Lovage
Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Brief Background:
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is used for medicinal and culinary purposes, the latter due to its aromatic flavor. Folklore describes lovage as being used for its medicinal properties since ancient times.
Lovage has been sused to treat a variety of conditions including its use as a diuretic, and for regulation of menses. It is also used to treat digestive and respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, colic, and for its carminative and stomachic properties.
It was used by Spanish New Mexicans as an emmenagogue.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Lovage has been used for centuries for its digestive and respiratory properties, it is also used for treatment of a variety of menstrual disorders. The leaves have been eaten in salad and taken in tea form as an emmenagogue.
In herbal medicine it is used to expel flatulence, induce perspiration, open obstructions and to treat colic in children. Lovage has also been used in the treatment of jaundice, kidney stones, poor appetite and bronchitis. Lovage as been used externally in the treatment of sore throats and aphthous ulcers (canker sores). Aromatherapists have used the essential oil of lovage to remove freckles and spots from the face.
