Diamon Naturals

Alaena Charlotte Diamon

alaena@diamon-naturals.us

Lovage (Levisiticum officinale)

Common Names:  Old English Lovage. Italian Lovage. Cornish Lovage.

Parts Used:  All parts of this plant are edible, including the roots. To save the seeds, cut off the flowering stalks when seeds are ripe and dry them by hanging upside down from the base of the stem.

Description:  Perennial plant that can grow as high as 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall. It forms tubular stalks on which pinnate, dark-green, firm leaves will grow.

Cultivation:  Sow fresh seeds in sunny to partially shaded garden location in autumn, thinning in spring, or transplant seedlings to the garden in spring. Plant in partial afternoon shade in regions with very hot summers. Water abundantly in hot weather. Requires a high nutrient value in the soil with plenty of organic matter. Once established, you'll likely get seedlings that will keep you supplied with new plants. You can also divide established clumps in early spring, replanting portions that show new growth.

Propagation and Reproduction:  Can be propagated by offsets like Rhubarb, and it is very hardy.

Constituents:     A volatile oil, angelic acid.

Uses:  Fresh or dried leaves are tasty ingredients in salads, soups and sauces, and have a strong celery-type flavor.  Lovage has been said to be a benefit for relieving abdominal pains due to gastrointestinal gas. It's also been touted to reduce flatulence when consumed as a tea brewed from its roots or leaves.  The roots and fruit are aromatic and stimulant, and have diuretic and carminative action. In herbal medicine they are used in disorders of the stomach and feverish attacks, especially for cases of colic and flatulence in children.  It also helps to ease painful menstrual periods.

Miscellaneous:  Lovage is added to baths to cleanse the psychic portion of the mind. Added to baths with rose petals, it is thought to make you attractive to the opposite sex.

Flower Essence: Helps one move into the world with a sense of safety and joy; good for developing a sense of exhilaration in walking one's path; provides confidence in taking action. For abundance in all; for believing in an abundant universe.

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