Ekyangwe is biologically known as Loofa Gourds and pronounces as luffa. It has a long history of cultivation in tropical countries like Uganda.
This plant grows domestically or imported from nearly any warmer climate.
At the blossoming stage, the Luffa flower develops into a long, gourd like plant that resembles a giant cucumber.
Dry Gourds are harvested, peeled and split. Their seeds are removed. The gourds are cut, shaped and finally sold as sponges.
Benefits of ekyangwe
Ancient benefits of Luffa as food and medicine are almost negligible in the current times. These range from bath sponges to shock absorbers and sound proof linings
Most importantly, Luffa has a key benefit of exfoliating your skin; removing the outer layer of dead skin cells that causes your skin to look dull, dry, and flaky allowing healthy, new skin cells to flourish, leaving your skin soft, healthy, and rejuvenated. Not to forget, the sponge cleaned regularly, dried after your shower, and replaced frequently.
women often scrub vigorously with Luffa sponge to keep youthful skins.
Its taken by mouth for treatment and prevention of colds and nasal swelling. Some people use it for arthritis pain, muscle pain, and chest pain.
Nursing mothers use it to increase milk flow and Women use the plant to restore absent menstrual periods.
Luffa leaves are a treatment for stomachache and inducement of labor in goats.
Young luffa fruits are vegetables.
Suppliers purchase Luffa from small scale farms where it grows with little management. Luffa is sold to local markets, retail shops, mobile vendors and roadside mini markets where it is accessed by interested users.
Sources of Luffa in Uganda as ranked below
- Mpigi
- Mayuge
- Iganga
- Kamuli
- Hoima
- Jinja
- Namutumba
- Busembatya
- Buyikwe
- Luwero
- Palisa
- Wakiso
Luffa sponges are still an amazing organic option to the man-made nylon shower puffs.
