Evidence supporting the use of: Luffa
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Luffa (also spelled loofah) is primarily recognized in traditional and folk medicine systems, especially in parts of Asia, for its purported health benefits, including its use for treating swollen glands, which generally refers to swollen lymph nodes. Historical use is documented in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where Luffa species (such as Luffa cylindrica) have been incorporated into herbal remedies for conditions described as "phlegm" or "toxin" accumulations, sometimes manifesting as swellings or nodules. The dried sponge gourd, seeds, or extracts have been formulated into decoctions or topical applications. However, these uses are based on traditional concepts rather than the modern biomedical understanding of lymphatic disease. Scientific evidence supporting the use of Luffa for swollen glands or lymphatic conditions is extremely limited. While some laboratory studies have explored anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects of Luffa extracts, these are preliminary, and there is no direct clinical research validating its use for lymphadenopathy or related conditions. Therefore, the evidence rating is low (1 out of 5), and its application remains largely rooted in traditional practice rather than scientific validation. Individuals interested in using Luffa for swollen glands should consult healthcare professionals, as swollen lymph nodes can have many causes, some requiring urgent medical attention.
Other ingredients used for Glands (swollen lymph)
AbrusAbuta
Achyranthes
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Allicin
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
anamu
Angelica
Aralia
Ardisia
Arisaema
avens
Baikal Skullcap
Baliospermum
banyan
Barleria
bee propolis
betel
betony
bitter grass
black nightshade
black root
blackthorn
blue flag
Bombax
borneol
bovine
Broussonetia
Bupleurum
burdock
Butea monosperma
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
castor oil
Celosia
Centipeda
chickweed
Chinese silkvine
cinquefoil
cleavers
Collinsonia
commiphora
Coptis chinensis
costus
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
Cynomorium
cypress
devil\'s club
Dianthus
Dichrostachys glomerata
Didymocarpus
Dipsacus
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
eucalyptus
Euphorbia
European Elder
fang-feng
fern
ferula assafoetida
Ficus simplicissima
fu ling
Fuchsia
Galangal
Galium
garlic
geranium
giant blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gnaphalium
goldenrod
goldenseal
goldthread
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heartsease
Herb Robert
Homalomena
honeysuckle
Horsemint
horseradish
Houttuynia
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian frankincense
Isatis
Japanese sophora
joe-pye
Kachnar
Kokilaksha
Large-leaved linden
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
little ironweed
luffa
Lycopodium
Lysimachia
Mahonia
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Marking Nut Tree
Matapalo Tree
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mountain mahogany
Mustard
Myrrh
onion
Onosma bracteatum
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
pagoda tree
Patrinia
paw paw
Pentatropis capensis
peony
Petiveria
Peucedanum
Phellodendron
phellodendron amurense
Physalis angulata
Platycodon
platycodon root
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonatum
Potentilla
Premna
prepared aconite tuber
Psacalium peltatum
Pulsatilla
punarnava
Quisqualis
reishi mushroom
Rubia cordifolia
Rubia yunnanensis
Sandy Everlasting
Sanguisorba
Sanicle
Scabrous Gentian
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
Self-Heal
Sensitive Plant
serratiopeptidase
sheep's sorrel
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Solanum indicum
Spanish Needle
Speedwell
Spilanthes
spruce
Stereospermum
Stone Root
sweet flag
Swertia
Taraxacin
Taxillus chinensis
Thuja
Trichosanthes
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Umckalin
Vervain
Violet
Water Pepper
White oak
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Wulinshen
Yellow Dock
zanthoxylum
Zedoary
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)
