Loofah is a luxurious, natural exfoliant that has been used for centuries in the Middle East and Asia. Scientifically known as sabadilla, the seed of this tropical vine grows into an oval sponge with a long stem. The loofah can be cultivated at home or harvested from nature and requires no more than five seeds to grow. Once they are mature, you can cut them down when they are ready to harvest, wash them off and hang them or dry them in the sun for storage.
What is Loofah Seeds
Loofah is native to tropical countries such as China, India, the Philippines and South America. Once it was cultivated for its food value, but now loofah is grown specifically for its spongy seed pods. The loofah seeds has a tan skin that covers a layer of hard seeds. Once the seeds are mature, they are harvested and dried in strips of cloth called “cheesecloth. “Once dried, the seeds can be stored in a ziplock bag for up to four years. Once ready to use, soak the dried loofah in hot water for about 20 minutes.
Loofah is used by most people in the Middle East and Asia because of its properties of exfoliating dead skin cells and helping with breakouts. Serious skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and rashes can also be helped with the use of loofah on a regular basis.
The Benefits of Growing Loofah at Home
- Grow your own natural loofah sponge.
Loofah is a luxurious and organic exfoliant that is commonly used in beauty products and spa treatments. The loofah is cultivated from the loofa (loofah) plant, which can be grown indoors or outdoors with little to no effort. The plant grows into an oval sponge with a long, green stem and can be cut down when it is fully mature and ready to harvest.
- Save money by having a ready supply.
There are never enough loofahs to go around so you can always be sure that you’ll have one on hand when you need it. The loofah is a natural exfoliant that can be used well beyond the first use so it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical exfoliants and abrasives. The plant requires no chemicals, water or fertilizer so it is an ideal addition to your natural remedies collection or to your daily beauty regime.
- Save time by avoiding the need to wash, dry and store it before using.
The loofah is ready to use right out of the package so there is no need to rinse it off, soak it in water and dry it between uses. Simply cut it down, remove the stem and scrub away! The only thing you have to prepare is a clean sink or your own fresh water source.
- Enhance beauty ritual.
Loofahs can be used to exfoliate and cleanse your skin, making it more beautiful and radiant. This natural sponge can be used both inside and out to scrub away dead skin cells, dirt and other particles that can contribute to clogged pores and dull, rough skin. Loofahs are often used in spas as a part of facial or body treatments, however you don’t have to spend money in pricey treatments to enjoy the benefits.
- Use your loofah as a scrubby bar.
The loofah can also be useful for other beauty treatments or natural remedies, as well. It can be used to exfoliate and cleanse your skin, which makes it versatile and appealing for a variety of different uses. Loofahs are best known as an exfoliant but they can also be used to wash dishes, clean floors or make a nutritious meal by swiping them across wet produce like salads.
Growing Your Loofah
- Get seeds or starter plants.
You can find loofah seeds online in most nurseries but they are less expensive when purchased in bulk online or at a local farmer’s market. You can also buy mature loofahs to plant but it is easier to start with the seeds and grow your own plants from scratch. You will need five to 10 healthy seedlings or starts to grow the loofah, so look for a nursery that has them and purchase as many as necessary.
- Soak the loofah seeds in water.
You’ll need a glass container or jar that is one-third full of warm water. The seeds should float to the top when they are ready to use, so it’s important to make sure that they stay submerged during soaking. Use a rubber band or twist tie to secure the glass jar or container shut and place it in the sun for about two weeks until the seeds sprout.
- Plant the sprouted loofah seeds.
The loofah plants need to be planted in an area that has a lot of direct sunlight, like a field or garden. It is best to have sandy soil that is warm and can retain water easily so the plants grow quickly and stay moist. Loofahs are most often grown in China, India and the Philippines when they are harvested for food but if you have sandy soil, you can grow them at home just as easily.
- Keep the loofahs moist.
Loofahs take about six months to two years to grow from seed and need an area that is warm, dry and has a lot of light so they will thrive and stay healthy. You can keep them in a window where it gets direct sunlight during the day and water once every week or two to make sure they stay hydrated but not wet.
- Harvest your loofah harvest when it is ready.
The loofah plant has a long, green stem that can be cut and harvested when it is fully mature. The stems are full of seeds and once they are mature, you can harvest them, remove them from the soil and soak them for about 20 minutes in water. Once the seed is washed away and the loofah is dry, store it in a ziplock bag for future use or for cooking with.