Lovage

At a Glance

Common name

Lovage

Scientific name

Levisticum officinale

Family

Apiaceae

Region

Europe

Plant part

Leaves, Seeds, Root

Caffeine

Caffeine Free

Evidence

Insufficient

Safety review

Safety information on file

Botanical Description

A tall robust perennial with large pinnate compound leaves of broad glossy dark green wedge-shaped toothed leaflets and a round umbrella-shaped cluster (umbel) of small pale yellow flowers; the leaves, seeds, and root are used.

Also known as: Love Parsley, Smellage, Maggi Herb

Historical Background

Lovage ('love parsley') has been a European and Mediterranean culinary and digestive herb for millennia, its warm celery-like leaves and seeds flavoring soups and teas. A gentle lovage tea is traditionally sipped for digestion and gentle warming comfort — used with care for phototoxicity.

Earliest recorded uses: European and Mediterranean traditions for millennia; a culinary 'love parsley' and digestive herb.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Warm, celery-like, slightly musky, savory

Tea Preparation

Modern Evidence

Lovage has a tradition for digestion and warming comfort; preclinical work shows antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Clinical evidence is insufficient; it is not a treatment for digestive disorders, UTI, or any disease, and furanocoumarins may cause phototoxicity.

Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.