State/School

Yo San University

Pharm Name

Luffae Fructus Retinervus

Common Name

Luffa

Category

Clear Heat & Resolve Toxicity

Ingredients

Taste

Sweet

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Neutral

Action / Indication

1. Resolves toxicity and reduces swelling: for abcesses and other toxic sores. Often used for brease abscess, breast distention and lumps, as well as insufficient lactaction.
2. Unblocks the channels and collaterals while dispelling wind: for wind-damp painful obstruction, soreness in the chest and flanks, pain and soreness in the muscles and sinews, and stiffness in the joints. Particularly useful when phlegm is part of the pattern. Also for traumatic injury.
3. Expels phlegm: for cough due to heat in the Lungs with high fever, chest pain, and sputum that is difficult to expectorate. Used in both adults and children.

Treatment Principles

Unblocks the collaterals
Invigorates the blood
Transforms phlegm.

Contraindication

Luffa, when (young and) tender, is cold and slippery: over-consumption causes diarrhea.

Dosages

6-15g

Meridians

LIV, LU, ST

Tom's Comment

1. Si Gua Luo is a vegetable that is often used as medicine. It is sweet taste is especially useful in treating pediatrics.
2. Si Gua Luo is cooling and is often combined with Yi Yi Ren and Bai Mao Gen to address Heat Lin Syndrome (Re Lin).

Source

Formula Type