Introduction

Lovage or Levisticum is a genus of a single species (officinale), both names come from the Latin ligusticum or Ligurian, because the plant once grew abundantly in the Italian region of Liguria. It appears in medieval text as luvesche (Old French) and loveache and this has associated the plant with love potions and aphrodisiacs. The plant comes from the warmer eastern Mediterranean, but will grow well in England.

Lovage is a large, hardy perennial and in ideal conditions the plant can reach 2m (6ft) high and 1m (3 ft) wide. It grows best in deep, rich, moist soil. It smells like celery, has fleshy roots and hollow stems and the leaves are smooth and divided and can grow up to 70cm (28in) long. It can be grown from seed in the autumn or established plants can split up in the spring. Sow the seeds in a 7.5cm (3in) pot and cover. Keep the seeds in darkness until the seed has germinated. After germination place in a bright, sheltered place and when the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot on or transplant to their permanent locations. Only a few plants are required in a garden as growth is very abundant. As the plants get older they can be divided every four years or so, this will help keep them vigorous. Lovage can live for many years if lifted and split in this way.

Uses

Most parts of the plant can be used in one way or another. The young stems can be cut in the spring when tender and succulent, they can be blanched and eaten as a vegetable. The stems can also be candied like angelica. The leaves should be picked before the plant flowers and can be used in savoury dishes, salads and soups. Seeds should be collected when ripe and dried and can be added to savoury biscuits and bread.

The plant is said to help with such medicinal problems as wind, colic, indigestion and sore throats. The plant's oil is used in the perfumery industry and in commercial food flavouring.

Caution

If taken in excess internally it may cause nausea and vertigo. Large doses should never be taken by pregnant woman or by people with kidney disease.

The above information is intended as an illustration of the uses associated with this plant. On no account should this information be used as a guide to self treatment. Any such intention should be undertaken with the strict guidance of your GP and/or a qualified herbal practitioner/homeopath. Thompson & Morgan will not be held responsible for any loss or injury caused by failure to observe this caution.