Health Benefits
Anti-allergenic
Antibacterial Effects
Digestive Processes
Respiration Booster
Skin health
Menstrual Relief
Arthritis Relief
Kidney Health and Urinary Tract Infections
Anti-allergenic
Many of the health benefits of lovage relate to its anti-inflammatory and soothing nature, and the same is true for soothing the effects of allergens. Furthermore, it contains significant amounts of quercetin, which is a natural inhibitor of histamines. This will reduce the allergic response of your body, eliminating itchy eyes, runny noses, and other more serious allergic reactions. Lovage is also excellent for bronchitis and pneumonia, helping the lungs to loosen up and expel phlegm from the respiratory system as well as fighting the bacteria that cause certain illnesses, like pneumonia.
Antibacterial Effects
Studies have shown that lovage has a significant effect on various microbes and foreign agents that can cause illness within the body. Although research is still ongoing, studies have found positive associations between lovage intake and a reduction in E. coli, Salmonella, and other dangerous infections.
Digestive Processes
The anti-inflammatory nature of lovage makes it ideal for soothing upset stomachs (dyspepsia) and returning your gastrointestinal system to a neutral state. In traditional medicine, Levisticum officinale has been used for centuries to soothe the digestive tract, decreasing pain, bloating and gas.As a bitter herb, lovage can help to boost the appetite while also aiding digestion.
Respiration Booster
If you are suffering from a respiratory ailment, lovage can act as an expectorant to clear out excess phlegm and mucus in your tracts. Furthermore, eucalyptol, one of the primary soothing agents found in it, can reduce irritation and inflammation in the lungs, promoting more rapid healing.
Skin health
The soothing properties of lovage also extend to the skin. When the leaves are applied directly to the skin, or a salve is made, it can be very effective for reducing the symptoms of psoriasis and acne, leading to smoother, better-looking skin. The antioxidants found in it can also help to prevent wrinkles in some cases and increase blood flow to the surface of the skin, improving tone and appearance.
Menstrual Relief
For women, lovage may be able to help with dysmenorrhea as well as irregular periods. According to traditional usage of the herb, it can act as an aid for women in the form of an emmenagogue, or agent that induces menstruation and regulates its flow. Levisticum officinale may also lessen the pain associated with dysmenorrhea. When taken at the beginning of a menstrual period, lovage can act to soothe many of the most severe side effects of menstruation, including cramps and bloating.
Arthritis Relief
The natural anti-inflammatory nature of lovage makes it the perfect remedy for those suffering from conditions like gout, arthritis, and hemorrhoids. If you suffer from painful inflammation anywhere in your body, consume some lovage leaves or add this herb to your next dish – you might be surprised at the relief!
Kidney Health and Urinary Tract Infections
Lovage has been linked to improving kidney health. It acts as a type of diuretic, known as an aquaretic, which stimulates urination, but doesn’t lead to a loss of electrolytes. This is a much healthier form of urination if you are trying to detoxify your body without risk of dehydration, thereby boosting the health of your kidneys.
In a scientific article published the World Journal of Urology, lovage makes the list of botanical medicines for the urinary tract. The article cites terpernoids and coumarins as the major active compounds in lovage (Levisticum officinale) root. It also goes on to say that, “clinically it acts as a more potent diuretic than parsley” and it is approved by the German Commission E for use in lower urinary tract infections and urinary gravel (urinary deposits or stones).