Lovage is an herb that has been used for centuries because of its culinary and medicinal properties. A culinary herb used in stock cubes, lovage is also used for treating various digestive, respiratory, and urinary problems, and is generally warming for the circulation. Its tea is known for a number of health benefits.
The tisane can be made from 1 tbsp of fresh leaves shredded or 1 tsp dried, to one cup of boiling water which you pour over them and leaves to steep for about 15 minutes before straining and drinking .
Take 1/2–1 cup up to 3 times daily for indigestion, cystitis, rheumatism, gout, poor appetite, or painful menstruation.
It combines well with an equal amount of agrimony infusion for indigestion. Lovage, scientifically known as Levisticum officinale, is a lofty perennial aromatic plant belonging to the Apiaceae family.
The herb bears dark green leaves and greenish yellow flowers. A tea can be made from the leaves or grated roots, but tastes more like broth than tea.
Seeds and leaves are used fresh or dried as flavoring for savory food such as soup or stews, and also in cakes.
The health benefits of Lovage tea include its use as an aid to digestion, as a carminative which eases flatulence, as a breath sweetener, and as a diuretic for urinary conditions. The most popular health benefit of Lovage is its use as a diuretic which encourages the flow of urine.
It is used in the treatment of urinary conditions, water retention, removal of kidney stones and cystitis. Use 1 cup of the root decoction as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers or as a gargle for tonsillitis.
After overindulgence in alcohol or other drugs, lovage tea will help cleanse the liver and kidneys. Lovage also induces menstruation and lactation, and should not be taken by pregnant women.
