Evidence supporting the use of: Luffa
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Luffa, also known as sponge gourd or Luffa cylindrica, has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), luffa is sometimes used to "clear heat" and "remove toxins," which can be interpreted as addressing infections or abscesses. Some traditional herbal texts mention the use of luffa preparations—such as decoctions or poultices—applied to skin lesions, boils, or abscesses, believing that it helps reduce inflammation or promote healing. However, the documentation is sparse and often anecdotal, with little detail on preparation or dosage.
There is currently a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of luffa for the treatment of abscesses. Modern pharmacological studies on luffa have primarily focused on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or immunomodulatory properties, but direct studies on abscess healing or treatment are absent. The traditional use, therefore, is not substantiated by contemporary clinical research. Clinical guidelines do not recognize luffa as a treatment for abscesses, and its use remains rooted in historical or folk practices rather than scientific validation.
In summary, while luffa has traditional uses that include treating abscesses or skin infections, there is very limited scientific evidence to support these applications. Its use for this condition should be considered traditional, with a low level of evidence.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Bindweed
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Flueggea suffruticosa
Figwort
Fomes fomentarius
Ficus simplicissima
Genipap
Gnaphalium
Garlic
Giant Blazingstar
Gallotannin
Gugambilla
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Hedyotis
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Other health conditions supported by Luffa
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)