Article content
Many people don’t know it, but lovage (Levisticum officinale) is one of the most valuable herbs for health and beauty. Its taste is familiar to everyone – it resembles the popular Maggi seasoning, which was created from lovage extract. This fragrant plant, however, can do much more than just flavor a soup. It helps with allergies, skin problems, digestion and kidney issues.
Lovage – the “herb of love” with a long history
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) originates from Asia, but has been cultivated in Europe for centuries. It can grow up to 120 centimeters, has a strong, aromatic scent and its effects were valued by our ancestors. In the Middle Ages it was considered an aphrodisiac and was called the “herb of love”.
Today lovage is mainly used in herbalism and folk medicine. It contains essential oils, bitter compounds, flavonoids and vitamins that support digestive system function, act as a diuretic and help with swelling or high blood pressure. Special attention, however, should be paid to its ability to alleviate allergies and improve skin condition.
Helps with allergies and skin problems
Modern research shows that lovage contains quercetin – a natural substance that acts as a histamine inhibitor. Histamine is responsible for allergy manifestations such as a runny nose, itchy eyes or sneezing. Regular use of lovage can reduce these symptoms naturally, without the side effects of medications.
Lovage also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which help with acne, eczema and psoriasis. The leaves can also be used topically – crushed and applied directly to affected areas of the skin, where they soothe irritation and promote healing.
Health effects of lovage
- Supports digestion – relieves bloating, cramps and the feeling of heaviness after eating.
- Acts as a diuretic – helps with swelling, urinary tract inflammations and kidney problems.
- Has expectorant effects – facilitates coughing up phlegm during colds and respiratory infections.
- Relieves menstrual pain thanks to its antispasmodic effects.
- Cleanses the body of toxins and acts as a natural antibiotic.
- Improves blood circulation and prevents the formation of blood clots.
Because of these effects, lovage is often added to detox cures and tea blends.
How to use lovage in the kitchen and treatment
Lovage has a pronounced flavor that goes well with soups, sauces, potatoes and meat dishes. It can be added fresh, dried or frozen. In herbalism, decoctions from the root or tinctures from the leaves and roots are also used, which support digestion and cleanse the body.
Recipe for lovage tea:
- 1 teaspoon of dried lovage root
- 250 ml of boiling water
Method: Pour boiling water over the root, let steep for 10 minutes and then strain. Drink the tea twice daily, preferably after meals.
Summary
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is an unjustly overlooked herb that deserves a place in every household. It helps cleanse the body, improves digestion, works against allergies and benefits the skin. You can use it as a seasoning, tea, tincture or home remedy.
Just add a few lovage leaves to your food or brew a cup of tea – and your body will reward you for it.
