Lovage Root vs Juniper Communis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lovage Root

Levisticum officinale

Urinary

Juniperus communis

Urinary

Lovage Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Juniper Communis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

European culinary and medicinal herb used for digestive complaints, urinary conditions, and as a general tonic. The root is diuretic and carminative.

European and North American conifer; berries used as carminative, diuretic, and antimicrobial; Commission E approved for dyspeptic complaints.

Active Compounds

phthalides, ligustilide, coumarin, flavonoids

alpha-pinene, sabinene, terpinen-4-ol, juniperanol, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Digestive complaints, Urinary tract conditions, General tonic, Flavoring beer and food

Digestive complaints, Urinary conditions, Rheumatic pain, Antimicrobial

Modern Uses

Diuretic, Carminative, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic

Diuretic activity, Carminative effects, Anti-inflammatory properties, Antimicrobial action

Adult Dosage

1.5-3g dried root tea or 3ml tincture daily

Berry tea: 1-2 cups daily; 1-2ml tincture 3x daily

Contraindications

Kidney disease (inflammatory), Pregnancy (uterine stimulant), Phototoxicity

Pregnancy uterine stimulant, Kidney inflammation acute, Children

Side Effects

Photosensitivity, GI upset

Kidney irritation with prolonged use, Uterine stimulation

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E