Lovage Root and Leaf Profile

Also known as

Levisticum officinale, Garden Lovage, Sea Parsley and Love root.

Introduction

Lovage is a flowering plant in the same family as carrots, parsley, and dill. Its dark green leaves resemble cilantro, while the stalks resemble celery. The herb is sweeter but stronger than celery. Brought from Europe as both a food and as a medicinal, it now grows wild in the United States in New England, the Great Lakes states, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. For centuries, it has been thought of as a good ingredient to add to love potions. During the 1800's a cordial made from lovage, tansy, and yarrow was widely available as a folk remedy for an upset stomach. Charlemagne was said to have liked the sight of lovage so much so that he had the grounds of his estate populated with it.

Constituents

Quercetin. The root also contains 1,8-cineole, camphor, coumarins, eugenol, limonene, and methol.

Parts Used

The entire plant is medicinal, but typically the roots and the leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Typical Preparations

Teas, tinctures, encapsulations. Also eaten fresh as a vegetable. The dried leaf may be sprinkled on food or added to soup stock.

Summary

Precautions

May intensify sunburn. Not recommended while pregnant.