LOVAGE (LEVISTICUM OFFICINALE)

Hardy perennial. Herb growing to 6 ft (2 m) in height. Glossy, divided leaves, umbels of yellow flowers and the smell of celery. Also known as Love Parsley and Bladder Seed.

Ancients chewed the seeds to aid digestion. Can be taken internally for digestive problems, colic, wind, cystitis and kidney stones. Lovage tea used to be taken for rheumatism. Leaves can be used in soups and stews, meat and fish dishes. The young shoots and stems can be eaten as a vegetable and can also be candied. Seeds are added to bread and biscuits, and it is used as a flavouring in the food industry and in alcoholic drinks. The oil is used in the perfumery trade. Used in love potions and aphrodisiacs in the Middle Ages.

Add root to a bath to become physically cleansed. Add 7 rose buds as well to make you more attractive to prospective lovers. Highlanders of old would eat Lovage first thing to protect against infection throughout the day. Wear Lovage to ensure your loved one's undying love. Chewing on a bit of Lovage will help keep you alert. Lovage cordial was taken to settle an upset stomach and could be found on sale in inns until the early 1800s. Tudors used the plant as a deodorant by dropping a few seeds in a bath.

Food plant of hoverflies, wasps and bees.

Plant spreads. Plant in sun or partial shade. Tolerates most soil types. Dies down in winter but grows back bigger and stronger each year. Will grow in dark, damp spots. Good companion plant for cucumber and parsley. Bad companion for celery.

If picking leaves, leave the central growing point intact. Roots are lifted in the third year and used fresh or dried. Pinch out flower stems to preserve leaf flavour. Roots can be cooked.

CAUTION - DO NOT USE INTERNALLY OR EXTERNALLY IF PREGNANT OR HAVE KIDNEY DISEASE

*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*

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