Lovage Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,990 found this helpful

Lovage is confirmed to be toxic to cats, dogs and horses according to relevant toxicology research.

The core toxic components of Lovage are volatile oils, especially phthalide lactones.

The entire Lovage plant is toxic, and it is easily confused with a variety of non-toxic edible Apiaceae plants.

FAQ

Is Lovage toxic to Humans?

No explicit human toxicity cases are recorded in available data, but ingestion of the plant is not recommended. (Non-toxic)

Is Lovage toxic to Cats?

Diuretic effect leading to increased urination after ingestion. (Low)

Is Lovage toxic to Dogs?

Diuretic effect leading to increased urination after ingestion. (Low)

Is Lovage toxic to Horses?

Diuretic effect leading to increased urination after ingestion. (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No explicit human toxicity cases are recorded in available data, but ingestion of the plant is not recommended.

Cats

Low

Diuretic effect leading to increased urination after ingestion.

Dogs

Low

Diuretic effect leading to increased urination after ingestion.

Horses

Low

Diuretic effect leading to increased urination after ingestion.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant (source: Lauber K., Wagner G. & Gygax A. (2012) Flora Helvetica, 5th Edition, Haupt Verlag, p. 984)

Exposure RouteIngestion is the main exposure route; skin contact may cause mild irritation for sensitive individuals.

Toxic CompoundsVolatile oils; Phthalide lactones

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately stop the exposed human/animal from consuming more of the plant after accidental ingestion.
• Clear all residual plant fragments from the mouth of the exposed individual/pet/livestock.
• Record the approximate ingestion amount and exposure time for follow-up medical or veterinary consultation.

Contact Vet Immediately

• When a cat, dog or horse is confirmed to have ingested any quantity of Lovage.
• When the exposed animal shows obvious frequent urination, listlessness or other abnormal symptoms.
• When you cannot confirm whether the ingested plant is Lovage or a non-toxic similar species.

Prevention

• Accurately distinguish Lovage from visually similar non-toxic Apiaceae edible plants before use or consumption.
• Keep Lovage plants out of the reach of domestic pets, and avoid planting it in areas grazed by horses.
• Publicize Lovage toxicity knowledge to pet owners and livestock breeders to reduce accidental ingestion risks.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care for affected individuals, such as adequate water supplementation to avoid electrolyte imbalance caused by frequent urination.
• Administer symptomatic treatment for animals under the professional guidance of a veterinarian.
• Continuously monitor the urination status and overall vital signs of the affected individual until symptoms completely disappear.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameLevisticum officinale

AliasesMaggi plant、Smellage

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Urinary systemKidneys

Mechanism of Action

• The volatile oils (especially phthalide lactones) in Lovage exert diuretic effects on the body, promoting increased urination frequency.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle and sheep: No clear toxicity records exist for cattle and sheep, but ingestion is not recommended to avoid potential adverse effects from its diuretic components.

Small rodents (rabbits, guinea pigs): Toxicity data for small pet rodents is not publicly available, so exposure to Lovage should be completely avoided to prevent potential harm.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Dill Anethum graveolens

Visually similar to Lovage but non-toxic; Dill has finer, more feathery leaves, while Lovage has broader, darker green leaves.

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare

Similar growth form to Lovage but non-toxic; Fennel has a distinct licorice scent that is absent in Lovage.

Parsnip Pastinaca sativa

Both belong to the Apiaceae family, parsnip is non-toxic; it is mainly cultivated for edible roots, while Lovage is used for its leaves and stems.

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Related Toxic Plants

Poison Hemlock

Conium maculatum

Severe toxicity, small doses can cause fatal neurotoxic effects in humans and animals

Water Hemlock

Cicuta maculata

Severe toxicity, one of the most toxic vascular plants, ingestion can cause rapid fatal seizures

Giant Hogweed

Heracleum mantegazzianum

High toxicity, its sap can cause severe photodermatitis, skin blisters and even permanent blindness if exposed to eyes

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.