian melon,' and now it is found both in the north and south." If harvested too early, the Luffa Vegetable Sponge lacks elasticity; if harvested too late, it turns old and yellow. The optimal harvesting time is when it is 80% mature and the seeds are white. It is harvested in batches, then undergoes processes such as detaching the stem, breaking the skin, soaking in water, washing, hanging to dry, and removing seeds. After drying, it becomes the final product. The commercial product is best when it has fine and dense fibers, is slightly hard yet elastic, pure white without skin, free from rot, and has a complete, straight, and long shape.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Dredging meridians and activating collaterals, clearing heat and resolving phlegm.

bubble_chart Indications

Chest and rib pain, abdominal pain, lumbago, testicular swelling and pain, lung heat with phlegm and cough, amenorrhea in women, agalactia, painful swelling, hemorrhoids and fistula disease.

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 6-10g. The maximum dose can be up to 60g.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Rich in xylan and cellulose, it may also contain mannan, galactan, and lignin.

bubble_chart Supplementary Medicinals