Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

There is currently not enough scientific evidence to recommend dosages for lovage. Lovage has been taken as a tea or eaten in salad; it is also sometimes used externally to treat sore throat and aphthous ulcers (canker sores). However, scientific support for dosages is not available.

Based on the available scientific evidence, there is no proven safe or effective dose of lovage in children.

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to lovage.

There is currently a lack of available scientific evidence that reports any major adverse effects of lovage. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies lovage as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when consumed as natural seasoning or flavoring.

Nonetheless, lovage should not be consumed during pregnancy or in patients with kidney problems due to potential safety risks. One case of photosensitivity was reported from harvesting lovage (Levisticum officinale).

Lovage may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Lovage is not recommended due to lack of sufficient scientific evidence. Spanish New Mexicans have reportedly used lovage to induce abortion.

Lovage may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

Lovage has been used to treat a variety of conditions including its use as a diuretic (increases urine flow), and for regulation of menses. Caution is advised when taking other medications that increase urine flow. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

Lovage may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

Lovage has been used to treat a variety of conditions including its use as a diuretic, and for regulation of menses. Caution is advised when taking other herbs and supplements that increase urine flow. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.