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- Lovage is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, and can be found growing wild in northern Greece, southern France and in the Balkans
- Lovage can grow up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high, with large vibrant green leaves, yellow flowers and small fruits measuring 5 to 7 millimeters one- to two-tenths of an inch). The entire plant is aromatic — its seeds, leaves and root are most often used, which is why it’s now cultivated
- If you want to use fresh lovage to flavor your dishes, harvest them as needed, ideally in the morning, when the plant has a good amount of essential oils. Don’t rinse them or you will lose the flavor
Are you familiar with lovage (Levisticum officinale)?1 Unless you are from certain areas of Europe or parts of southwest Asia,2 you probably haven’t heard of this member of the parsley family,3 which can provide a unique flavor to your dishes as well as potential health benefits. Continue reading to find out the health benefits of lovage and how to grow this plant at home.
What is lovage?
Also called love parsley, mountain celery and sea parsley,4 lovage is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, and can be found growing wild in northern Greece, southern France and in the Balkans.5
Lovage can grow up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high, with large vibrant green leaves, yellow flowers and small fruits measuring 5 to 7 millimeters (one- to two-tenths of an inch). The entire plant is aromatic — its seeds, leaves and root are most often used for various purposes, which is why it’s now widely cultivated. An essential oil can also be extracted from the plant.6
7 health benefits of lovage
Whether you use the seeds, leaves or root, lovage may provide a variety of biological properties, including:
- Anti-inflammatory — According to a study published in the journal Molecules, one of the compounds found in lovage that contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties is quercetin.7 Studies show that this flavonol may be useful in the management of inflammation-related disorders such as atherosclerosis, asthma, gout, arthritis and hemorrhoids.8,9,10
- Antioxidant — Studies show that lovage contains high levels of phenolic compounds with proven antioxidant properties. This may help protect your cells against the damaging effects of free radicals.11,12
- Antibacterial — A study published in the Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society found that the oils from mature and ripened lovage fruit exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria like Bacillus subtilis.13
- Expectorant — Lovage may be used to help loosen and expel phlegm, making it potentially useful for managing certain respiratory problems.14
- Diuretic — According to the journal Urologic Nursing, lovage may help stimulate the diuresis of water without excreting electrolytes. Because of its mechanism of action, lovage may be more accurately classified as an aquaretic.15
- Emmenagogue16 — Lovage may help regulate menstrual function and relieve menstrual pains.17
- Carminative — Lovage possesses natural carminative properties18 that may help address bloating and flatulence by promoting healthy bowel function.19
How to use lovage
