Luffa gourds are mainly tropical or subtropical vines with an edible vegetable that is better known for its use as a sponge or luffah. This is great fun for children to grow. In Ayurveda, luffa is eaten raw as a cooling demulcent in salads. The bitter juice is used to treat jaundice. If eating this gourd, it should be harvested young before it becomes tough and more suitable for use as a body scrub.