Benefits Of Lovage Herb : What To Do With Lovage Plants
Lovage is a country cousin of parsley and can be used in much the same way. It doesn't have a very strong flavor and, for that reason, has been put in the back seat compared to parsley, but there are numerous lovage health benefits that may bring this plant back out into the light. The Greek and Roman civilizations were known for using lovage herbs in healing practices as well as in culinary adaptations. What to do with lovage today? The herb is even more popular with a large population in both Europe and Asia, using it often in recipes and a worldwide following of use as a medicinal.
Traditional Lovage Health Benefits
Lovage herbal remedies have been around for centuries. The plant probably originated in the Mediterranean but has a widespread use in alcoholic beverages and common recipes across the globe. Much of its use was also as an anti-inflammatory, skin conditioner, menstrual support, gastric balm and much more. Lovage is probably best known as a digestive aid, relieving flatulence and other stomach discomfort. In addition to helping digestion, lovage was commonly used to strengthen the heart and as a respiratory aid. It was also useful as a diuretic, to treat kidney stones and as a blood purifier. It was traditionally used to treat gout, rheumatism and skin problems. Lovage herbal remedies go back to the 12th century and were an important therapy in the medieval School of Salerno. Historically speaking, using lovage herbs took place in medical theatres but also in farm houses and village pubs. It is an easy-to-grow perennial herb, which will often spread by seed. As a wild herb, it would have been common and easy to find and the benefits of lovage widely known.
Modern Benefits of Lovage
Lovage is high in many nutrients and minerals. It has loads of Vitamin C and B complex. The plant also has Quercetin, which inhibits histamine and helps with allergy symptoms. Many women also find relief from menstrual symptoms with lovage supplements. Cosmetics that include extracts of lovage can help diminish acne, clear skin and treat dermatitis. For those that like to do "cleanses," lovage is a diuretic that will help flush the body without producing electrolyte loss. This property leads to its use to enhance kidney health. The herb also has the potential to help with arthritis sensitivity, boost respiration processes, and has anti-bacterial properties. The most common side effect seems to be photosensitivity in high doses.
What to Do With Lovage
Lovage is a cousin of parsley but tastes closer to celery. Use it in soups and stews or anywhere else you would use celery. It has a bright flavor that makes it perfect in a summer salad. All parts of the plant are useful, including the roots. It is particularly delightful when paired with pork or chicken, although it is also commonly used to season potatoes. The leaves can be used as a spice or as a flavor in alcoholic beverages. The leaves are also steeped in hot water and used as a tea. Lovage is high in limonene, coumarin, camphor and eugenols. Combined with its nutrient content, lovage is a powerful kitchen ingredient and medicine cabinet tool. Disclaimer: The contents of this article is for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician or a medical herbalist for advice.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Water Wick? How To Use One To Keep Houseplants Hydrated While You’re Away
A water wick for plants will give you a worry-free break if you need to leave your plant babies for a while. It’s easy to set up and pretty much runs itself.
By Amy Grant
-
Lovage Plant Illness: How To Manage Diseases Of Lovage Plants
Lovage is popular as an ingredient in southern European cuisine. Because gardeners who grow it depend upon it for cooking, it's especially sad to see it showing signs of disease. Click here to learn more about problems affecting lovage and how to treat them.
By Liz Baessler
-
Lovage Pest Management – How To Treat Common Pests Of Lovage
Lovage is a hardy perennial herb that is native to Europe but naturalized throughout North America, too. Because of its usefulness, it is especially upsetting to find it infested with pests. Learn more about bugs that eat lovage and tips for lovage pest management here.
By Liz Baessler
-
Splitting Lovage Herbs: Tips For Lovage Plant Division
Once a common sight on the spice rack, lovage is an undervalued old-fashioned perennial herb. Trying lovage in the herb garden may be as simple as asking a friend for a lovage plant division. Click on the article to learn how to divide lovage plants.
By Darcy Larum
-
Seed Grown Lovage Plants – How To Grow Lovage From Seeds
Seed grown lovage makes for a gorgeous perennial herb that is a great addition to any herb garden. Interested in growing lovage plants from seed? Read on to find out how to grow and when to sow lovage from seeds.
By Amy Grant
-
Potted Lovage Care: How To Grow Lovage In A Pot
When you think about herbs, many instantly come to mind such as rosemary, thyme, and basil. But lovage? All of my other herbs are grown in pots, but can you grow lovage in pots too? Learn more about how to grow lovage in a pot by clicking this article.
By Shelley Pierce
-
Lovage Herb Harvest – When To Pick Lovage Leaves
People have been harvesting lovage for centuries for not only culinary but medicinal uses. If you're interested in picking lovage plants, click on the following article to find out how to harvest and when to pick lovage leaves.
By Amy Grant
-
Lovage Plants In The Garden - Tips On Growing Lovage
All parts of the lovage herb are usable and delicious. The plant is used in any recipe that calls for parsley or celery. To get more information and learn how to grow lovage in the garden, read this article.
By Bonnie L. Grant