Skip to content
Neijing
pldeesfr

Knowledge baseHerbs

Si Gua Luo絲瓜絡

Fructus Luffae RetinervusLoofah

Also known asLuffa · Dried Skeleton of the Vegetable Sponge · Spongegourd

Category
Herbs that Clear Heat and Drain Dampness
Nature
neutral
Taste
sweet
Channels entered
Lung, Stomach, Liver
Dosage
6–15 g

Usual doses

Dosage
6–15 g
Tincture
2–4 ml

Actions & indications

Resolves toxicity and reduces swelling
  • Abscesses and other toxic sores.
  • Often used for breast abscesses, breast distention, lumps and insufficient lactation
Unblocks the channels and collaterals and dispels Wind
  • Wind-Damp Bi, soreness in the chest and flanks, pain and soreness in the muscles and sinews and stiffness in the joints, especially when Phlegm is part of the pattern
  • Traumatic injury
Unblocks the channels and collaterals in the breast
  • Breast distention and tenderness
  • Insufficient lactation or obstructed lactation
Expels Phlegm
Cough due to Lung Heat with high fever, chest pain, and difficult-to -expectorate sputum (for both adults and children)

Contraindications

In its young form, this herb can cause diarrhea.

Combinations

Notes

  • Its structure is said to resemble the channels and collaterals of the human body.
  • According to some sources, this herb cools and invigorates the Blood.
  • Used by itself, it can be mixed with sesame oil and applied topically for breast abscess.
  • Charred Luffa, Si Gua Luo Tan, is mildly astringent and strongly harmonizes the Blood while stopping bleeding. It is used for hemafecia from Intestinal Wind, hematuria, enteritis, cancerous swellings, hemorrhoids, and persistent uterine bleeding, and is commonly given for breast distention and insufficient lactation due to Stagnant Qi and Blood, at 3-6g powdered and taken with wine; it may also be ground and applied topically to cracked nipples.
  • Si Gua Luo and Caulis Spatholobi Ji Xue Teng share a mild, sweet nature and both invigorate the collaterals and expel Wind. Ji Xue Teng, slightly warm, enters the Blood to nourish it and invigorate Blood flow within the collaterals, while Si Gua Luo promotes the smooth movement of Qi and Blood and transforms Phlegm within the collaterals.
  • Dry-fried Luffa, Chao Si Gua Luo, is neutral and more strongly invigorates the Blood, unblocks the channels, and relieves pain; it is frequently used for traumatic injury, amenorrhea from Blood Stasis, and obstruction-related insufficient lactation.

Appears in