Lovage as an Herb

(Levisticum officinale)

The Garden Lovage is one of the old English herbs, and is still occasionally cultivated as a sweet herb, as well as for its use in herbal medicine of the root, and to a less degree, the leaves and seeds.

Lovage was much used as a drug plant in the fourteenth century, with its medicinal reputation most likely founded due to its pleasing aromatic odor. It was never an official remedy for its efficacy in numberless complaints.

Medicinal Uses for Lovage

An infusion of the root was recommended by old writers for gravel, jaundice and urinary troubles.

Lovage root tea eases bloating and flatulence, and eases digestion. It is also used in combination with other herbs to counteract colds and flu.

Lovage has also been used as an anti-depressant, taken as tea: 1 teaspoon of fresh or dry root steeped in 1 cup water for 10 minutes.

Culinary

Leaves, seeds and stems used where the taste of celery is desired. The leafstalks and stem bases were formerly blanched like celery, but as a vegetable it has fallen into disuse.

A herbal tea is made of the leaves, when previously dried, the decoction having a very pleasant odor.

Lovage is good in potato salad, with tomatoes, and with chicken and rice dishes.

Use stems as straws for Bloody Mary's.

A good salt substitute.

The oil is an ingredient in artificial maple essence and also in extracts of coffee, vanilla, malt and licorice.

Lovage Umbrella: Cut a section of stalk a few inches taller than glass you wish to use. Cut thin slits 1-1/4 inch long all around the top; dip in ice water. Top will curl to form an "umbrella". Makes a lovely garnish.

Caution

Lovage should not be used during pregnancy or if you have kidney diseases.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.