The story of my acquaintance with lovage began by chance: while buying flowers at the market, I received this greenery “as a gift” from a kind grandmother-seller. At that time, I did not know that it was real green gold. I planted it out of curiosity. And I did not regret it — lovage remained in my garden forever.

A unique plant: both beautiful and useful

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial aromatic plant belonging to the umbelliferae family. Its pleasant, deep aroma resembles something between celery, parsley and bay leaf.

Why should you plant lovage in every garden?

• Unpretentiousness : withstands heat, frost, shading and even temporary drought.
• Decorative : tall bushes with carved leaves decorate the garden.
• Honey plant : attracts beneficial insects during flowering.
• Repel pests : its scent is disliked by many harmful insects.

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Medicinal properties of lovage 🌿🩺

Our great-grandmothers actively used lovage as a home remedy for many ailments. Today, folk medicine confirms that this plant is a real pharmacy right from the garden.

What lovage treats:

1. Digestive problems:
   An infusion of the root improves appetite, relieves bloating and cramps, and helps with an upset stomach.
2. Kidneys and bladder
   Has a diuretic effect, helps remove excess fluid from the body, and reduces swelling.
3. Women’s Health
   Previously, it was considered a “women’s herb” – it was used to regulate the cycle and reduce pain.
4. The calming effect
   of lovage tea relieves nervous tension and promotes restful sleep.
5. Cleansing the body
   Removes toxins, promotes overall health.

⚠️ Contraindications: pregnancy, individual intolerance, acute kidney disease. It is advisable to consult a doctor before use.

🌿 1. Infusion to improve digestion

Helps with bloating, heaviness in the stomach, and cramps.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. dried or crushed fresh lovage root
• 250 ml of boiling water

Preparation:

1. Pour boiling water over the root in a thermos or cover with a lid.
2. Insist for 2 hours.
3. Strain.

How to use:
Drink 1/3 cup 3 times a day 15–20 minutes before meals.

💧 2. Diuretic tea for the kidneys

Gently removes excess fluid, relieves swelling.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. crushed dried leaves or root
• 1 cup hot water

Preparation:

1. Pour hot (not boiling!) water over the raw materials.
2. Insist for 20 minutes.
3. Strain.

How to use:
1/2 cup in the morning and afternoon (no later than 5:00 p.m.). The course is no more than 5–7 days.

⚠️ Do not use in case of acute kidney inflammation or pregnancy!

🩷 3. Decoction for women’s health

Can help with irregular cycles, PMS, and painful periods.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. lovage root
• 300 ml of water

Preparation:

1. Pour in water, bring to a boil.
2. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
3. Insist for another 30 minutes, strain.

How to use:
100 ml 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals, course – 5 days.

🧘 4. Calming tea

For nervous tension, irritability, to improve sleep.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp lovage leaves
• 1 tsp mint or lemon balm
• 1 teaspoon of chamomile
• 300 ml of boiling water

Preparation:

1. Boil everything together.
2. Insist for 15–20 minutes.
3. Strain.

How to use:
Drink before bed or in the evening as a tea.

✨ 5. Bath with lovage for the skin

Cleanses the skin, relieves itching, and calms the nerves.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 tbsp. dried lovage (leaves or roots)
• 1 liter of water

Preparation:

1. Boil for 10 minutes, let stand for another 30 minutes.
2. Strain and add to a bath with warm water.

How to use:
Take a bath 15–20 minutes before bedtime. You can do it 2–3 times a week.

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How to use lovage: cooking recipes 👨‍🍳

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Fresh herbs:

• It adds a spicy, deep flavor to borscht, soups, and broths.
• In vegetable stews and stews – as a natural seasoning.
• In homemade marinades – for cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes.

Dried leaves:

• Lovage salt : mix crushed leaves with salt – an ideal seasoning for meat, roasts, and scrambled eggs.
• Aromatic seasoning : Dried leaves can be crushed and added to dishes as a substitute for bay leaves.

Recipe #1: Homemade lovage seasoning

• 1 cup dried leaves
• 2 tbsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp dried dill
• Mix, store in a jar with a tight lid.

Recipe #2: Omelet with lovage and cheese

• 3 eggs
• 2 tbsp. l. milk
• 50 g grated cheese
• 1 tbsp. chopped lovage
• Salt, pepper – to taste.
  Fry in a pan until cooked – tasty and aromatic!

Dandelion is more than just a green leaf. It is a perennial, unpretentious plant with a wide range of beneficial properties. It will become a garden decoration, a cooking assistant and a natural healer. Having accidentally settled in my garden, lovage became a favorite of the whole family – and will remain so forever.