Evidence supporting the use of: Luffa
For the body system: Sinuses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Luffa (also spelled loofah or luffah) is a plant whose dried fibrous skeleton is commonly used as a natural scrubber, but various parts of the plant have a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Asia and parts of Europe. In traditional European herbalism and in homeopathy, Luffa operculata has been used as a remedy for sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, and other sinus-related issues. The traditional use is notable in Germany, where Luffa extracts are included in some herbal nasal sprays and remedies intended for sinus health. The rationale behind its use is based on anecdotal reports and historical practice, suggesting anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects.
However, there is limited scientific validation for these claims. A few small laboratory and animal studies have examined possible anti-inflammatory or mucolytic effects of Luffa extracts, but clinical trials in humans are sparse, of low quality, or inconclusive. No major clinical guidelines endorse Luffa for sinus health. Thus, while its use is primarily rooted in tradition, there is insufficient scientific evidence to confidently support its effectiveness for the sinuses, and the quality of available evidence is low. Users should approach such remedies with caution and seek medical advice for persistent sinus issues.
Other ingredients that support Sinuses
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anise
Arisaema
asarabacca
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
aster root
Baikal Skullcap
balloon flower
basil
bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
betony
boneset
Boswellia
bromelain
Buddha\'s hand
butterbur
cajuput
calamus
capsicum
carvacrol
catnip
cayenne pepper
Centipeda
chamomile
cineole
Citrus
cocklebur
coltsfoot
cowslip
cubeb
Echinacea
Elder
elderberry
elecampane
English horsemint
eucalyptus
European Elder
Eyebright
fennel
flavanones
fritillaria
garlic
garlic bulb
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
goldenseal
goldthread
Grindelia
Guaco
Gumweed
heal-all
herbal blend (proprietary)
honey loquat syrup
horehound
horseradish
Lactobacillus sakei
Lactobacillus salivarius
lemon
lemon balm
lemongrass
Leptospermum scoparium
licorice root
Ligusticum
lingzhi
lobelia
Lomatium
luffa
lungwort
Maidenhair Fern
malabar nut
Marshmallow
Menthol oil
Mint
Monardella odoratissima
Monoterpenes
Mucilage
Mullein
Nasturtium
onion
oregano
Osha
Pelargonium
Pellitory
Peppermint
perilla
Petasines
pineapple
Pinellia ternata
plantain
Platycodon
platycodon root
Plectranthus amboinicus
Propolis
Pulsatilla
purple butterbur root
quercetin
radish
ragweed
ravinsara
Rhus glabra
Rumex acetosa
Sabadilla
sage
Sambucus nigra
Sanicle
schizonepeta
Serrapeptase
serratiopeptidase
Slippery Elm
spruce
Streptococcus salivarius
sweet flag
Sword Bean
Tea Tree Oil
Teucrium marum
thyme
Thymol
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Tylophora
Umckalin
Umckaloabo
vitamin C
Wood betony
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yarrow
Yerba buena
Yerba Mansa
Yerba santa
zhejiang fritillary
Zinc
Other body systems supported by luffa
BronchialsDigestive System
Eustachian Tubes
Immune System
Intestinal System
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin
Stomach
