Herb & supplement monograph

Lovage Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Lovage interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Lovage is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Lovage is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Lovage Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Lovage drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one rests on theory rather than documented effects in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one group that stands out is diuretics, often called water pills, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide. Lovage root may make the body pass more water on its own, so in theory it could interfere with how well these medicines control fluid balance or blood pressure. This concern comes from the herb's known properties, not from reported problems in people, so we see it as a reason for awareness rather than alarm if you take a diuretic.

What the rest of the list means

Although lovage appears alongside a fairly long list of medications, nearly all of that list traces back to this single theoretical concern with water pills. A predicted interaction on paper does not mean harm has actually been seen, and no interaction here has been confirmed in human studies.

Check your medications against Lovage

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Lovage interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Lovage

75 medications have a known interaction with Lovage, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› Ammonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride› Atenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic› Atenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic› Azilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor› Benazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT› BendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex› Bendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide› Bendroflumethiazide, PotassiumCentyl K, Neo-NaClex-K› Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia SerpentinaRauzide› BenzthiazideExna› Bisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac› BumetanideBurinex› Bumetanide, PotassiumBurinex K› Caffeine, Potassium Salicylate, SalicylamideTrim-Elim› Candesartan Cilexetil, HydrochlorothiazideAtacand HCT› Captopril, HydrochlorothiazideAcezide, Capozide› ChlorothiazideDiuril› Chlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldochlor, Aldoclor 150, Aldoclor 250› Chlorothiazide, ReserpineDiupres› ChlorthalidoneHygroton, Thalitone› Chlorthalidone, ClonidineClorpres, Combipres› Cryptenamine, MethyclothiazideDiutensen› CyclothiazideAnhydron, Fluidil› Deserpidine, HydrochlorothiazideOreticyl, Oreticyl Forte› Deserpidine, MethyclothiazideEnduronyl, Enduronyl Forte› Enalapril Maleate, HydrochlorothiazideVaseretic›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Lovage combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Lovage affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Lovage is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Lovage interacts with
Diuretic Drugs
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, lovage root might interfere with diuretic therapy due to its aquaretic effects.
Some diuretics include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Lovage: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Lovage is a celery-like herb traditionally used for digestion, bloating, and as a mild diuretic to flush the urinary tract. Human evidence for these uses is very limited, and while culinary amounts are generally well tolerated, concentrated supplements and the essential oil should be used cautiously. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it.

Scientific name
Levisticum officinale
Family
Apiaceae
Part used
Root, leaves, seeds, and essential oil
Common forms
Tea, capsules, tincture, dried root, essential oil, culinary herb
People commonly use it for
  • Digestive upset and bloating
  • Mild urinary tract flushing
  • Water retention (mild diuretic)
  • Coughs and congestion
  • Menstrual discomfort
  • Culinary flavoring

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Food amounts are generally well tolerated, but concentrated extracts and essential oil need caution and have limited safety data.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally; lovage is reported to have uterine and menstrual stimulant effects .

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a tall, leafy herb in the same plant family as celery, carrots, and parsley. It has a strong celery-like smell and taste, and its leaves, stalks, seeds, and roots have long been used in cooking across Europe and parts of Asia.

Beyond the kitchen, lovage has a long history in traditional herbal medicine. People have used the root and leaves as a tea or extract for digestive complaints, bloating, and to encourage urine flow. The plant grows well in temperate climates and is often found in herb gardens.

How it works

Lovage contains aromatic compounds in its essential oil, including phthalides (such as ligustilide), along with plant chemicals like coumarins, flavonoids, and volatile oils. These give the herb its distinctive smell and are thought to relax smooth muscle in the gut and increase urine flow.

In laboratory and animal studies, some lovage extracts have shown mild antispasmodic, diuretic, and antimicrobial activity. These effects, however, have not been clearly confirmed in well-designed human trials, so the proposed mechanisms remain largely theoretical.

Effectiveness

Does Lovage work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated
2 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Lovage, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetic nephropathy
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral lovage has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative infection
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral lovage has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

As a food and seasoning, lovage is generally well tolerated. Concentrated supplements, tinctures, and especially the essential oil are stronger and have less safety information available, so they should be used carefully.

Because lovage can act as a diuretic, people with kidney disease or heart conditions should talk to a doctor first. Some people in the carrot/celery family are allergic to lovage. The plant also contains coumarins and compounds that can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity), particularly with the essential oil.

Pregnancy: Avoid lovage. It has traditionally been used to stimulate menstrual flow and may affect the uterus, which could be risky in pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Avoid it as well, since there is not enough information to confirm it is safe. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using lovage supplements.

Side effects

When used in food amounts, lovage rarely causes problems. Larger or concentrated doses may cause stomach upset or increased urination. Because it can increase sensitivity to sunlight, some people may get a skin rash or sunburn more easily after using it, especially with the essential oil.

Allergic reactions are possible, particularly in people allergic to celery, carrot, parsley, or other plants in the same family. Stop using lovage and seek medical care if you have swelling, trouble breathing, or a severe rash.

Lovage: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Lovage from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

A high-quality assessment of the adverse effects of lovage has not been conducted. However, long-term oral use of lovage may result in an increased risk of phototoxic reactions, including photosensitivity. Topical exposure may also result in photosensitivity or contact dermatitis.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  3. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  4. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  5. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  6. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  7. Ashwood-Smith MJ, Ceska O, Yeoman A, et al. Photosensitivity from harvesting lovage (Levisticum officinale). Contact Dermatitis 1992;26(5):356-357.
  8. Lapeere H, Boone B, Verhaeghe E, Ongenae K, Lambert J. Contact dermatitis caused by lovage (Levisticum officinalis) essential oil. Contact Dermatitis 2013;69(3):181-2.
Reports by condition
Dermatitis Dermatologic

Orally, long-term use of lovage may result in an increased risk of phototoxic reactions, including photosensitivity. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun or UV light if using lovage. A case of contact dermatitis has been reported in a 31-year-old female who applied undiluted lovage essential oil to the skin for 2 weeks. The skin healed after receiving topical and systemic steroids. A case of photosensitivity has also been reported secondary to harvesting lovage.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  3. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  4. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  5. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  6. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  7. Lapeere H, Boone B, Verhaeghe E, Ongenae K, Lambert J. Contact dermatitis caused by lovage (Levisticum officinalis) essential oil. Contact Dermatitis 2013;69(3):181-2.
  8. Ashwood-Smith MJ, Ceska O, Yeoman A, et al. Photosensitivity from harvesting lovage (Levisticum officinale). Contact Dermatitis 1992;26(5):356-357.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established or standardized dose of lovage for any health condition. Traditional preparations include teas made from the dried root or leaves, capsules, and tinctures, with amounts varying widely by product.

The best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. The essential oil is very concentrated and should not be taken by mouth without professional guidance. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before starting lovage, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Lovage & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; lovage is reported to have uterine and menstrual stimulant effects .

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Lovage & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 9 references that drive our Lovage monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  3. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  4. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  5. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  6. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  7. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
  8. Ashwood-Smith MJ, Ceska O, Yeoman A, et al. Photosensitivity from harvesting lovage (Levisticum officinale). Contact Dermatitis 1992;26(5):356-357.
  9. Lapeere H, Boone B, Verhaeghe E, Ongenae K, Lambert J. Contact dermatitis caused by lovage (Levisticum officinalis) essential oil. Contact Dermatitis 2013;69(3):181-2.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Lovage

18 brands in our database make a supplement containing Lovage.

Product directory

Supplement products with Lovage

57 products in our database contain Lovage. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lovage: Common Questions

What is Lovage used for, and does it work?
People use Lovage for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Lovage interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 75 medications with a known interaction with Lovage. Use the checker above to see how Lovage interacts with a specific drug.
How are Lovage interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Lovage with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Lovage interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Lovage used for?
People mainly use Lovage for digestive complaints like gas and bloating, as a mild diuretic to flush the urinary tract, and as a celery-like flavoring in cooking. Strong scientific proof for its medicinal uses is lacking.
Is Lovage safe to take?
In food amounts it is generally well tolerated. Concentrated supplements and the essential oil have limited safety data and should be used cautiously, especially if you have kidney problems or allergies to celery-family plants.
Can I use Lovage if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Lovage is traditionally avoided in pregnancy because it may affect the uterus and menstrual flow, and there is not enough information to consider it safe while breastfeeding.
Does Lovage make you urinate more?
Lovage has been used as a mild diuretic, meaning it may increase urine output. If you have heart or kidney conditions, check with your doctor before using it for this purpose.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Lovage

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Lovage — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 57 products with Lovage →
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