Lovage, Levisticum officinale, is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. This perennial plant has leaves that are very similar to that of celery. The lovage has diuretic, anti-rheumatic, tonic, digestive and carminative properties and, above all, according to recent studies, it is able to mimic the calorie restriction thanks to the presence of substances that promote the production of sirtuin, a protein that helps to speed up metabolism. Why this latter property is so important? Researchers have found that an excess of calories leads to enable aging genes that can cause tissue oxidation and greater ease of getting sick, on the contrary, a diet with a controlled calorie intake has a protective role against these processes. The sirtuins are activated by calorie restriction and exercise, it is in fact as if the body switches to survival mode: the fat is no longer accumulated and damaged cells are repaired quickly, but on the other hand, if we do not eat, we get tired and irritable. Fortunately, there are vegetables, such as cabbage, fruits, for example strawberry, or spices, such as turmeric, and herbs, the lovage, which, thanks to the substances contained in them, give the message to our body that we are in a calorie restricted status but we are eating! In addition to this important feature, lovage helps to counteract water retention, kidney inflammation and urinary gravel. The lovage is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you suffer from problems related to kidney and heart function. Let’s see the main uses of the plant.
Raw or cooked leaves
You can add lovage leaves to salads or rice, soups.
Brew of roots
Alternatively, to get the maximum benefit from its diuretic, anti-water retention, rheumatic, digestive properties and to help prevent the formation of intestinal gas, you can use the brew of lovage roots. Bring to boil a cup of water, once it has reached the boiling point remove from heat and put to infuse a teaspoon of dried roots, leave to brew for ten minutes, then filter and drink.
Brew of seeds
To combat headache, given the analgesic action of lovage, you can use the brew of seeds: bring to boil a cup of water, remove from heat and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes 30 grams of seeds, filter and drink.