Lovage for Health: Reduce UTI Problems Naturally and Other Benefits
7 minute readIf you’ve ever had a UTI (urinary tract infection), you know firsthand that the irritation and discomfort can be extremely difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there is a remedy you can use that can help relieve some of the symptoms of a UTI that is all-natural and effective.
It’s called lovage, and it’s a plant that has many medicinal uses. Here’s everything you need to know about lovage and how it can help relieve UTI symptoms, plus a few other benefits that lovage can offer.
What Is Lovage?
Lovage is a plant that has been used for its healing properties for centuries. It has a similar flavor to that of celery, and it is often used in soups and stews.
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Sometimes lovage is even used to season meat, and it is known as a very versatile herb. It has been known to be used in culinary dishes as far back as the Roman Empire.
Lovage has many benefits, including the relief of several symptoms associated with UTIs. Here are a few of the benefits that lovage is known to provide:
Reduced Inflammation Associated With UTIs
One of the main reasons that UTIs are so uncomfortable is because of the inflammation that goes along with these infections.
Inflammation is a symptom that can manifest itself in many different ways in the body. It can cause achy joints and muscles, headaches, uncomfortable digestion, and even impair your cognition.
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If you notice any of these symptoms when you have a UTI, chances are it’s related to the inflammation that is taking place within your body. Inflammation can initially be part of the body’s immune system response, but chronic inflammation causes detrimental health issues, so it needs to be avoided. Lovage has been shown to help reduce inflammation.
Helps Indigestion
Lovage has also been shown to help with a wide range of digestive issues. When consumed as a tea, lovage can help with more than just UTI symptoms. One of the ways that lovage can help with digestion is by reducing indigestion.
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Indigestion occurs when the body has a difficult time digesting certain foods. Lovage helps boost your metabolism, which means you can break food down more efficiently.
Less Bloating
Another digestive symptom that lovage can help relieve is bloating. Bloating often occurs after you eat a big meal. It refers to the large distended belly you get when your body is having a difficult time breaking down food.
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If you notice yourself looking bigger after meals, and you notice an uncomfortable bloating feeling, you might want to try adding a lovage tea to your daily routine. It could help reduce the bloating, so you can get back to your regular routine.
Reduced Heartburn
Heartburn actually originates in the gut, and it occurs as the result of too much acid in your digestive tract. Lovage can help sooth your digestion, which can help relieve acid reflux and its associated symptoms, such as heartburn.
If you notice yourself getting heartburn frequently, maybe ending your meals with a lovage tea, or even seasoning your meat or soup with lovage, could help relieve this uncomfortable symptom.
Less Gas
Gas is one of the more embarrassing and uncomfortable digestive issues, and unfortunately it’s all too common. Certain foods react to each individual’s body and digestive tract differently, and it’s not uncommon for people to suffer from gas if they eat foods that don’t agree with them.
Lovage can help your gut break down food easier, which can reduce the amount of gas present in your digestion.
Promotes Regular Menstrual Cycles
Another symptom that can occur alongside UTIs is irregular menstrual cycles. Often, when your body is fighting an infection, it can disrupt your natural rhythm and processes, and the menstrual cycle is no different.
Supplementing your diet with lovage tea or lovage soup can help keep your body regular, but in your menstrual cycle as well.
Helps With Upset Stomach
At this point, you’re probably not surprised to see another digestive benefit of lovage on this list. In addition to helping with gas, bloating, and indigestion, lovage can also help relieve feelings of an upset stomach, like nausea or stomachaches.
Restores Appetite
Sometimes when you’re sick with a UTI, or any illness, it can disrupt your appetite and your eating habits. It’s important not to eat when you’re not hungry, but when your body is fighting an infection, it requires extra nutrients. You run the risk of malnutrition if you don’t eat properly.
If you find yourself struggling to maintain a healthy appetite, try drinking some lovage tea before mealtime to relax your digestive system.
The Bottom Line
It may not be possible to avoid a UTI, depending on factors that can be outside of your control. And lovage won’t necessarily prevent a UTI from happening to you.
But if you start to notice the symptoms, or if you’ve tried remedies in the past that just haven’t worked, it could be worth trying lovage to see if it gives you relief.