Lovage

Common Name:

Lovage

Botanical Name:

Levisticum officinale

Short Description:

Lovage is an aromatic digestive and urinary herb traditionally used to relieve bloating, gas, and water retention. It gently stimulates circulation and digestion while acting as a diuretic and urinary tract cleanser.

Parts Used:

Root, leaf, and seed (root most commonly used medicinally)

Actions:

Carminative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, aromatic

Energetics:

Warming, drying, pungent-bitter

Body Systems:

Digestive, urinary, reproductive

Spiritual/Energetic Uses:

Encourages energetic movement and release. Lovage stimulates flow in systems—physical and emotional—that feel congested or stagnant. Useful for releasing stuck emotions or patterns.

Planetary/Dosha Associations:

Planetary: Mars and Mercury
Dosha: Balances Kapha and Vata; may aggravate Pitta

Safety Notes:

Avoid during pregnancy due to emmenagogue effects. May increase photosensitivity in some individuals. Best used short-term or in combination with moistening herbs to prevent dryness.