2004.narc.org.np/publicaton/pdf/book/Descriptors%20Sponge%20gourd.PDF 4 Dec 2008Du, Xu, Li, Zhao, Jerz, & Winterhalter. NARC, LIBIRD, IPGRI. The sponges can also be used to exfoliate the skin during bathing, as a back scratcher, or scrubbing dirty hands.