Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
Lovageis a plant-based supplement that may help reduce inflammation, especially the urinary tract.Lovage may also have diuretic and antimicrobial properties. In addition, some people claim lovage can help regulate the menstrual cycle.More research is needed to prove these effects.
Lovage(Levisticum officinaleW.D.J. Koch)belongs to the plant family Apiaceae. Lovage is native to Iran and Afghanistan but is also grown in temperate regions worldwide.Lovage can be used in cooking, but is also sold in supplement form for its purported health benefits.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs.That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Lovage
Lovage has been used in traditional medicines. It is also used as an additive to food as a flavor enhancer.Lovage contains several compounds, some of which are phthalides and coumarins. Along with these are also polyphenols.The diversity of these compounds has led to many studies on the uses of lovage. There is not enough clinical research on the uses of lovage, but it has been traditionally used to treat many health conditions, including:
In addition to the uses listed above, preliminary study results back up some of the touted uses of lovage:
Cystinuria
A 2016 study of 18 participants on the effectiveness of lovage on cystinuria (a rare hereditary condition involving bladder and kidney stones) found that lovage reduced cysteine and creatinine levels in people with hereditary cystinuria. The study authors noted that more studies involving a larger number of participants with cystinuria would be advantageous.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Phthalides, coumarins, phenylpropanoids, polyacetylenesAlternate name(s):Levisticum officinaleW.D.J. KochLegal status: Legal, generally considered safeSuggested dose: 4-8 grams daily, tea 4.5 grams in 1 cup of hot waterSafety considerations:Minimize exposure to the sun, do not take if pregnant or if you have reduced kidney or heart function
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Phthalides, coumarins, phenylpropanoids, polyacetylenesAlternate name(s):Levisticum officinaleW.D.J. KochLegal status: Legal, generally considered safeSuggested dose: 4-8 grams daily, tea 4.5 grams in 1 cup of hot waterSafety considerations:Minimize exposure to the sun, do not take if pregnant or if you have reduced kidney or heart function
What Are the Side Effects of Lovage?
There are a few side effects commonly agreed upon, but little research has been completed to verify these claims.
Common Side Effects
Severe Side Effects
There have been no reports of severe side effects when using lovage. There is a possibility of allergic reactions, as allergic reactions exist in plants in the Apiaceae family.However, data from clinical studies about the side effects of lovage are lacking.
It should be noted that lovage is considered to be generally safe but is not suited for everyone. In some cases, it is not recommended to use lovage.
Pregnant people are discouraged from using lovage because of its effect on inducing menstruation.
No clinical research exists about the effects of lovage on children and adolescents. For this reason, it is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18.
Avoid using lovage if you are allergic or hypersensitive toLevisticum officinale, its components, or plants in the Apiaceae family.
Dosage: How Much Lovage Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage is appropriate for your individual needs.
While you should consult with your healthcare provider before taking any dose of lovage, common dosages include the following, which should generally not extend beyond two to four weeks of consecutive use:
What Happens If I Take Too Much Lovage?
There are no available data about the toxicity of lovage. However, the properties known about the herb do offer guidance about potential risks with extended use or exposure to lovage.
Lovage and all other plants in the Apiaceae family contain furanocoumarins. Furanocoumarins react to UV rays, resulting in photosensitivity.
There are no reported drug interactions with lovage. That being said, certain properties of lovage may have effects on certain types of medications. When discussing medications with a healthcare provider, it is important to let them know lovage is being used.
Lovage has a diuretic effect. Those who are taking diuretics, such as Lasix (furosemide) and othersshould not use lovage.
Some herbs and supplements also have diuretic effects and should be taken with caution when using lovage. Such supplements are parsley (Petroselinum crispum)anddandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Using lovage while on diuretics could result in losing too much body fluid. Loss of too much body fluid may cause an adverse reaction, including symptoms such as dizziness and low blood pressure.
Coumarins, which inhibit blood clotting, are also present in lovage. Those who take anticoagulants, such as Jantoven (warfarin) and others in this drug class, should avoid the use of lovage because they may interact with anticoagulants.
The effect of thinning the blood is also present in some herbs and supplements. Some supplements with this property arefenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum),red clover (Trifolium pratense), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), andchamomile (Matricaria recutita).Taking these supplements along with lovage could increase bleeding time and blood loss risk.
Excessive blood loss can be life-threatening. For this same reason, avoid consuming ginger, vitamin E, turmeric, and fish oil when using lovage.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients are present and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Lovage
Store lovage in sealed polyethylene bags in the refrigerator for no longer than 12 days. Analysis of processed lovage stored in sealed polyethylene bags in cold storage for 12 days showed no significant changes.
It is best to follow storage instructions on indicated packages of lovage. Also follow package instructions on how to properly discard lovage.
Similar supplements should NOT be taken alongside lovage.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is no clinical research to support guidelines for use. Therefore, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement.The taste of lovage has been compared to celery. It is said to be stronger and sweeter in taste than celery.Much of the plant can be eaten. The leaves, stems, and roots are edible.Lovage is known to traditionally induce menstruation. Little is said about lovage during menstruation.
There is no clinical research to support guidelines for use. Therefore, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement.
The taste of lovage has been compared to celery. It is said to be stronger and sweeter in taste than celery.
Much of the plant can be eaten. The leaves, stems, and roots are edible.
Lovage is known to traditionally induce menstruation. Little is said about lovage during menstruation.
Sources of Lovage and What to Look For
Lovage is widely available. Sources of lovage include the plant, tea, and essential oils.
Food Sources of Lovage
The lovage plant grows wild in several parts of Europe and Asia. It can also be found wild in some eastern parts of the United States. However, in some areas, its natural habitat is threatened. Lovage is grown domestically because of the threat to its natural habitat.This perennial plant can be grown for landscaping or cooking. The leaves of the lovage plant can be used fresh or dried. Fresh leaves can be used in soups or salads or to flavor dishes.
Around the world, lovage is commonly used as a spice when cooking. The extracts from lovage have also been used as flavoring additives in food. These extracts are considered generally safe.
While lovage is a hardy growing plant that can survive for several years, it’s not advisable to use parts of plants that have been growing for extended periods because the plant loses its potency with age.
Lovage Supplements
Besides eating lovage, it’s available as tea and essential oil. Countries around the world have been drinking lovage tea for centuries. Its use has been found documented in ancient Greek writings.
Dried leaves and roots of the lovage plant are used for tea and decoctions. For decoctions, it is suggested to mix with water or milk. Teas are instilled in hot water, steeped for 10–15 minutes, and then the dried leaves and roots are removed, leaving the tea for drinking.
Essential oils of lovage are extractions of the plant. They are traditionally used to treat wounds. These claims have not been recently researched.
What Is Elderberry Good For?
Summary
Lovage has been used as a diuretic and an antimicrobial, and it may induce menstruation. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm these uses.
As with all supplements and plant medicines, it’s essential to discuss the use of lovage with your healthcare provider before taking it. This conversation is especially important if you have a health condition or are taking any medications, other plant medicines, or dietary supplements.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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