Description

Perennial growing to 6½ ft (2 m). Has glossy, toothed compound leaves, greenish-yellow flowers, and tiny oval seeds.

Habitat & Cultivation

Lovage is found in southern Europe and southwestern Asia. It thrives on sunny mountain slopes. The leaves are gathered in spring or early summer, the seeds in late summer, the root in autumn.

Parts Used

Root, seeds, leaves.

Constituents

Lovage root contains a volatile oil (about 70% phthalides), coumarins (including bergapten, psoralen, and umbelliferone), alkynes, plant acids, sterols, resins, and gums. The phthalides are sedative and anticonvulsant.

History & Folklore

The Trotula texts, written in Salerno during the 12th century, recommend lovage for skin lightening. The Irish herbalist K’Eogh follows this recommendation: “lovage clears the sight and removes spots, freckles and redness from the face.”

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Lovage is a warming and tonic herb for the digestive and respiratory systems. It treats indigestion, poor appetite, gas and colic, and bronchitis. Lovage is significantly diuretic and antimicrobial and is commonly taken for urinary tract problems. It also promotes menstruation and relieves period pain. Its warming nature improves poor circulation.

Related Species

The Chinese chuan xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is used principally as a means to bring on absent menstrual periods and to treat period pain. The Chinese gao ben (Ligusticum sinense) is also used for pain.

Cautions

Do not take during pregnancy. Do not take if you suffer from kidney disease. Can increase sensitivity to sunlight.