Common Name: |
Chinese Lovage |
Other Names: |
Szechuan Lovage |
Botanical Name: |
Ligusticum sinense Syn. L. chuanxiong, L. wallichii |
Genus: |
Ligusticum |
Family: |
Apiaceae |
Native Locations: |
China (southern Yellow River basin, and Nei Mongol). |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained to dry soil in sun. Ligusticum sinense tolerats damp conditions. Ligusticum porteri is challenging to cultivate at low elevations. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring: by division in autumn. |
Harvest: |
Leaves and stems (L. scoticum) are cut in spring for use as a vegetable and at any time as a flavoring. Roots are lifted in autumn and used fresh or dried for oil extraction. (L. porteri), decoctions and tinctures. Seeds are collected when ripe and ground (L. scoticum) or distilled for oil (L. porteri). Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for decoctions (L. sinense). |
Height: |
1m (3ft) |
Width: |
45-60cm (18-24in) |
Hardiness: |
Z5 |
Parts Used: |
Roots |
Properties: |
An aromatic, anti-bacterial, sedative herb that stimulates the circulation, lowers blood pressure, relieves pain, and causes uterine contractions. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for menstrual problems, postpartum bleeding, coronary heart disease, poor circulation, headaches (especially those caused by concussion), and aches and pains caused by cold. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 260-261 |