Lovage (Levisticum officinale) belongs to the plant family of umbelliferae (Apiaceae). Synonyms are bath herb, pleasure vine and nut herb. The name Maggi herb is also commonly used. The reason for the origin of this name is the similar taste of lovage and the well-known Maggi seasoning. The latter is a partial hydrolysate of protein with salt and additional flavorings – lovage parts Maggi seasoning does not have.
Occurrence and cultivation of lovage
The leaves are reminiscent of celery in taste and shape. The herb originates from Central Asia, but has been widespread in Europe for a long time. Thus, dishes were already seasoned with lovage in the times of the ancient Romans; its healing effects were also already widely known. In many Central European gardens, the perennial, up to 2.5 meters high and intensely fragrant plant grows luxuriantly; in the meantime, lovage can also be found here and there in feral form. Lovage forms richly branched rhizomes. The leaves are reminiscent of celery in taste and shape. In addition, there is a similarity with the scent of blue fenugreek. The plant parts contain tannins and bitter substances, as well as significant amounts of essential oils. Lovage has a fresh, spicy aroma. In the kitchen it is used as a fresh seasoning herb for large roasts, for stews and soups, as well as for herb vinegar and sour pickles. The seeds of lovage also have a good seasoning power in dried form. But the herb is also cultivated as a medicinal plant. Especially in herbal medicine, the seeds, leaves and roots of lovage are used. To obtain pharmaceutical drugs, the leaves are harvested in spring, the roots in early spring or late autumn, and the seeds in late summer.
Effect and application
Because of its high content of active ingredients, lovage has a wide range of uses as a medicinal plant. Its active ingredients are about 0.5 percent essential oil, apiol, angelic acid, malic acid, tannins, bitter compounds, resins, gums, fats, camphor, carvone, invert sugar, isovaleric acid, umbelliferone, coumarins and myristicin. Lovage generally has stimulating, diuretic, hemostatic, expectorant, antispasmodic and appetizing effects. The herb is attributed positive effects on cystitis, kidney disease, stomach disorders, gout, sore throat and laryngitis, inflammation of the oral mucosa, bronchitic complaints and nervousness to cardiac insufficiency and edema. Lovage is mainly used against digestive problems, urinary complaints and metabolism. Its active ingredients are also used in gynecology, respiratory diseases and skin. It is also popularly believed to have aphrodisiac effects.
- Digestive:
Digestive problems are some of the main uses of lovage. It is able to strengthen the general appetite and counteract emaciation. The lovage fruits (Levistici fructus) are taken in dried form as an unusually spicy-tasting tea. Tinctures are made from the roots and leaves – Levisticum officinale is a highly effective ingredient in Carminativum tincture, which counteracts flatulence.
- Urinary organs and metabolism:
The whole respectively the cut and dried rhizome (Levistici radix) contains a lot of high-quality essential oil. Therefore, the drug is used for flushing therapy in urinary tract infections. Lovage counteracts water retention in the legs and feet. It also helps to relieve rheumatism and gout complaints.
- Gynecology:
Lovage has a decongestant effect, so period cramps can be relieved. It promotes menstruation. In the course of childbirth, it facilitates and promotes labor – so lovage should not be used during pregnancy. The essential oil of lovage can cause termination of pregnancy after consuming excessive amounts of lovage.
- Respiratory disorders:
In the course of non-febrile diseases, lovage can counteract cough and sore throat. In the course of febrile illnesses, lovage is not recommended, because it could exacerbate the fever from case to case. Within anthroposophic medicine and homeopathy, lovage is also used to treat middle ear infections.
- Skin problems:
For skin problems, lovage is used externally: Decoctions of the roots are used as a poultice, bath or wash to combat boils, eczema and purulent wounds.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The leaves, roots and seeds of lovage have importance in phytotherapy. In addition to the treatment of acute courses of disease, Levisticum officinale also has a notable preventive function. Moreover, lovage has its permanent place in health care. Tart and spicy aromatic lovage tea is drunk preventively as a good remedy for the care of the gastric tract and urinary tract. Because the tea strengthens the heart, it also prevents water retention in the feet and legs, as well as gout and rheumatism. In addition, lovage teas are said to have a balancing, calming and relaxing effect. Similar effects are achieved with a so-called lovage decoction: For a lovage decoction, about half a teaspoon of ground and dried root is boiled over a period of 15 minutes. A prophylactic course of lovage wine made from 1 tablespoon of dried seeds to 1/2 liter of white wine is said to promote the removal of kidney gravel and kidney stones. The Carminativum tincture mentioned above is taken drop by drop before heavy, sumptuous meals to prevent stomach and intestinal problems. As a preventive remedy against all-capable stomach complaints, lovage powder made from the dried, finely ground root is sprinkled over food. One to two knife tips are used here. Baths, washes or poultices counteract skin irritations. Lovage is also said to have aphrodisiac effects – its generally stimulating, tonic effect is probably the reason for this.