Levisticum officinale oil (inci)

Levitiscum officinale oil, the lovage root oil, is the essential oil obtained from the fresh roots by distillation with steam. Lovage root oil is a yellow to brownish oil which is highly soluble in ethanol.

70% alkyl phthalides, of which: 30% 3-butyl phthalide (causes stomach odour), 24% cis and trans butylidene phthalide . Also phellandrene, terpineol, carvacrol, and various carboxylic acid esters.

• Phytotherapeutically, lovage root oil is used as a diuretic, carminative.
• In food technology, the oil is used as a bitter in the liqueur industry.
• In the cosmetics industry both the root oil and the extract from the stems and leaves are used under the INCI designation "Levitiscum officinale oil". Levitiscum officinale oil has a strengthening effect on skin or hair; it also acts as a fragrance (reduces or inhibits the basic smell or taste of a product).

Burger A et al (1993) Hunnius Pharmaceutical Dictionary 7th Edition Walter de Gruyter Berlin-New York p. 843