Lovage, a member of the parsley family, is a widely-used herb in parts of Europe and southwest Asia. Its use in food and natural healing is nothing new, but it’s also not usually first mentioned, so it isn’t surprising if you haven’t heard of it. Lovage offers a number of health benefits, including supporting kidney health, fighting harmful organisms, and supporting joint health.
Benefits of Organic Lovage
While science continues to explore the many benefits of lovage, there are some researched benefits that are worth a look.
1. Fights the Risk of Kidney Stones
Lovage is an aquaretic, or a type of diuretic that encourages urination without electrolyte loss. The increased urination flushes the urinary tract to potentially helpo avoid kidney stones.
2. Lung Support
Traditional medicine uses lovage to loosen phlegm in the lungs, which in turn improves airflow, breathing, and oxygen intake. In one trial eucalyptol, the active chemical compound in lovage that reduces lung irritation, produced significant, positive results within four days. 
3. Soothes Rough Spots
It turns out lovage is loaded with compounds that may soothe rough patches in the body. Compounds in lovage that provide this benefit include limonene, eugenol, and quercetin. Studies involving limonene have shown it provides soothing effects throughout the body, although it has been especially noted to help reduce issues associated with colitis. 
4. Promotes Healthy Skin
Lovage is recommended as a natural way to fight skin conditions like dermatitis and acne. The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but traditional skin care approaches include lovage in their routines.
5. Fights Harmful Organisms
Scientists have found lovage one of the most potent extracts against organisms like E. coli, Salmonella, H. pylori, and H. influenzae. 
6. Eases Digestion and Relieves Gas
The soothing benefits of lovage are very effective and it’s even a great remedy to soothe the digestive tract, reduce bloating, and relieve gas.
7. Supports Joint Health
The herb is considered a natural remedy for joint discomfort associated with gout and rheumatic swelling of the joints. In addition, it doesn’t cause any terrible side effects.
8. Natural Allergy Support
The soothing effects of lovage naturally help fight the symptoms of allergies. But when it comes to allergies, lovage goes a bit farther. Quercetin, a compound present in lovage, inhibits histamine release and alleviates skin irritation typically caused by sensitivity to environmental irritants.  
9. Menstrual Support
Among its many traditional uses, lovage is reported to provide relief from menstrual discomfort. Its high nutrient density combined with its powerful soothing benefits may explain why adding lovage to the diet prior to the beginning of a menstrual cycle may support well being.
10. Excellent for Recipes
Lovage is a wonderful addition to your favorite recipes, adding taste and increasing your meal’s nutrient value. It’s often used as a replacement for celery, although it’s more pungent so most recipes recommend using about half the amount of the celery called for. The leaves make an excellent salad, and the seeds are used as a spice and often sprinkled over salads and soups. Lovage can even be brewed as an herbal tea. It’s rich in B-complex vitamins, essential for energy, and vitamin C which supports skin and immune system health.
One Final Thought
Lovage is safe, natural, and can easily be found as a food or herbal supplement! Do you use lovage? We’d love to hear about your experience with this herb. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
- Juergens UR1, St?ber M, Schmidt-Schilling L, Kleuver T, Vetter H. Antiinflammatory effects of euclyptol (1.8-cineole) in bronchial asthma: inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood monocytes ex vivo. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Sep 17;3(9):407-12.
- d'Alessio PA1, Ostan R, Bisson JF, Schulzke JD, Ursini MV, B?n? MC. Oral administration of d-limonene controls inflammation in rat colitis and displays anti-inflammatory properties as diet supplementation in humans. Life Sci. 2013 Jul 10;92(24-26):1151-6. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.04.013.
- Garvey MI1, Rahman MM, Gibbons S, Piddock LJ. Medicinal plant extracts with efflux inhibitory activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2011 Feb;37(2):145-51. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.10.027.
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- Weng Z, Zhang B, Asadi S, Sismanopoulos N, Butcher A, Fu X, Katsarou-Katsari A, Antoniou C, Theoharides TC. Quercetin is more effective than cromolyn in blocking human mast cell cytokine release and inhibits contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans. PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e33805. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033805.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing Center are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.