Levisticum officinale
Lovage herb
Medicinal parts
roots (Levistici radix); herb (Levistici herba), leaves (Levistici folium)
Most important active substances
volatile oil in the herb 0,24 %, in the root 0,1 – 1,0 %; coumarin, pinens,phellandrens, polyness, alkyl phtalides (aroma-bearers), ligustilids
Most important usages
inflammation of the urinary tract and as a prophylaxis for kidney gravel, dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion, heartburn, feelings of fullness, flatulence; spice, ingredient in spirits and liquor production
Recommendations for cultivation
Weight per thousand seed grains: 3,0 – 4,0 g
Seed demand for drilling: april or august 4 – 6 kg/ha
Demand for plantation: spring or autumn 4 – 6 plants / m²
Distance between the rows: 50 cm
Harvest: herb and leafs if it is high enough, root in the second year in autumn