Herb Herbs that stabilize and bind

Si Gua Luo

Sponge gourds | 丝瓜络

Luffa cylindrica

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Liver, Lungs, Stomach

Parts Used

Dried vascular bundles of ripe fruit

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Si Gua Luo

Traditional Actions

Unblock Meridians
Circulate Blood
Dispel Wind in joints

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Si Gua Luo belongs to the 'Herbs that stabilize and bind' category. This category of herbs is used for treating abnormal discharges and displacement of Organs. This includes conditions such as diarrhea, discharges from the vagina, penis or rectum as well as prolapse of the Uterus or rectum. It is important to note that herbs in this category only treat symptoms, so one should also use herbs to treat the underlying Deficiency.

 

Furthermore Si Gua Luo is Neutral in nature. This means that Si Gua Luo typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Si Gua Luo means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Si Gua Luo also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Si Gua Luo tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Si Gua Luo is thought to target the Liver, the Lung and the Stomach. In TCM the Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body. The Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine.

Common Applications

Rheumatoid arthritis Chest pain Mastitis Clogged milk ducts Asthma Hemorrhoids Edema Fever

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Si Gua Luo

The medicinal properties exhibited by Luffa Cylindrica may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids like apigenin and triterpenoid sapogenins like lucyin A, lucyosides G.1.

Sources:

1. S Partap, A Kumar, NK Sharma et al. "Luffa Cylindrica: An important medicinal plant" pdfs.semanticscholar.org, 2012

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Si Gua Luo

Traditional Preparation

Let the sponge gourds grow until they dry on the vine. Bang the gourds around to loosen the seeds, peel the skin off, squeeze and rinse the gourd until all that remains is a sponge-like texture.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

9-15g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Si Gua Luo

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Si Gua Luo may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

Formulas Containing Si Gua Luo

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