Synopsis

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

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Middle Eastern folk practices. It is primarily known as a diuretic, digestive aid, and for supporting respiratory health. For rhinitis—a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the nasal mucosa, often leading to symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose—lovage has been included in some traditional polyherbal preparations, especially in Iranian traditional medicine. These traditions sometimes recommend lovage for upper respiratory tract ailments because of its purported anti-inflammatory and mild expectorant properties.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting the use of lovage specifically for rhinitis is minimal. The rationale behind its use in traditional medicine is based on its broader effects on the respiratory system, and possibly its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial constituents, such as phthalides and coumarins. Some in vitro studies have found lovage extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but these are not directly tied to clinical outcomes for rhinitis. Therefore, while lovage has a historical foundation for use in respiratory conditions, its application for rhinitis is more traditional than evidence-based, and high-quality clinical trials are lacking.

In summary, lovage's use for rhinitis is rooted in traditional practices, with limited scientific validation to support its efficacy specifically for this condition.

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