Dried skeleton of luffa (SI GUA LUO)-Luffa cylindrica-Retinervus Luffae Fructus

Dried skeleton of luffa (SI GUA LUO)

Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. (Fam. Cucurbitaceae)

Pharmaceutical Name:

Retinervus Luffae Fructus

Botanical Name:

Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. (Fam. Cucurbitaceae)

Common Name:

Dried skeleton of luffa (or loofah)

Part Used:

Reticulate fiber of the ripe fruit

Retinervus Luffae Fructus is produced chiefly in the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu. It is collected in autumn and cut into sections for use.

Properties  Taste & Meridians:

Sweet in flavor, neutral in property, acts on the Lung, Stomach, and Liver channels.

Functions:

Expels Wind and removes obstructions from channels, removes toxins, and relieves Phlegm.

Indications & Combinations:

1. For arthralgia due to Wind Dampness and muscle spasms, it is used with Ramulus Mori (Sang Zhi), Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae (Qin Jiao), and Caulis Piperis Fotokadsurae (Hai Feng Teng). For pain in the chest and hypochondriam, it is used with Pericardium Trichosanthis (Gua Lou Pi), Radix Platycodi ( Jie Geng), and Fructus Aurantii (Zhi Qiao). For galactostasis, it is ground into a powder and taken with wine.

2. For carbuncles, gangrene, sores, and swelling, it is used with Flos Lonicerae (Jin Yin Hua) and Herba Taraxaci (Pu Gong Ying). For cough due to copious sputum.

Dosage and administration:

10–15 g, decocted in water for internal use. Appropriate amount for external use.

Precautions:

None noted.

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