{"id":117831,"date":"2025-07-06T08:12:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T07:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=117831"},"modified":"2025-07-06T08:16:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T07:16:05","slug":"lovage","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/lovage\/","title":{"rendered":"Lovage"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":117847,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"8b31f5b0-6d42-4762-af67-efa794336e00","beyondwords_preview_token":"3ae35f23-8743-4ab4-901e-af27ba7c0a48","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,685,701,699,698,695,700,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,18,1820,527,30,27],"western_action":[992,993,994,996,997,1003,1007,1008,1009,1010,1018,1023],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-117831","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-bitter","sense-pungent","sense-salty","sense-sharp","sense-sweet","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-carminatives","western_action-diaphoretic","western_action-diuretic","western_action-emmenagogue","western_action-expectorant","western_action-relaxant","western_action-uterine-tonic","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250618","herb_author":1910,"banner_text":"Lovage is a culinary herb used to support digestive function","latin_name":"Levisticum officinale<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Apiaceae","herb_summary":"Lovage is both a strong diuretic for the urinary system and traditionally used to support digestion and relieve gastrointestinal spasms and flatulence. ","key_benefits":"Digestive support\r\nCarminative\r\nDiuretic\r\nUrinary tract infections\r\nEmmenagogue \r\nRheumatic conditions","how_does_it_feel":"Eaten raw, lovage leaf has a strong aromatic flavour which is slightly bitter, similar to celery leaf but more intense and peppery. An infusion of the leaf smells sharp and aromatic, very much like fresh celery leaves but with a hint of aniseed. The taste is much milder than expected from the aroma, due to the volatile oils carried by the steam. The taste is salty, sour, pungent, slightly bitter and subtly sweet. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe pungent and salty tastes linger\u00a0 in the mouth due to the volatile oils coating the tongue and leaving a slightly acrid sensation in the throat. Relaxation can be felt throughout the body within a few minutes, as the effect of the herb moves down through the system. It feels grounding and calming, perfect after a meal to encourage the optimal state required for digestion.\u00a0<\/span>","hdif_image_1":117847,"hdif_image_2":117852,"hdif_image_3":117854,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,18,1820,527,30,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":" \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_117852\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"Lovage Lovage (Levisticum officinale<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLovage was traditionally a popular remedy, used for centuries in folk medicine; however, it has lost favour in recent years. It is easy to grow and the leaf, seed and root can all be used medicinally for the urinary and digestive systems. Lovage is used as a remedy for the digestive system and can be used to settle the stomach and relieve colicky trapped wind and flatulence. The seeds are primarily used for gastric discomfort, while the leaf and root are more suited to urinary issues due to their diuretic properties.\r\n\r\nThe diuretic action of lovage encourages the elimination of fluid through the kidneys and reduces water retention (1). This makes lovage a versatile herb to be used in cases where water retention stems from an issue with the cardiovascular system, by helping to remove excess fluid that has accumulated in the tissues. Similarly, lovage can be used in rheumatic issues such as <\/span>arthritis<\/span><\/a> and gout to support the elimination of waste through the kidneys, and prevent the build up of metabolites in the joints.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe antispasmodic action of lovage, which accounts for many of its effects on the digestive system, also extends to other smooth muscle. Lovage can be used to relax the uterine tissue and relieve menstrual cramps. It also has strong antiseptic properties and can be used as a skin cleanser or to treat minor wounds, pimples and boils.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nLovage is a culinary herb grown mainly for its leaves, which taste like<\/span>\u00a0<\/b>celery<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Apium graveolens<\/span><\/i>), albeit sweeter and with a slight hint of<\/span>\u00a0<\/b>parsley and aniseed (2).\u00a0The leaves can be used fresh, finely chopped in salads, soups and stews, or blanched as a vegetable in a similar way to spinach (2,3). The young stems can also be eaten like celery either raw or cooked. The flavour becomes bitter once the plant starts to flower, however removing the flower stalk will prolong the harvest (3). The seeds can be used in baking, soups and stews in a similar way to fennel and celery seeds (2,3). The seeds can be crushed and added to bread and pastry recipes, or sprinkled on salads or cooked dishes (2).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_117849\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Lovage Lovage (Levisticum officinale<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIt is the high concentration of volatile oils in lovage which give it the strong, aromatic smell. Up to 64\u201380% of the oil consists of phthalides, which are mainly responsible for the characteristic celery-like odour (4,5). A further furanone derivative (sotolone) also contributes to the intense odour and aromatic flavour (4). It is these essential oils which are responsible for the antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, demonstrated in several <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> studies (4). Lovage extract has been shown to provide synergistic antibacterial activity with pharmaceutical antibiotics, providing a greater antibacterial inhibition than isolated antibiotic therapies (6).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe phthalide constituent ligustilide has antispasmodic activity which has been demonstrated through <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> animal models. Several studies have demonstrated vasorelaxant effects of ligustilide on the cardiovascular vessels, and myorelaxation of smooth muscles (4). This spasmolytic action on the smooth muscle of the intestines accounts for the carminative action to relieve spasms, cramps, indigestion and colicky flatulence pains. Isolated ligustilide has also been shown to inhibit spontaneous periodic contractions of isolated uterine tissue in animal models, providing a mechanism for the indication for lovage for <\/span>dysmenorrhea<\/span><\/a> (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nEnergetically, lovage is slightly warming, and drying due to the diuretic action (8). As a flower essence, lovage is associated with heart chakra activation, making it a choice for those seeking emotional healing or deeper interpersonal connections. It can be used to support emotional clarity, heart-centred communication, energetic balance, enhance vitality, clear emotional blockages, and promote a sense of grounded confidence.<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_117853\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"Lovage Lovage (Levisticum officinale<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLovage was used by the ancient Greeks who chewed the seeds to aid digestion and relieve flatulence (2). In Europe, a decoction of lovage was thought to be a good aphrodisiac, and in the Middle Ages lovage leaves were laid in the shoes of travellers due to the deodorising and antiseptic effects (2). The leaves were also used as a compress for boils, or applied to spots on the skin (9). Since the 11th Century, there have been reports of cosmetic use as a skin lightener and to remove blemishes and freckles (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCulpeper\u2019s 1653 Complete Herbal reported lovage to be effective to warm a cold stomach, aid digestion, ease griping, dissolve wind, and improve resistance to poisoning and infection (10). Both the root and seed were taken in wine or as a decoction, while the distilled water was used as a gargle for quinsy (an infected abscess on the tonsils) or dropped into the eyes to remove redness and dimness (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn 1812, John Hill advocated the fresh root as a diuretic to \"work by urine\", as well as being efficacious against jaundice and fever, and the seeds were used to dispel wind (11). In 1898, lovage was described in the King\u2019s American Dispensatory as a gastric stimulant, diuretic, emmenagogue, and carminative, closely resembling <\/span>angelica<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Angelica archangelica<\/span><\/i>) in its action and uses (12). The root and seeds were considered the medicinal parts, best taken as an infusion (12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the early 20th century, the drink <\/span>Lovage<\/span><\/i> was an English pub favourite, made from lovage seed, bandy and sugar (9). It was considered a warming drink for a cold stomach and used to ease stomach pains, improve appetite and support digestion (9). Lovage leaf and stems were eaten as food and used as a culinary herb in cooking as well as the manufacture of confectionery due to the sweet and aromatic taste (13). The seed was also used as an alternative to the more expensive black pepper to season savoury foods (9).\u00a0<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"UrinaryDigestive system<\/h3>\r\nLovage is a warming digestive tonic which supports digestion and can relieve heartburn, indigestion,dyspepsia and a loss of appetite (8,14). The volatile oils have a carminative action in the gastrointestinal tract, relaxing intestinal spasms which can cause cramps and flatulent colicky pain (8). Lovage is therefore indicated for chronic sluggish digestion and metabolism, as a tonic for the digestive system during convalescence, as well as acute relief from dyspepsia, indigestion and feelings of fullness (4,15). Lovage, when prepared as an infusion or tincture combines well with <\/span>aniseed<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Pimpinella anisum<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>fennel<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Foeniculum vulgare<\/span><\/i>), and <\/span>cardamon<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Elettaria cardamomum<\/span><\/i>) to support digestion after a meal.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system\u00a0<\/i><\/h3>\r\nDue to the high concentration of mineral salts, lovage has a strong diuretic action, working in a similar way to celery seed and <\/span>parsley<\/span><\/a> leaf (<\/span>Petroselinum crispum<\/span><\/i>) (1). Increasing the amount of urine encourages the excretion of waste through the urinary tract, and lovage, therefore, can be used for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and minor urinary complaints such as urinary retention (8,16). The combination of the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and diuretic actions suit lovage to bacterial and inflammatory ailments in the urinary tract. <\/span>\r\n\r\nBoth the seed and root preparations can be used for inflammation of the lower urinary tract and to prevent and treat renal gravel (17,18). In cases of renal gravel or kidney stones, lovage is a useful herb as a herbal infusion, combining well with <\/span>marshmallow<\/span><\/a> leaf (<\/span>Althaea officinalis<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>corn silk<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zea mays<\/span><\/i>) to further soothe the irritation. Caution should be noted for chronic kidney pathologies due to the potential for the volatile oils to further irritate the delicate kidney (see safety section<\/span>)<\/span><\/i>. Migraine headaches can sometimes stem from stagnation in the kidney, and in cases of deficient kidney activity lovage may be effective (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/h3>\r\nThe strong diuretic action of lovage promotes the elimination of fluids via the kidneys which can help with oedema stemming from the cardiovascular system (8). Lovage also has a vasorelaxant effect on the vasculature, making it a useful addition for remedies suited to support the cardiovascular system.<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal<\/h3>\r\nDiuretic herbs support the kidney in the elimination of metabolic waste, toxins and by-products of inflammation (19). This indicates lovage for rheumatic conditions where a build up of metabolites in the blood and joints can exacerbate symptoms. Lithuria is a medical condition characterised by an excess of uric acid or its salts in the urine and can be associated with conditions like gout. Lovage supports the elimination of uric acid through the kidneys, indicating it for use combined with other remedies for gouty arthritis such as celery seed and <\/span>nettle <\/span><\/a>(<\/span>Urtica dioica<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

\"ImmuneReproductive system<\/h3>\r\nLovage is an emmenagogue and uterine tonic, which can be used to stimulate menstruation in cases of amenorrhea and delayed menses (9,18). It can be helpful for <\/span>dysmenorrhea<\/span><\/a>, especially when this is due to congestion in the pelvic tissues. The pain associated with dysmenorrhea can be caused by hypercontractility of the uterine muscle, a reduction in blood flow, and subsequent uterine ischemia (7). Lovage can reduce the hypercontractility of the uterine muscle, relax the uterus, and support an increase in uterine blood flow (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Immune and respiratory systems<\/h3>\r\nLovage has a mild expectorant and anti-catarrhal action, indicating its use for mucus stuck in the lungs and respiratory tracts (14). The volatile oils promote the breakdown of thick mucus and catarrh so it can be more easily expelled (15). Lovage also has a mild diaphoretic action, promoting sweating and helping to break a fever (14). <\/span>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, lovage infusion was used as a gargle for tonsillitis and can be used in this way for the soothing anti-inflammatory effect, and the antimicrobial action directly to the infected area. For the same reason, it can also be used as a mouthwash for ulcers and mild mouth infections (8). Lovage can be used alongside antibiotic therapies, as the antimicrobial action enhances effectiveness of the antibiotics, and may be protective against antibiotic resistance (6).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_117846\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"510\"]\"Lovage Lovage (Levisticum officinale<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are no clinical trials investigating the use of lovage as a single ingredient, although it has appeared in research using combined herbal formulas. Combination products make it impossible to distinguish the effect of the lovage from the other herbs, requiring caution when interpreting the findings. Due to the lack of clinical evidence, the indications for use are based on traditional use, <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> research to determine the plant constituents, and the known actions of the constituents.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Effect of the herbal combination Canephron N on diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus: results of a comparative cohort study<\/h3>\r\nThis study involved 59 patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), divided into two groups to receive either standard antidiabetic therapy (control) or standard therapy plus a herbal supplement (Canephron) for six months. In the treatment group, two tablets of Canephron were taken three times a day, each containing centaury herb (18 mg), lovage root (18 mg) and rosemary leaf (18 mg). Compared to baseline, the herbal treatment group had a reduction in microalbuminuria (73%), albumin to creatinine ratio (46%), total cholesterol (25%), triglycerides (43%), and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThese improvements were all greater than those observed for patients treated with antidiabetic medications alone, with only microalbuminuria reaching a statistical significance difference. The authors concluded that the positive effect on albumin filtration, antioxidant defence status, and lipid peroxidation levels encourages use of this herbal combination as an add-on therapy in patients with DN (20).<\/span>\r\n

Postoperative prevention of urinary tract infections in patients after urogynecological surgeries\u2014non-antibiotic herbal (Canephron) versus antibiotic prophylaxis (Fosfomycin Trometamol): A parallel-group, randomised, noninferiority experimental trial<\/h3>\r\nAnother study used the same combination product (Canephron) containing century, lovage root, and rosemary in comparison to antibiotic treatment (fosfomycin trometamol) as prophylaxis against postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs). Before undergoing urogynecological surgery, 125 female patients were randomised into a control group (n = 67) receiving the antibiotic (3 g of FT), or the treatment group (n = 58), administered Canephron (three times a day for 14 days), started the day after the procedure. UTIs were observed in 6.4% of all the patients, with no statistically significant difference between the incidence in the FT and Canephron groups. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe authors concluded that Canephron is comparable to standard antibiotic treatment for the prevention of postoperative UTIs. This herbal remedy therefore has potential use to decrease the prophylactic antibiotic use following urogynecological surgery which is closely connected to the growing trend of antibiotic resistance (21).<\/span>\r\n

Medicinal plant extracts with efflux inhibitory activity against gram-negative bacteria<\/h3>\r\nIn this <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> study, lovage was one of 21 plants tested for activity against gram negative enterobacteriaceae (<\/span>Salmonella<\/span><\/i> spp.) and pseudomonas aeruginosa. The methanolic extract of lovage (10 g) was found to be the most active of the 84 extracts from the 21 plants. The lovage extract was combined with five different antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol,<\/span> erythromycin and ethidium bromide) to determine the synergistic activity against several <\/span>Salmonella typhimurium<\/span><\/i> isolates with and without innate efflux pump multidrug resistance AcrAB-TolC. Bioassay for each antibiotic was carried out in the absence or presence of the lovage extract, on agar plates. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe inhibition of bacterial growth was greater for the ciprofloxacin plus plant extract than the antibiotic alone. This suggests a synergy between the antibiotic and the lovage extract; however, this was only observed for the bacteria without the drug resistance efflux pumps. This suggests that lovage could provide synergistic antibacterial activity when combined with antibiotic therapies (6).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"The name comes from the Latin <\/span>ligusticum<\/span><\/i>, after Liguria, a region in Italy where the herb grew profusely (2). <\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":117848},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Lovage is a hairless, deciduous perennial which grows to a height of two metres and spreads to between 0.5\u20131 metre wide (3). The thick, erect, hollow stem branches into erect stalks of dark green leaves (28). The aromatic, shiny leaves are tripinnate, deeply divided into multiple triangular-rhomboidal leaflets, with sharp points and slightly serrated edges (3).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe yellow-green flowers appear in umbels in the summer (3).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe seeds develop in autumn and are ovate-oblong, or elliptical, small, compressed and curved (12). The seeds are strongly marked with ribs which are winged, and in the grooves between the ribs occur one or more oil-tubes (12).<\/span>","common_names":"