Lovage, Levisticum officinale

Lovage is native to Southern Europe, is easy to cultivate in the garden, and has naturalized in Eastern North America. It has a celery-like taste and is in the Apiaceae/ Umbelliferae (Celery/ Parsley /Carrot) Family. Identification: Lovage grows to a height of 6 feet (1.8m). The plant is erect and its stems and leaves are hairless with a celery scent. Stems are thick and celery-like with additional flat lobed pinnate leaves. Yellow to greenish-yellow flowers, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, bloom in late spring. Flowers grow in umbels 4 to 6 inches (10 cm to 15 cm) in diameter. Fruit matures in autumn, forming a 2-part seed. Edible Use: Lovage is edible and a good addition wherever you would normally use celery. The taste is stronger than celery. The leaves can be used as a salad green or brewed into a tea. The seeds are used as a flavoring spice. Lovage is nutritionally healthy, adding B-complex vitamins and vitamin C to the diet. Medicinal Use: Lovage root and leaves are effectively used in teas, decoctions, infusions, and tinctures. Leaves and roots can be added to bath water and foot soaks. All parts of the plant are medicinally active. Soothes the Digestive Tract: Lovage seeds are effective in treating digestive problems and relieving intestinal gas. Simply chew the seeds for a quick remedy for digestive upsets, bloating, and gas.

Skin Conditions and Inflammations, Der-

matitis, Acne, Psoriasis, Rashes: I prefer lovage root preparations for skin inflammations. The root pieces can be added to bathwater for a long soak or simmered in water to make a decoction for application to the affected areas. Lovage Leaf Oil Extract is also effective for applications to infections, wounds, and treating inflamed skin.

Reduces Inflammation and Irritation in

the Body: Lovage is soothing throughout the body. It reduces irritation and inflammation that causes problems such as colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other diseases caused by inflammation. Painful Joints: Painful joints from any cause, especially gout and arthritis, respond to treatment with lovage root both internally and externally. It reduces inflammation and lets the joints heal. Respiratory Problems: Lovage roots and leaves help increase airflow and oxygen to the body. It loosens phlegm in the lungs and calms irritation. Anti-Histamine: Lovage is a natural antihistamine that helps fight allergy symptoms. Quercetin, found in lovage, stops the release of histamines and soothes the irritations caused by the allergy. Use Lovage Tea internally and apply a decoction or oil for external relief of skin rashes or irritations.

Prevents Kidney Stones and

Helps UTIs: For patients who have a history of kidney stones or urinary tract infections, try Lovage Root Tea or Tincture. It acts as a diuretic and increases the flow of urine without electrolyte loss. This flushing action helps prevent kidney stones from building in the kidneys.

Supports a Healthy Menstrual Cycle:

Women can take Lovage Tea a day or two before their menstrual flow begins. It relieves cramping and bloating due to menstruation. Harvesting: Harvest leaves before the plant flowers and use fresh or dry them for future use. Roots are harvested from plants that are 3 years old or older. Dig up the roots in autumn or early spring. Recipes. Lovage Tea: You’ll need one teaspoon of dried lovage or 1 tablespoon of fresh lovage leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Pour the boiling water over the lovage