Loofah, as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has the effects of clearing deficient fire, nourishing Qi, generating fluids, and promoting lactation. Let's now learn about the pictures and plant morphology of loofah.
[Effects and Functions of Loofah]
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that loofah has the effects of clearing deficient fire, nourishing Qi, generating fluids, and promoting lactation. It is used to treat symptoms such as heat inflammation in deficiency, sore throat, deficient Yin and Qi, fatigue and forgetfulness, restlessness, thirst, dizziness, insomnia, and postpartum weakness and insufficient breast milk.
1. "Inner Mongolian Herbal Medicine": "Clears heat, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes lactation. It is used to treat blocked breast milk and sore throat."
2. "Qingdao Herbal Medicine Handbook": "Used to treat deficiency of Qi and blood, neurasthenia, and swollen and painful throat."
3. "National Herbal Medicine Compilation": "Tonifies Qi, promotes lactation. It is used to treat deficiency of the body and insufficient breast milk. It can also be applied externally to treat warts."
[Original Plant Morphology of Loofah]
1. Loofah
The stem branches from the base. The leaves are opposite or nearly opposite; leaf blades are linear, 3-5cm long, 2-5mm wide, with raised midvein on the lower surface, and umbrella-shaped cymose inflorescences axillary; calyx is covered with soft hairs on the outside;
The corolla is greenish-white; the corolla tube is cup-shaped, and the lobes are triangular-lanceolate, gradually closing, taller than the membrane of the ovary septum. The fruit is spindle-shaped, gradually pointed at the apex, swollen in the middle, 5-6cm long, and about 2cm in diameter.
The seeds are flat, dark brown, up to 8mm long, and covered with white silky hairs, up to 2cm long. The flowering period of loofah is from May to August, and the fruiting period is from August to October.
[Applications of Loofah in Prescriptions]
①For deficiency of Qi and blood: Take 1 liang of whole loofah and 2 liang of Astragalus membranaceus. Decoction and consume orally.
②For neurasthenia: Take 1 jin of whole loofah. Decoction and extract the juice. Use the medicinal juice to beat 2 eggs and drink it as tea twice a day.
③For sore throat: Take 1 or 2 liang of loofah (2 liang for the whole plant). Decoction and consume orally, or chew and swallow fresh fruit.
[Loofah Pictures]
Loofah Picture
Loofah Picture
