Family Name: Umbelliferae
Botanical Name(s): Levisticum Officinale
Popular Name(s): Ligusticum Levisticum, English Lovage, Italian
Lovage and Cornish Lovage.
Parts Used: Root, leaves, seeds
Habitat: It is a native of the Mediterranean region.
Description: It has a thick and fleshy root, 5 or 6 inches long,
shaped like a carrot, of a grayish-brown color on the outside and
whitish within. It has a strong aromatic smell and taste. The thick,
erect hollow and channeled stems grow 3 or 4 feet or even more in
height.
Uses: Lovage is used to treat kidney stones, jaundice, malaria,
sore throat, pleurisy, rheumatism, gout, and boils. This plant also
works well in treating indigestion, gas, and colic, especially in
children, and it helps stimulate the appetite. It also improves
circulation. Lovage is widely used as a flavoring ingredient, too, in
various liquors, herb bitters and sauces.
