Sponge gourd has diuretic properties that help the kidneys filter and eliminate toxins. Unlike other diuretic foods, sponge gourd has low potassium content, making it safe for individuals with kidney conditions. It can also help reduce swelling caused by kidney issues.

Due to its diuretic effects and ability to expel uric acid, sponge gourd can be boiled with Herba Lophatheri (Dan Zhu Ye) to help reduce the frequency of gout attacks. Drinking sponge gourd water can help improve high blood lipids, Zhang said. For people who are physically frail or susceptible to illness and have high blood lipids, simmering sponge gourd with ginseng is beneficial.

Place one sponge gourd and 20 grams (0.71 ounces) of ginseng in a clay pot. Steam them without adding water.

Collect and consume the liquid produced by the steam daily. While we often associate allergies with skin reactions like itching or nasal symptoms like sneezing, they can also manifest in other ways, Zhang said. For instance, coughing at night may indicate an allergy reaction, similar to asthma, he added.

At the onset of a cold with a sore throat, sucking on a small piece of sponge gourd and slowly swallowing the juice can help alleviate symptoms. For conditions like furuncles or pustules, eating sponge gourd can aid in eliminating the infection. Rubbing a small piece of sponge gourd and applying it to the affected area can speed up healing.

For urethritis with burning pain, drinking a decoction made from sponge gourd and white.