Lovage(Levisticum officinaleW.D.J.
Koch)belongs to the plant family Apiaceae.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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Lovage has been used in traditional medicines.
The study authors noted that more studies involving a larger number of participants with cystinuria would be advantageous.
Supplement Facts
What Are the Side Effects of Lovage?
Overall, there are very few known serious side effects of lovage.
In some cases, it is not recommended to use lovage.
Pregnant people are discouraged from using lovage because of its effect on inducing menstruation.
No clinical research exists about the effects of lovage on children and adolescents.
For this reason, it is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18.
Dosage: How Much Lovage Should I Take?
There are no available data about the toxicity of lovage.
Lovage and all other plants in the Apiaceae family contain furanocoumarins.
Furanocoumarins react to UV rays, resulting in photosensitivity.
Interactions
There are no reported drug interactions with lovage.
That being said, certain properties of lovage may have effects on certain types of medications.
When discussing medications with a healthcare provider, it is important to let them know lovage is being used.
Lovage has a diuretic effect.
Those who are taking diuretics, such as Lasix (furosemide) and othersshould not use lovage.
Some herbs and supplements also have diuretic effects and should be taken with caution when using lovage.
Such supplements are parsley (Petroselinum crispum)anddandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Using lovage while on diuretics could result in losing too much body fluid.
Coumarins, which inhibit blood clotting, are also present in lovage.
The effect of thinning the blood is also present in some herbs and supplements.
Excessive blood loss can be life-threatening.
Analysis of processed lovage stored in sealed polyethylene bags in cold storage for 12 days showed no significant changes.
It is best to follow storage instructions on indicated packages of lovage.
Also follow package instructions on how to properly discard lovage.
Similar Supplements
Similar supplements should NOT be taken alongside lovage.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no clinical research to support guidelines for use.
Therefore, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement.
The taste of lovage has been compared to celery.
It is said to be stronger and sweeter in taste than celery.
Much of the plant can be eaten.
The leaves, stems, and roots are edible.
Lovage is known to traditionally induce menstruation.
Little is said about lovage during menstruation.
Sources of Lovage and What to Look For
Lovage is widely available.
Sources of lovage include the plant, tea, and essential oils.
Food Sources of Lovage
The lovage plant grows wild in several parts of Europe and Asia.
It can also be found wild in some eastern parts of the United States.
However, in some areas, its natural habitat is threatened.
The leaves of the lovage plant can be used fresh or dried.
Fresh leaves can be used in soups or salads or to flavor dishes.
Around the world, lovage is commonly used as a spice when cooking.
The extracts from lovage have also been used as flavoring additives in food.
These extracts are considered generally safe.
Lovage Supplements
Besides eating lovage, its available as tea and essential oil.
Countries around the world have been drinking lovage tea for centuries.
Its use has been found documented in ancient Greek writings.
Dried leaves and roots of the lovage plant are used for tea and decoctions.
For decoctions, it is suggested to mix with water or milk.
Essential oils of lovage are extractions of the plant.
They are traditionally used to treat wounds.
These claims have not been recently researched.
Summary
Lovage has been used as a diuretic and an antimicrobial, and it may induce menstruation.
However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm these uses.
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