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Lovage root (Levisticum officinale)

EMA-monograph traditional European aquaretic, often combined with rosemary and centaury in proprietary urinary preparations.

Why

Lovage root (Levisticum officinale) holds an EMA HMPC Traditional Use monograph for relief of mild dyspeptic and gastrointestinal complaints, including the feeling of bloating and flatulence, and for an increased amount of urine to achieve flushing of the urinary tract. Commonly combined with rosemary leaf and centaury herb in proprietary urinary preparations (e.g. Canephron N).

How it works

Essential oil components (ligustilide, butylphthalide) and flavonoids produce aquaretic, spasmolytic and mild antimicrobial effects. The Canephron N combination has additional clinical evidence in uncomplicated UTI symptom management.

Expected onset · Diuretic effect within hours; UTI-symptom relief within days (in fixed combination)

How to take

Dosage

Dried root: 1.5–3 g as infusion, three times daily. Fixed combinations: per product label. With substantial water.

Timing

Three times daily with adequate water

On the label

Levisticum officinale root, or Canephron N fixed combination (Lovage + Rosemary + Centaury).

Ideal for

Adults with mild urinary tract irritation; as part of the Canephron-style fixed-combination preparations for uncomplicated lower-UTI symptoms.

Safety

Phototoxic furanocoumarins. Avoid sun exposure at higher doses. Avoid in oedema due to cardiac or renal insufficiency. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid. Caution with diuretics and antihypertensives.

Evidence

At a glance

EMA classifies lovage root at Traditional Use for mild urinary and dyspeptic complaints. Wagenlehner 2022 RCT of the Canephron N fixed combination (containing lovage) demonstrated non-inferiority to fosfomycin for uncomplicated lower UTI symptom resolution.

Where to get it

Shop Lovage root (Levisticum officinale) on Amazon

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