Gua Lou belongs to the pumpkin family, and originates in India and China. In Europe Gua Lou is known as Chinese snake gourd. Its fruit can reach a length of up to 2m, is edible, and is used for medicinal purposes,
as are the seeds, skin and root. In traditional Chinese medicine Gua Lou is considered as having an anti-bacterial and expectorant effect. The skin alleviates stomach indigestion, and has a positive effect on the Qi. Gua Lou is also of benefit in the case of high blood pressure/high blood lipid concentrations.