Lovage by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Lovage
2. Folk Name(s): Love Root, Smellage, Maggi Plant, Italian Parsley (folk confusion)
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Levisticum officinale
4. Family: Apiaceae (Parsley family)
5. Plant Type: Hardy perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: Tall, hollow-stemmed plant reaching 3–7 ft. Leaves dark green, shiny, and deeply divided (similar to celery). Umbels of small yellow-green flowers appear in summer. Roots thick and fleshy; seeds are small, ridged, and aromatic.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 3–8
8. Best Zones for Growth: Thrives in cooler temperate climates with moist, fertile soil
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Southern Europe; cultivated widely in Europe, Asia, and North America

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
2. Propagation: By seed in spring (though slow to germinate), or by root division in autumn/spring
3. Companion Planting: Works well with potatoes, carrots, and brassicas; its strong scent can deter pests
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Leaves harvested fresh throughout summer; stems cut when young; seeds collected when umbels brown; roots dug in fall of second year
5. Drying/Preservation: Leaves and stems dried in bundles; roots sliced and dried; seeds stored in airtight containers

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Valued since Roman times as a culinary and medicinal plant; believed to inspire love and vitality (hence the name).
2. Traditional Medicine: Used as a digestive, carminative, diuretic, and expectorant. Roots and seeds employed in apothecary remedies for colic, kidney stones, and rheumatism.
3. Symbolism: Associated with love, protection, and strength.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Volatile oils (ligustilide, eugenol, limonene), coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, vitamins, and minerals
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Digestive stimulant; relieves bloating and indigestion
4. Diuretic for urinary tract health
5. Expectorant for coughs and respiratory congestion
6. Menstrual regulator (emmenagogue)
7. General tonic for vitality and appetite
   
8. Preparation Methods: Infusion, decoction, tincture, essential oil, powdered root
9. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
10. Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/roots per cup boiling water, up to 3 times daily
11. Tincture: 2–4 mL, 2–3 times daily
12. Seeds: Used sparingly as spice
    
13. Safety/Precautions: Avoid in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). Can cause photosensitivity in some individuals. Not advised for those with kidney inflammation.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Water (love, healing)
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Venus (love, beauty); sometimes associated with Aphrodite and Freyja
3. Magical Correspondences: Love, purification, psychic vision, protection, vitality
4. Ritual Use: Used in love charms and potions; added to bath rituals for attraction and purification; carried as a protective herb; used in scrying blends for enhanced vision
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Suggests love, renewal of energy, or protection from harm; may signal a cleansing or healing period

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Umbels attract bees, butterflies, and predatory insects
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar and habitat in herb gardens; not heavily grazed by animals
3. Culinary Uses: Leaves used like parsley or celery in soups, stews, and salads; stems candied or eaten as vegetable; seeds used as spice similar to fennel; roots eaten like parsnip in some traditions

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Flavoring for soups/stews, digestive tea, protective sachet herb
2. Notable Traits: Strong “celery-like” aroma; historically associated with love and vitality
3. Special Notes: Sometimes called the “Maggi plant” due to its savory, umami flavor similar to seasoning blends

Supporting Notes

1. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal (1931)
2. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (2016)
3. Duke, James A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (2002)
4. Kapoor, L.D. Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants (2001)
5. Foster, Steven & Duke, James. Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs