used as a diuretic, and for indigestion
Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; and Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White. In the early 1700s, there were few conditions that lovage (Levisticum officinale) wasn't claimed to cure. The esteemed Irish herbalist K'Eogh noted that this highly aromatic and giant-sized perennial "expels flatulence; clears the sight; removes spots, freckles and redness; provokes urination and menstruation; and aids digestion." It was also aptly used in love potions. While its popularity has dwindled somewhat, lovage remains a useful medicinal and culinary herb.
Using just a pinch of lovage, you can impart the sharp flavor of celery to stuffings, creamed soups, stews and even potato salads; its seeds work well in pickling brines and dressings. In its medicinal form, lovage has been prized since the Middle Ages for treating all manner of ailments. Known primarily as a dependable yet gentle diuretic, lovage has been especially useful in reducing water retention and swelling in the feet. Native to Europe and southwestern Asia, the shrub now thrives where there is full sun and fertile soil. Its leaves and seeds all have therapeutic properties; they are used to remedy such conditions as menstrual pain, bronchitis, poor appetite and indigestion. Lovage is tasty, too; although quite similar to celery in its appearance and flavor, this herb is able to retain its flavor in slow-cooked soups and stews. Plant Facts: This hardy perennial belongs to the Umbelliferae family, which also includes parsley, fennel and celery. Like celery, it has a hollow stem and serrated leaves. Lovage is one of the earliest herbs to appear in the garden at the beginning of spring. Its flowers grow in clusters ranging from green to yellow. Therapeutic Effect: As a diuretic, lovage increases urine output, relieving edema (water retention with swelling) in the feet, hands and joints and helping to clean out the kidneys. In this way, the herb may help to prevent kidney stones. Since it affects the smooth muscles, lovage can alleviate both gastrointestinal and menstrual cramps. In the digestive tract, this fosters the release of gas; at the same time, the herb spurs the secretion of digestive juices, including bile, which then promotes fat digestion. In the past, the roots and the leaves were applied to boils, and a seed infusion was said to treat pinkeye.
All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; and Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White. In the early 1700s, there were few conditions that lovage (Levisticum officinale) wasn't claimed to cure. The esteemed Irish herbalist K'Eogh noted that this highly aromatic and giant-sized perennial "expels flatulence; clears the sight; removes spots, freckles and redness; provokes urination and menstruation; and aids digestion." It was also aptly used in love potions. While its popularity has dwindled somewhat, lovage remains a useful medicinal and culinary herb.
Using just a pinch of lovage, you can impart the sharp flavor of celery to stuffings, creamed soups, stews and even potato salads; its seeds work well in pickling brines and dressings. In its medicinal form, lovage has been prized since the Middle Ages for treating all manner of ailments. Known primarily as a dependable yet gentle diuretic, lovage has been especially useful in reducing water retention and swelling in the feet. Native to Europe and southwestern Asia, the shrub now thrives where there is full sun and fertile soil. Its leaves and seeds all have therapeutic properties; they are used to remedy such conditions as menstrual pain, bronchitis, poor appetite and indigestion. Lovage is tasty, too; although quite similar to celery in its appearance and flavor, this herb is able to retain its flavor in slow-cooked soups and stews. Plant Facts: This hardy perennial belongs to the Umbelliferae family, which also includes parsley, fennel and celery. Like celery, it has a hollow stem and serrated leaves. Lovage is one of the earliest herbs to appear in the garden at the beginning of spring. Its flowers grow in clusters ranging from green to yellow. Therapeutic Effect: As a diuretic, lovage increases urine output, relieving edema (water retention with swelling) in the feet, hands and joints and helping to clean out the kidneys. In this way, the herb may help to prevent kidney stones. Since it affects the smooth muscles, lovage can alleviate both gastrointestinal and menstrual cramps. In the digestive tract, this fosters the release of gas; at the same time, the herb spurs the secretion of digestive juices, including bile, which then promotes fat digestion. In the past, the roots and the leaves were applied to boils, and a seed infusion was said to treat pinkeye.
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