Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including respiratory conditions such as colds and coughs. Folk medicine practitioners have historically used lovage root and leaves for their purported expectorant and diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) properties, aiming to help clear respiratory passages and support the body during illnesses like the common cold. However, the modern scientific literature provides minimal support for these uses. While lovage does contain some compounds with mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity (such as phthalides and essential oils), there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies that specifically investigate its efficacy in preventing or treating colds. Most of the available evidence is anecdotal or based on traditional usage patterns rather than systematic scientific inquiry. As a result, while its use for cold prevention persists in some herbal traditions, the overall evidence base is weak, and it should not be relied upon as a primary preventive measure for colds according to current scientific understanding.

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Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Other health conditions supported by lovage

Products containing lovage

Designs For Health Ginger-Tussin™ Organic Syrup