Lovage Essential Oil

Latin name Levisticum officinale – Family species Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Lovage is also sometimes referred to as Angelica Levisticum, Common Lovage, Ligusticum Levisticum, Smellage, Maggi Herb, Garden Lovage, and Old English Lovage.

Oil Selection Guide

Color – Pale yellow (leaves and stalks) – amber to olive brown (roots)
Viscosity – Watery
Scent – Spicy, warm, sweet and floral (leaves/stalks), earthy celery-like (roots)

Oil Source Information

Plant Type – Herb
Parts Used – Leaves/stalks – Roots
Countries of Origin – France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Germany
Extraction Method – Steam distillation

Known Chemical Constituents

Butylidene, dihydrobutylidene, butylphthalides, ligostilides, terpenoids, coumarins, furocoumarins

Applications and Uses

Lovage is used some in aromatherapy and is also used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and as a flavoring in liqueurs and tobacco.

Lovage blends well with

Precautions / Contraindications

It is said to use lovage oil in moderation, if at all, and that lovage should be avoided altogether if pregnant or if one has kidney problems.
Can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Lovage oil is slightly phototoxic.
See also Essential Oils Safety and Usage.

References and Resources

See Aromatherapy References and Resources page.

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