Lovage

Synonym(s)

officinal levisticum

Definition
This section has been translated automatically.

Lovage, also called Levisticum officinale, Maggi herb or Lavas, is a plant within the genus Levisticum of the umbelliferae family (Apiaceae). The name "Maggi herb" originated because of the similarity in taste between Maggi seasoning and lovage, but Maggi seasoning does not contain lovage.

Lovage originates from Western Asia, has been cultivated in Europe for over a thousand years, and since modern times also in North America.

The root(Levistici radix) is used phytotherapeutically.

General information
This section has been translated automatically.

Lovage is a hardy and perennial plant that can reach a height of between 1 and 2.5 metres and has an aromatic smell.

The branched stem of lovage is an intense green colour. As a perennial, Levisticum officinale forms a rhizome with a diameter of 4 to 5 cm. Especially the lower leaves are long stalked. Lovage has yellowish to light green flowers. Its flowering period is from June to August. The brown fruit of Levisticum officinale is 5 to 7 mm long and 3 to 4 mm wide. The fruits ripen between August and September.

Note(s)
This section has been translated automatically.

Naturopathy: Levisticum officinale is the parent plant of Levistici radix , the lovage root; furthermore of Herba Levistici, the lovage herb as well as of Oleum Levistici, the lovage root oil.

Cosmetics: Extracts from the fresh roots as Levistivum offcinalis extract (INCI) and from the fresh herb as Levisticum officinalis oil (INCI) are used in cosmetic formulations.

Homeopathy: The ethanolic decot of the dried rhizome is prescribed e.g. for otitis media.