Botanical Index No. 636

Lovage

levisticum officinale

Medicinal Actions

Antiinflammatory, Antilithic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aquaretic, Carminative, Cholinergic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Gastrogogue, Mucolytic, Myorelaxant, Photodermatitic, Secretagogue, Sedative, Sialagogue, Stomachic, Uterotonic, Colic

Primary Conditions Treated

Aphrodisiac Bitter Aphtha Bladder Stone Boil Catarrh Congestion Cramp Cystosis Dysmenorrhea Dyspepsia Edema Enterosis Fever Gas Gastrosis Gravel Headache Heartburn Inflammation Insomnia Kidney Stone Malaria Migraine Nephrosis Nervousness Pyelosis Respirosis Rheumatism Stomatosis Stomachache Stone Swelling Tonsilosis Ulcer UTI Water Retention

General Dosage

4–8 g root/day; 1–2 tsp root/cup water, between meals, 2–3 ×/day; 0.3–2 ml liquid root extract.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 2b, 2d. Commission E reports contraindications: acute nephrosis, renal insufficiency; look out for photosensitivity when the root is used for a prolonged period. Not for use during pregnancy. Strongly diuretic in mice and rabbits; phthalides are anticonvulsant and sedative in animals.

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