{UAH} HEALTH BENEFITS OF Ekyangwe(Luganda) Ekyangu (Runyankole)

Scientific name: Luffa cylindrica
English name: Ridge gourd,sponge gourd
Local names: Ekyangwe(Luganda) Ekyangu (Runyankole)

Medicinal uses:
1. The roots of ridge gourd added to milk or water is helpful in the removal of kidney stones.
2. The roots of ridge gourd are added to cooled water, boiled and applied on skin in the swelling of the lymph glands.
3. The leaves of the ridge gourd are useful in the treatment of dysentery
4. The leaves or juice of the ridge gourd are used as dressing in the diseases such as inflammation of spleen, ringworms, piles and even in leprosy.
5. Pounded leaves mixed with garlic are applied locally for a relief in leprosy.
6. Oil is extracted from the seeds of ridge gourd and used in the treatment of skin diseases.
7. Ridge gourd is also an effective home remedy for the prevention of premature greying of hair. Ridge gourd is chopped in small pieces along with the ribbed skin and completely dried in the sun. Once the ridge gourd is fully dried, made into a powder and used to prevent the premature greying of hair.
8.Immune system booster:- juice of Luffa cylindrica is mixed with other healthy vegetables taken daily helps in strengthening of immune system and helps the body
fighting off infections effectively.
9.For jaundice: One cup Luffa cylindrica juice mixed with 2 spoons of sugar, if taken twice daily cures jaundice.
10. For bleeding wound: The Pulp of the Luffa cylindrica is ground and applied on the wound. This will stop bleeding from the wounds.
11. For stomach worms: 1 Luffa cylindrica is boiled in two glasses of water and then adequate Salt is added to it . If this mixture is used twice daily, stomach worms will be killed.
12.A powder of the fruit is used for rubbing on the swollen hemorrhoids.
13. Kernel of the seeds is soft smooth and an efficient remedy for dysentery while the juice of roasted young fruit is applied to cure headache.
14. Hypoglycemia: Ridge gourd has certain peptides which are exactly like insulin, alkaloids and charantin chemicals which help in reducing the blood sugar and urine sugar levels.
15. Constipation: the cellulose fibers present in ridge gourd are used in the treatment of constipation and are also effective in the treatment of piles.
16. Skin care: Ridge gourd is allowed to dry and mature on the vine and it can be harvested as a sponge. This sponge has been used traditionally as an exfoliating product while bathing. They are considered to be useful in removing dead cells from the skin thus making the skin smooth and conditioned. The blood purifying properties of ridge gourd are helpful against pimples and acne problems. Lufa sponge is also effective in fighting off foot and body odor.
17. Immune system booster: Juice of ridge gourd mixed with other healthy vegetables taken daily helps in strengthening the immune system and helps the body in fighting against infections effectively.
18. Weight loss: Since the ridge gourd is low in saturated fats and cholesterol, it is an ideal diet for those who are looking for weight loss. Ridge gourd has a high water content which makes it a food with very less calories.
19. Blood purification: Ridge gourd has blood purifying properties. It helps in the purification, restoration and nourishment of the liver and is also helpful in the liver detoxification resulting due to alcohol intoxication.
20. Eye problems: The high β-carotene content of ridge gourd fruit is considered good for the eyes. Fresh juice is also put in eyes to treat granular conjunctivitis and sties.
21. Asthma: The gourd is ground and ½ cup ridge gourd juice extracted mixed with sugar and taken twice a day to control asthma.

Nutritional value:

Ridge gourd acts as an appetizer and it is a healthy food and contains good amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, carotene, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, iron and small quantities of iodine and fluorine. Ridge gourd has a sweet taste, cooling in nature and easy to digest. They form a low calorie diet, which is considered good for diabetes.

Safety Data:
Luffa cylindrica is generally safe to use. It is possibly safe when taken by mouth in food amount but it is better to consult a registered doctor before using the oil. Pregnant women and breast feeding women should take expert advice before using the oil.
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