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Luffa (bast gourd). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Luffa (bast gourd), Luffa aegyptiaca. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Luffa (Luffa)

Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbitaceae)

Origin: Africa

Area: Luffa is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Oceania.

Chemical composition: Luffa contains vitamins (C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium), amino acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols and other useful components.

Economic value: Luffa is grown for use in cooking (jam, soups, salads, etc.) and as washcloths and shower sponges. It is also used in medicine and cosmetology due to its beneficial properties.

Legends, myths, symbolism: Luffa can be a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Legend has it that its use can lead to success and prosperity in life. In general, luffa can symbolize beauty, self-care, cleaning, well-being, comfort, connection with nature.

Luffa (bast gourd), Luffa aegyptiaca. Description, illustrations of the plant

Egyptian luffa (cylindrical luffa, bast gourd), Luffa aegyptiaca Miller. Classification, synonyms, botanical description, nutritional value, cultivation

Synonyms: L. cylindrica Roemer, L. retola Seringe.

Names: fr. petole, torchon, courges torchon, courges Eponge.

An annual vine-like plant that grows wild in tropical countries (India, Africa). It is cultivated mainly for the purpose of obtaining a washcloth ("vegetable sponge") from the mesocarp fruit, but at a young age, while the fibers are not yet developed, the fruits of the luffa are used as food like cucumbers.

The stem reaches 5 m in length; leaves alternate, long-petiolate, lobed; flowers are dioecious; ovary inferior, 3-5-celled, numerous ovules.

Fruits 50 cm or more long, cylindrical or spindle-shaped, sometimes with a run to the stalk, juicy at a young age, and then becoming dry.

Up to 1 fruits are obtained from 20 ha. The seeds contain up to 000% of oil suitable for technical purposes.

The most common varieties of cylindrical, or Egyptian, luffa: Cylinder - an early and productive variety, Yaponika - a later variety, with very large fruits (up to 70 cm in length).

In the south, where luffa is mainly grown, its seeds are sown either directly in open ground before the end of spring frosts, or seedlings are planted.

The latter is prepared in greenhouses, sowing seeds in pots about a month before planting in the ground.

Planting seedlings is done when the frost has passed.

Seedlings are planted at a distance of 1x1, 1,5x1 m; nests are accurately placed if seeds are sown directly into the ground; 3-4 seeds are placed in each nest (hole).

For 1 hectare (when sown in open ground), 2 kg of seeds are needed.

After the emergence of shoots, the plants are thinned out, leaving one per hole. When planting or sowing, it is recommended to apply local fertilizer in the form of humus, about 2-3 kg per well.

Before flowering, mineral fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers is necessary. Plants require props: trellises, trellises.

Luffa is prone to fungal diseases: Fusarium and Rhizopus.

For prevention, the seeds are treated in a formalin solution (1:300 parts of water) or sprayed with Bordeaux liquid.

Similarly cultivated and L. acutangula Roxb. - sharp-ribbed luffa, common in North Ossetia, Krasnodar Territory.

Author: Ipatiev A.N.

Luffa, Luffa. Methods of application, origin of the plant, range, botanical description, cultivation

Luffa (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.) is cultivated for its young, immature fruits, used as food like cucumbers, and in soups and curries. Ripe fruits are inedible, as they are very bitter. The leaves are also eaten.

Luffa cylindrical, or washcloth, - Luffa cylindrica (L.) MG Roem. - used in food in much the same way. The leaves are extremely rich in carotene: its content is about 1,5 times higher than that of carrots or sweet peppers.

Iron in the leaves contains 11 mg / 100 g, vitamin C - 95 mg / 100 g, protein - up to 5%. The fibrous tissue formed when the fetus ripens is used to make washcloths. This use of the plant was first found by Portuguese navigators.

Before World War II, up to 60% of luffa imported into the United States was used in the manufacture of filters for diesel and steam engines. Due to its noise-absorbing and anti-shock effect, luffa bast was used in the manufacture of steel soldier helmets and in armored personnel carriers of the US Army. Luffa seeds contain up to 46% edible oil and up to 40% protein.

Luffa cylindrica has both vegetable varieties and special technical varieties for making bast. In Japan, the juice from the luffa stem is used in cosmetics.

The plant is quite widely used in folk oriental medicine.

The center of origin of the luffa is Northwest India. In the XNUMXth century n. e. L. cylindrica was already known in China.

Luffa cylindrical is cultivated in most tropical countries of the Old and New Worlds; ribbed luffa is less common, mainly in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and also in the Caribbean.

Luffa is an annual herbaceous vine.

Stem ribbed, 5-sided.

Flowers, staminate - in groups and pistillate single, are formed in the axils of the leaves. The flowers of loofah loofah are somewhat larger than those of sharply ribbed luffa. In the first species, flowers usually open early in the morning, while in the second, in the afternoon or evening.

The fruit, resembling a thickened club in shape, reaches a length of 50 cm. In the sharp-ribbed luffa, it has a clearly defined faceted surface, the number of ribs is 10. In the cylindrical luffa, the surface of the fruit is smooth, although light longitudinal stripes are visible on it.

Each plant produces 15-25 fruits weighing 0,5-2,5 kg.

Belonging to the Cucurbita family, the genus Luffa (Luffa) includes 8 species; 2 of them are of economic importance.

Both species are relatively little affected by pests and diseases.

Plants are grown in a wide row using supports. They practice direct sowing of seeds on prepared ridges or ridges or growing plants through seedlings. The row spacing is 70-100 cm, the distance between plants in a row is 40-50 cm. Luffa is often grown on supports up to 3 m high, however, free placement of lashes on the ground is also possible.

To stimulate an early transition to flowering, side shoots in plants are usually removed. In the morning, it is recommended to carry out additional manual pollination of female flowers.

The yield can reach 50 t/ha.

Authors: Baranov V.D., Ustimenko G.V.

Luffa (bast gourd), Luffa aegyptiaca. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• Purgation: take 2-3 tablespoons of dried and crushed luffa fruits and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Infuse for 15-20 minutes, then strain and drink at night. This infusion helps cleanse the intestines and improve digestion.
• Treatment of bronchitis and cough: take 1 tablespoon of crushed luffa fruits, pour 1 cup of boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink 1/3 cup 3 times a day. This infusion helps reduce coughing and improve the function of the respiratory system.
• Vision Improvement: take 1 tablespoon of crushed luffa fruits, pour 1 glass of boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink on an empty stomach in the morning. This infusion helps improve vision and protect the eyes from the harmful effects of computers and other light sources.
• Treatment of arthritis and rheumatism: take 2-3 tablespoons of crushed luffa fruits, pour 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Leave for 15-20 minutes, then strain and use this infusion for dry wraps on painful areas. This infusion helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
• Treatment of diabetes: take 2-3 tablespoons of crushed luffa fruits, pour 1 cup boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink 1/3 cup 3 times a day before meals. This infusion helps reduce blood sugar levels and improve metabolism.

Cosmetology:

• Body peeling: Mix 1 tbsp crushed luffa fruit with 1 tbsp oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil). Apply to the skin of the body, massage in circular motions, then rinse with water. This peeling will help to clear the skin of dead cells and make it softer.
• Mask for the face: mix 1 tbsp crushed luffa fruit with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp yogurt. Apply to face, leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water. This mask helps to cleanse the skin of the face and improve its texture.
• Lipstick: Mix 1 tablespoon crushed luffa fruit with 1 tablespoon beeswax, 1 tablespoon oil (such as coconut or jojoba) and a few drops of an essential oil (such as peppermint or lemon). Melt all ingredients in a saucepan, then pour into a storage jar. This lipstick helps moisturize and soften lips.
• Shampoo: Mix 2 tablespoons of crushed luffa fruit with 1 cup of water. Let it brew for 30-60 minutes, then strain and use this infusion as a hair shampoo. This shampoo helps to cleanse the scalp and improve the condition of the hair.
• Foot Massage Scrub: Mix 1 tablespoon crushed luffa fruit with 1 tablespoon sea salt and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Apply to feet and massage in circular motions, then rinse with water. This scrub will help to cleanse the skin of the legs and make it softer.
• Massage Oil: mix 1 cup of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of crushed luffa fruit. Let it brew for a few days, then strain and use this oil for body massage. This oil helps improve blood circulation and soften the skin.
• Hand cream: Mix 1 tablespoon crushed luffa fruit with 1 tablespoon oil (such as coconut or jojoba) and 1 tablespoon honey. Apply to the skin of the hands and massage until completely absorbed. This cream helps to moisturize and soften the skin of the hands.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Luffa (bast gourd), Luffa aegyptiaca. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Luffa (Luffa aegyptiaca), also known as bast gourd, is a long grass that can be grown in warm and humid climates. It is used for the production of natural washcloths and other products.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing luffa:

Cultivation:

• Luffa can be grown in a variety of conditions, but it prefers fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny position.
• It is recommended to grow luffa from seeds, which should be soaked in warm water for a few hours before sowing.
• The plant needs regular watering and can be fertilized with organic and mineral fertilizers.

Workpiece:

• Luffa is harvested when it reaches maturity and its skin becomes tough. Then the peel should be removed and the seeds removed.
• Luffa can be used for the production of natural washcloths, sponges and other products. To do this, clean it from the pulp and dry it.

Storage:

• Luffa should be stored in a dry and cool place, protected from sunlight and moisture.
• If the luffa is not going to be used soon, it can be stored in bags or containers.

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