Levisticum officinale
Botanical Nomenclature | Levisticum officinale |
Common Name | Lovage |
Taxonomy- Family | Umbelliferae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Levisticum officinale is a perennial, rhizomatous plant growing from 1 to 2m, with long stems, pinnate leaves in rosettes and green, hermaphrodite flowers in non-dense, spherical umbels. The stems and the leaves are shiny, smooth, hairless and when they are crushed they give off a lime-like fragrance. The flowering lasts from July to August and the harvesting takes place from August to September. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Root, leaves, seeds |
Active Substances | Essential oil which contains butylphthalide, umbelliferone and bergaptene, acids, resin, carbohydrates, rubber, bitter agent (angelic acid), pigment (ligulin). The root also contains quercetin, 1,8-cineole, camphor, coumarin, eugenol, limonene, menthol. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The plant has diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, antispasmodic and healing properties. It is recommended for the treatment of dyspepsia, anorexia, colic, bronchitis, flatulence mainly in children, urolithiasis, cystitis and menstruation. It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice made from the root against sore throat, skin wounds and aphthae and in the form of essential oil from the seeds in aromatherapy against freckles and blemishes (especially on the face). |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in 500mL of boiled water, for one hour, a cup of tea four times a day before eating). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice (50g of dried root in 5L of boiling water). Also, it is commercially available (phytoremediation) in the form of capsules made from the herbal extract (two capsules, 1-2 times daily). Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects have been reported. Plant's consumption may cause allergic reactions. It should be avoid during pregnancy and from patients with renal problems. Also, plant's consumption may cause photosensitivity and dermatitis. |
References | 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Levisticum+officinale 2)http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/lovage-herb.html 3)https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/lovage42.html#con 4)http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail103.php 5)http://herbtm.com/el/levistiko-mishos.html |