Lovage: medicinal properties and contraindications

It so happened from ancient times that plants became the first medicines with which ancient healers treated their patients. Without scientific laboratories, diagnostic equipment, they used what nature gave, passing on their knowledge and experience to descendants.

Modern medicine, although it has a powerful research base that allows you to find drugs for the most serious diseases, but it often uses the rich wisdom of the first doctors. Their herbal teachings and recipes are also relevant today.

So, the lovage, better known among the people, like love-grass or dawn, has not lost its popularity and significance not only in cooking, but also in medicine. He is able to heal people, taking care of their health and longevity.

Chemical composition

Before figuring out the benefits of the plant, you need to familiarize yourself with its composition, hiding the secret of its healing power. Among the useful substances of grass, you can find the following components:

• acids: malic, angelic, mythistic, benzoic;
• terpineol;
• carvacrol;
• cineol;
• psoralen;
• bergapten;
• tannins;
• resins;
• lecithin;
• gum;
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamins of group B, E, A, K, PP;
• routine;
• carotene;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• potassium;
• copper;
• selenium;
• zinc;
• manganese.

The plant also contains only 20 kcal per 100 g, carbohydrates are represented by 7.6 g, protein - 3.7, fats - 0.4 g.

These are the main indicators of a lovage - a herb that helps to cope with many diseases, preserve beauty and even add new notes to familiar culinary masterpieces.

How it looks and where it grows

Lovage "born" in Iran and Afghanistan, and then made his way to Europe, Africa and other lands of our planet. It is very unpretentious and able to grow in places with a temperate climate.

The plant belongs to the umbrella family and is a perennial, reaching up to 2 m in height. The lovage has a straight grayish stalk, which has branches in the upper honor. Inside, it is hollow, smooth from the outside, painted in a grayish color. Leaflets are pinnate and have small notches along the edges. The color of the leaves is green.

Grass blooms with yellow inflorescences - umbrellas from the first summer month, and in August oval fruits of brown-yellow color with two seeds appear on the lovage.

The rhizome of the plant is very powerful, so when digging up, you need to make a lot of effort to cope with it. The smell of love-herbs is spicy, the taste is islandy.

Zorya is very reminiscent of celery, because it is similar in smell and appearance, but still these are completely different plants.

Collection and storage

In order to prepare medicinal decoctions from a lovage in winter, you need to properly collect and save it. All parts of the plant are subject to collection and storage: leaves, fruits and roots.

1. You need to collect leaves during flowering or immediately after it. It is at this moment that the lovage is filled with all its useful substances and will be able to help overcome ailments.
2. Choose the grass that grows away from roads and industrial enterprises.
3. Cut the leaves carefully, separating them from the twigs.Then the raw materials are laid out on parchment in one layer and dried under a canopy or in an oven. When drying, the last option is to ensure that the temperature does not exceed 35 ° C and the door is ajar.
4. Lovage fruits are harvested in the last months of autumn, dried under a canopy, and then threshed.
5. The roots of the plant are collected only from those representatives who are two or three years old. They are dug up in the fall or in the spring (the root of the plant is poisonous before the flowering period). Then they get rid of the ground part, free the rhizome from the earth and wash it. After this, the roots, if they are large enough, cut and begin the drying process. Dry the workpieces in a dry room by stringing the raw materials on a rope, or in the oven, where the temperature should correspond to 35 ° C. After drying, the roots are ground into powder.

It is worth mentioning that fresh rhizomes of a lovage are also subject to storage. They are also cleaned, washed, but then laid out in boxes, sprinkling each layer with sand, and stored in a cool room.

As for the storage of leaves and fruits, it is better if they are laid out in glass jars with tight lids. The root powder must be sieved and stored in the same container as the ground parts.

With proper observance of the rules of collection and storage, we love-grass will reveal all its strength and help to correct and maintain human health.

What is the difference between a lovage and a celery

Lovage is often mistaken for celery, as it also has a spicy aroma, but these plants belong to different genera and have absolute differences from each other:

1. Celery is a two-year plant, lovage is a perennial.
2. Favorite grass can grow up to 2 m, and the largest representatives of celery can reach only 100 cm.
3. The color of the leaves is also different: in celery it is lighter than in the lovage.
4. During flowering, celery appears unattractive greenish or whitish inflorescences, and the lovage has yellow flowers.
5. In addition, celery is capricious and unstable to frost, but the dawn adapts to different weather conditions and is unpretentious in care.
6. Celery is used in cooking as a vegetable with a spicy and delicate taste for cooking independent dishes. The lovage, but rather its leaves, can only be used to give dishes a special aroma and unusual taste, i.e. as a seasoning. But seeds, stems and roots are used to prepare drugs, not food.

These are the main differences between the two plants.

The healing properties of the lovage

Magic grass has a lot of useful substances that help people treat various diseases and maintain their health. Due to its composition of micro and macro elements, lovage is endowed with such properties as:

• diuretic;
• immuno-strengthening;
• anti-inflammatory;
• laxative;
• anthelmintic;
• firming;
• soothing;
• normalizing the work of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system;
• painkiller;
• tonic;
• leveling color and surface of the skin;
• preventing blood clots;
• blood purifying;
• cholesterol lowering;
• antispasmodic.

The range of influence of the lovage on the human body is wide. It affects almost the entire body, in addition to the general effect, has a positive effect on the health of men, women and children, but in different ways.

For women

In the old days, it was girls who revered love-grass, because according to legend, she could help attract the attention of her lover. And all because grass is a good natural aphrodisiac, but popularity for women lies not only in its magical love spell. The plant perfectly helps to calm the nervous system, strengthen the immune system, and establish the menstrual cycle. It eliminates the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, helps to establish reproductive function. Also, the grass is able to give shine to the hair, cleanse the skin from inflammation, making it smooth and supple.

Such an effect will favorably affect the female body and help the beautiful half of humanity to preserve not only their health, but also beauty.

For men

Lovage is useful not only for the weaker sex, but also for men. The plant can establish metabolism, strengthen the body, giving stamina and strength to men, helping to avoid heart disease, cope with stress, maintain lung health with tobacco abuse. Also, a lovage helps in the fight against alcoholism. Well, and, of course, this aphrodisiac will strengthen male strength, help increase potency, and avoid problems with diseases of an intimate nature. That is why men must necessarily use decoctions of magic grass in order to maintain their health and strength for many years.

During pregnancy

Lovage is a very useful plant. During pregnancy, it could strengthen the immune system, reduce the load on the heart muscle, which is quite overloaded during pregnancy, relieve edema, and have a positive effect on the digestive process, if not for one “but”. The fact is that a lovage promotes blood flow to the pelvic organs and activates uterine contractions. This property can cause premature birth and lead to miscarriage. But in cases where the birth is protracted, traditional healers, on the contrary, appoint women in labor who want to take grass, which stimulates labor, contributing to a faster delivery. In this regard, doctors clearly do not recommend taking the lovage and the funds that it is part of while waiting for the baby to avoid possible risks and complications.

For kids

In childhood, it is very important to monitor not only the diet, but also the intake of various medications and herbs that can not only treat, but, unfortunately, harm the baby. Lovage, despite all its useful properties, is not recommended for children under the age of five. After 5 years, the plant can be given to the child, but only if there are no problems on the part of the kidneys and on the recommendation of a specialist. In other cases, the use of grass in childhood is considered dangerous, so you need to find another remedy or herb that can help with a certain disease without harming the growing body.

Lovage in folk medicine

Sorcerers, sorcerers, and folk healers have long respected the lovage for his healing power. In the people it is called and dawn, and bathing grass, and fences, and winter or mountain celery. No matter how many names he has, the useful properties of this will not change. Its uniqueness is associated with its beneficial vitamins and minerals. That is why in folk medicine the plant is used in the following cases:

• to get rid of helminths;
• stimulation of appetite;
• relieving gastric inflammation;
• increase potency and preserve male power;
• prophylaxis for gout;
• regulation of the menstrual cycle;
• strengthening the hairline;
• as a diuretic;
• decrease in heart load;
• deliverance from neurosis;
• improvement of the skin;
• normalization and regulation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• as a diuretic, choleretic, wound healing, expectorant;
• to relieve gastric inflammation;
• coping with diseases of ENT organs and to reduce heart load.

Thus, the lovage in traditional medicine has excellently proven itself in the treatment of:

• sore throats;
• gout
• rheumatism;
• gouty cones;
• impotence;
• irregular cycle in women;
• helminthiasis;
• arthritis;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• bronchitis;
• laryngitis;
• sinusitis;
• neurosis;
• alcoholism;
• acne and inflammation of the skin;
• hair loss
• hemoglobin reduction;
• malfunctions of the cardiovascular system;
• wounds, burns, bedsores;
• dermatitis;
• psoriasis;
• allergic rash;
• inflammation of the bile duct;
• flatulence;
• constipation
• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis;
• female and male sexual dysfunction;
• decrease in visual acuity;
• headaches;
• swelling;
• eczema
• boils;
• flu
• acute respiratory viral infections.

Here is such a wide list of diagnoses that can eliminate one small plant.

The recipes used by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, and now have not lost their effectiveness. Using them is not difficult. The main thing is to know the diagnosis and observe the formulation and dosage:

Anthelmintic

Composition:

• Dry root lovage - 1 tsp
• Boiling water - 150 ml.

Combine the components and boil for 10 minutes. Next, let the agent infuse until it cools completely. Then take a filtered elixir three times a day for 1 tablespoon.

With a failure of the menstrual cycle in women and periodic pain

Composition:

• We love grass root - 6 g.
• Water - 200 ml.

Combine the root with water and put on low heat. Bring the product to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Next, infuse the broth for 4 hours, and then filter with gauze. Take three times a day for 1 tbsp. 30 minutes before meals.

Diuretic

Composition:

• Lovage root - 2 tbsp.
• Water - 750 ml.

Put the root in a container of water and bring to a boil over low heat. After another 10 minutes. Next, the broth should be infused for an hour, after which it is filtered through gauze. Such a drug should be taken no more than 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals, 1 tbsp.

To restore male strength

Composition:

• Lovage root powder - 30 g.
• Water - 400 ml.

To prepare the broth, combine the powder and water and boil over low heat for half an hour. Next, cool completely and strain through gauze. Take a drink of 10 g three times a day. Use before meals.

With alcoholism

Composition:

• Lovage root - 1 pc.
• Bay leaf - 2 pcs.
• Vodka - 250 ml.

Combine the components and allow the product to infuse in a dark place for 14 days. It is necessary to use the "potion" before each meal of 10 g. The treatment lasts until the full "recovery", but an aversion to alcohol occurs after a week.

Against insomnia

Composition:

• Lovage root - 1 tbsp.
• Water - 250 ml.

According to the recipe, use cold water. She pour the root and insist on the drug for about 4 hours. Next, filter the infusion and drink half a glass twice a day. Also, this tool can moisten and wash the wounds on the body.

With cystitis

Composition:

• Lovage root - 1 part.
• Violet (leaves) - 1 part.
• Juniper fruits (powder) - 1 part.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Combine the herbs and take only 30 g of the resulting mixture. Combine it with liquid and insist under the lid for half an hour. Next, filter the drug and take it twice a day before meals in half a glass.

With bronchitis and asthma

Composition:

• Ground root lovage - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 250 ml.

Combine the roots with water and bring to a boil over low heat. Next, boil the product for 15 minutes and cool. After this, filter the broth. The drug is taken three times a day for 2 tbsp.

With a stomach ulcer

Composition:

• Love-grass root - 6 parts.
• Althea root - 6 parts.
• Dandelion root - 1 part.
• Vodka - 50 ml.
• Honey - 4 tbsp.

Grind the roots of herbs and mix with each other. Next, take 2 tbsp. the resulting mixture, to which add the remaining components. After this, mix the product and insist in a tightly sealed container in the dark for 14 days. During this time, the product must be shaken several times. At the end of the infusion period, take the medicine twice a day, 50 ml 20 minutes before a meal.

With gastric colic and cramping

Composition:

• Lovage seeds - 1 tsp
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Combine the components and insist for 60 minutes.Next, filter the infusion and drink completely. Such a tool should be taken no more than 2 times a day.

With edema

Composition:

• Lovage root powder - 1 tsp
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Combine the root with boiling water and leave for 4 hours in a tightly closed container. Next, filter the drug and take half an hour before meals 50 ml three times a day.

To strengthen immunity

Composition:

• Lovage root - 2 tsp
• Water - 200 ml.

Add the root to water and bring to a boil, then boil for a quarter of an hour. Next, insist the broth for 4 hours in a sealed container. After this, filter the composition and take it three times a day before meals, 2 tbsp.

With gout

Composition:

• Dry root lovage - 5 g;
• Boiling water - 250 ml.

Add boiling water to the root of the plant and put on low heat. After boiling, grind the product for another 10 minutes. Then wrap the container in a warm cloth and leave to infuse for 2 hours. Such a drug is used three times a day for 1 tablespoon. before eating.

Such recipes have been known since ancient times and have repeatedly proved their effectiveness.

Types of healing compounds

For medical purposes, the root of the lovage is most often used, but leaves and fruits are also used for medicinal purposes. Beloved grass is dried and collected in order to prepare medicinal infusions, decoctions, tinctures that can heal and maintain human health from its parts.

Each of the preparations prepared from this herb has a similar effect, but for some diseases tincture will be preferable (for example, with alcoholism), and decoction (cystitis) will help somewhere. That is why the healers prepare different means for various diseases.

Infusion

Infusions from a lovage are taken for problems with skin, wounds, cystitis, nervous disorders, rheumatism, gout, for the treatment of female diseases, arousal of appetite, and the fight against alcoholism, as a diuretic, restorative, and general tonic.

For the preparation of water infusion according to the classic recipe, it is necessary to take the lovage root in the amount of 2 tbsp and boiling water (250 ml). These ingredients are mixed and infused for 24 hours. As a rule, experts recommend taking such a drug three times a day for 1 tbsp.

Tincture

Alcohol tincture is also a powerful tool for the treatment of almost all diseases that are subject to the plant itself. It helps to cope with problems of the oral cavity, eliminating unpleasant odors and foci of inflammation. The tincture will be useful for both men and women, but small children should not be given it.

You can correctly prepare the tincture according to the following recipe:

Ingredients:

• Dry root lovage - 100 g.
• Vodka - 375 ml.

Combine the roots with alcohol in a bowl, which is tightly corked and cleaned in the dark and cool for 30 days. After a month, filter the product and use it on the recommendation of a specialist. Most often prescribed three or four times the use of the drug for 1 tbsp. before eating. At the same time, it is not recommended to swallow the tincture immediately, because for its better absorption and healing effects, you need to hold the liquid in your mouth a little and then swallow it. So the effect will be much more pronounced.

Decoction

The broth has the same indications as the infusion. It is also excellent for treating female diseases, pathologies of the urinary system, and for preserving the beauty, health of skin and hair. It calms the nervous system and strengthens the immune system, giving men strength and maintaining women's health.

In the classic broth recipe, the following components are prescribed:

• Ground root lovage - 1 tsp
• Boiling water - 250 ml.

In the process of preparing the roots pour boiling water and put on a slow fire. From the moment of boiling, boil the product for 10 minutes. Then cool and filter it. After that, experts recommend bringing the liquid to its original volume using boiled water. Take the drug for 1 or 2 tbsp. thrice a day.

Tea

Tea from herbal grass is a wonderful tonic drink that can eliminate nervous excitement, increase appetite, strengthen immunity and restore strength.The spicy taste and sharp notes of tea reveal the amazing properties of a magical drink. For cooking you will need:

• Lovage leaves - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 1 l.

Boil water and pour grass on it. It is best to use a thermos and carry out the cooking process with it. Next, screw the lid on the dishes and defend the product for 30-60 minutes. Then filter the resulting drink and drink during the day, replacing the already familiar, but less healthy tea.

If the taste does not seem too attractive, you can add mint leaves, honey or lemon balm. So a unique drink will be more vibrant and healthy.

Juice

Love-herb juice is commonly used for external use. He is able to quickly and effectively relieve headaches, fight inflammation on the skin, and relieve age spots and freckles. In addition, juice is used to normalize digestion, get rid of colic, as a diuretic.

In order to make juice from a lovage, you need to take healthy leaves of the plant, rinse them and “crush” them in a mortar. Then the raw material must be squeezed.

Application in cosmetology

Beauticians in their art of preserving youth and beauty are accustomed to choosing the best that nature can give. Herbs, fruits, roots, berries and much more - from this beauty masters prepare their own unique products that help women (and men too) look even more perfect. That is why the lovage with its rich composition of useful nutrients came into the view of cosmetology.

Thanks to the essential oil, which is part of the grass, a protective layer appears on the hair, preventing the penetration of harmful atmospheric substances and restoring their structure:

1. Cleansing of the scalp occurs due to starch, which also prevents rapid contamination of the hairline.
2. Hair loss stops due to tannins, which help strengthen and grow new ones.
3. Hair color gains shine and a more saturated shade due to the content of organic acids in the plant.

Also, a magical lovage is not only a part of shampoos and conditioners, but also in many face skin care products. The plant helps to smooth the skin relief, relieve rashes and blackheads, eliminate inflammation, make the skin more elastic, eliminate signs of pigmentation, protect from harmful effects of adverse factors, cleanse pores and restore elasticity. At the same time, it is not necessary to search for preparations with zorai on store shelves; they can be made independently.

Anti-dandruff

Composition:

• Lovage leaves - 1 tablespoon
• Boiling water - 200 ml.
• Water - 500 ml.

Combine the grass with boiling water and insist for 20 minutes. Next, filter the infusion and dilute in clean water. The product should be used as a rinse after washing your hair.

To get rid of freckles and age spots

Composition:

• Lovage root - 5 g.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Connect the components with each other and allow the product to infuse for 60 minutes. In this product, moisten a piece of tissue and attach to those places where pigmentation is observed.

To strengthen hair

Composition:

• Shredded root of love-herbs - 1 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 250 ml.

Pour boiling water over the root (it is better to use a thermos) and leave for 5 hours, after which the product should be filtered with gauze. Next, rub the warm liquid into the scalp and distribute it through the hair, then wrap it with a towel and wait 2 hours. After a while, rinse your hair with clean water.

Against blackheads

Composition:

• Lovage grass - 1 tsp
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Combine boiling water with grass and bring to a boil, then boil the product for 5 minutes. Next, strain the broth and cool. The resulting preparation should be used as a tonic, wiping the face with it twice a day.

Using these recipes, you can not only improve the condition of the skin and hair, but also maintain their health, thereby prolonging their youth.

Cooking Application

Lovage is used not only in medicine, but also in cooking. Its taste has a pleasant bitterness, and the aroma has bright spicy notes. Therefore, a lovage is considered a wonderful seasoning for many dishes, and cooks use all parts of the plant:

1. It is customary to add young leaves when preparing salads, sauces, various marinades, soups, meat, fish dishes and poultry.
2. The roots can be served in candied form and used as a spicy-spicy seasoning for meat dishes and poultry. In addition, fresh roots are used for making jam, and candied fruits are also made from them.

Favorite herb is combined with parsley, thyme, rosemary. It is suitable for rice, mushrooms, vegetables and cereals. In broths, lovage is simply irreplaceable. With cheese, soups and eggs, the branches of the plant blend perfectly.

Also, when preparing vegetable salads and other dishes, adding lovage leaves will help not only to reveal the taste, but also improve the digestibility of food.

By the way, the creators of the famous "Maggi Bricks" use just one of their main ingredients is the magic love grass. She brings an unforgettable bright aroma.

Thus, culinary experts are increasingly using the amazing plant to create their dishes, giving them a unique taste and making guests admire their craftsmanship.

To try dishes with a lovage, it is not necessary to run to an expensive restaurant. You can take the simplest and most affordable products and prepare a new dish in your kitchen, surprising your loved ones with new facets of the taste of familiar treats.

Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp shredded lovage leaves.
• 2 cucumbers.
• 2 apples.
• 2 carrots.
• 4 tbsp sour cream.
• 1 tsp granulated sugar.
• Salt.

Cooking method:

1. Wash and chop vegetables.
2. Rinse the lovage leaves and break into small pieces.
3. Combine all the ingredients and season the salad with sour cream, sugar and salt.

Lovage root in sugar

Ingredients:

• Lover's root.
• Sugar - 2 cups.
• Water - ½ cup.

Cooking method:

1. Rinse the fresh root of the plant and free from the skin with a knife or metal grater.
2. Cut the root in circles across, put in a container of water and simmer for 10 minutes from the moment of boiling the liquid. At the same time, during cooking, change the water twice. At the end, drain the water and cool slightly the whitened roots.
3. Prepare sugar syrup by mixing granulated sugar and water.
4. Dip the roots in the syrup and cook them in it until the parts of the plant become transparent.
5. Using a slotted spoon, get the finished product and spread the treat on the parchment, sprinkling iced sugar on iced sweets.

Monastic soup

Ingredients:

• 50 g of white beans.
• 50 g of black beans.
• 50 g dried peas.
• 50 g lentils.
• 30 g of bell pepper.
• 50 g leeks.
• 15 g mint.
• 15 g of greens lovage.
• 15 g of thyme.

Cooking method:

1. Sort both types of beans, peas and lentils before starting the cooking process and wash thoroughly.
2. Next, put them in a pan and bring to a boil, then change the water and put it on the stove again on a low light.
3. Add onion, pepper to the contents and cook the dish until the ingredients are ready.
4. Finely chop the greens and add to the bowl with soup. To salt.

Stew

Ingredients:

• Beef - 0.5 kg.
• Tomato sauce or pasta - 1 tbsp.
• Fresh carrot - 1 pc.
• Onions - 1 pc.
• Butter - 50 g.
• Lavrushka.
• Salt.
• Parsley.
• Pepper.
• Lovage leaves.

Cooking method:

1. In order for the meat delicacy to turn out successful according to this recipe, it is worth stopping your choice on a beef shoulder, side of the back leg, or edge.
2. Wash and salt the selected piece of pulp. Next, put the meat, without cutting it, into a frying pan preheated and greased with oil and cook until a characteristic and appetizing brown crust forms on the piece.
3. After that, put the meat in a pan and add water so that 1/3 of the product remains uncovered with liquid.
4. Then attach all remaining components to the dishes.
5. Close the lid and put the dish to cook for 2 or 3 hours (it all depends on the power of the plate and the size of the meat piece).
6. Cut the finished dish along the fibers and pour the sauce, which can be prepared on the basis of the liquid left after the meat is stewed.

This dish is very aromatic and spicy thanks to the lovage greens.

Contraindications

A useful lovage conquered not only doctors, but also cosmetologists and cooks. His abilities, it would seem, have no limits, but still such a plant has contraindications for use.

The plant is not recommended for the following diseases and conditions of the human body:

• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• children's age up to 5 years;
• nephritis;
• hemorrhoids;
• acute renal failure;
• inflammation of the ureters;
• motor hemorrhage;
• allergy;
• individual intolerance to the product.

It is also worthwhile to clarify that for children from 5 years old, the use of love-grass is allowed only after consulting a specialist who is able to determine the benefits of grass treatment and the possible consequences.

In other cases, the plant will help a person maintain his health by revealing all of his useful qualities.

So, the inconspicuous-looking dawn has long been respected and honored not only among doctors, but also ordinary people. According to popular beliefs, it was precisely the leaves of the lovage that helped young girls find their bridegroom and bewitch him forever, and bathtubs with a decoction from the plant promised good luck in life and love.

Of course, now few people believe in the stories of bygone years, but still if you use magical "potions" from a lovage, you can maintain your health, maintain youth, increase beauty and, who knows, maybe find your soulmate!

Photo lovage