Lovage
Family Umbelliferae (or Apiaceae)
Levisticum officinale, lovage (L. officinale 1), is a stout perennial, up to 2 m tall, with large bipinnate leaves and yellow flowers borne in compound umbels.
Distribution
Lovage is a native of Asia Minor and was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it as a panacea. In the Middle Ages it was still an important medicinal plant.
Use
Formerly lovage was also used as a vegetable and as an herbal tea. Today it is used as a condiment. From the seeds and roots an aroma for stock cubes is produced. Volatile oil from the roots is used for flavouring tobacco and in perfumes.