Lovage «Remedy» – a perennial herbaceous plant of the carrot family, reaching a height of 150–200 cm and possessing a characteristic celery scent. It is resistant to low temperatures and can grow in almost any soil, although it prefers organic-rich soils. It grows in one place for 5 to 6 years, after which you can harvest greens – usually 3–4 times per season.
Seeds are sown in spring, at the end of April, to a depth of 1.5–2 cm; seedlings appear after 33–35 days. The plant's spacing is 50–70 cm², so one or two plants are sufficient for a plot. Leaves and stems are harvested before the flowering stalk appears, while fruits are used when pickling vegetables, especially cucumbers, to give them a crunchy texture.
All parts of the plant – leaves, stems, roots, and fruits – are rich in vitamins (A, B1, B2, C) and mineral salts. The root contains phytocoumarins, lecithin, resins, and gum; essential oil is present everywhere and is used in perfumery and pharmacology. Fresh stems, leaves, and roots are used to flavor confectionery and pickles, as well as a seasoning for cheeses, soups, salads, and meat dishes. In folk medicine, infusions and decoctions of leaves are used as a diuretic, cholagogue, and expectorant; they increase appetite and improve digestion. Root parts are used for diseases of the urinary system, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as for treating skin diseases and purulent wounds. The plant is non-toxic and has no contraindications, however, infusions from roots are not recommended for pregnant women.
Care for «Remedy» is simple: after sowing, it is necessary to loosen the interrows, weed out rows, and apply spring top dressing. Greens are cut at a height of 7–9 cm from the ground; after each cut, the plant is fed and loosened. Due to its unpretentiousness and high yield, «Remedy» is valuable both as a culinary and medicinal spice.
