Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | July, 2012


Summer Savory is generally used over Winter Savory for culinary purposes and Winter Savory is usually preferred for medicinal applications.  However, Summer Savory also has medicinal properties.   Teas are made and drank to alleviate colic, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, stomach upsets, mild sore throats, and as an expectorant.  It is also sometimes used in a tea by diabetics to alleviate excessive thirst.<br />
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In traditional herbal medicine, summer savory was believed to be an aphrodisiac, while winter savory was believed to inhibit sexual desire.<br />


Summer Savory

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Satureja hortensis)

Satureja is a genus of aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae, related to rosemary and thyme. There are about 30 species called savories, of which Summer savory and Winter savory are the most important in cultivation.

Summer savory is a tender annual that grows up to 18 inches tall. It has small bronze-green leaves and very small white or lavender flowers. The leaves are pungent and spicy.

Summer savory is popular as a condiment with meats and vegetables and is generally considered sweeter than winter savory.

Sow seeds directly into the ground 1/8 inch deep or just scatter on top of the soil. It prefers full sun and average soil. Thin to 10 inches apart in rows 16 to 18 inches apart. Successive sowings may be made in the spring until mid-summer. Summer savory germinates quickly, and often self-seeds. It does not transplant well. Cut as soon as the plants get about 6 inches tall and before flowering. Hang in bundles upside down in an airy place. When dry, remove leaves from the stems and store in airtight containers.

Summer Savory is aromatic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal. Dried plants are used to scent potpourris. Fresh or dried leaves flavor vinegars, herb butters, bean dishes, creamy soups, and tea. Summer savory can be grown in containers. It is said to have some medicinal qualities which are listed under “Uses” on this page.



Common Names:

Savory



Summer Savory

Uses:

Summer Savory is generally used over Winter Savory for culinary purposes and Winter Savory is usually preferred for medicinal applications. However, Summer Savory also has medicinal properties. Teas are made and drank to alleviate colic, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, stomach upsets, mild sore throats, and as an expectorant. It is also sometimes used in a tea by diabetics to alleviate excessive thirst.

In traditional herbal medicine, summer savory was believed to be an aphrodisiac, while winter savory was believed to inhibit sexual desire.


Applications:

Tea:
Drink 1 cup in the morning and 1 at night.

Capsule:
Follow directions on label.

Oil:
Rub on afflicted areas.


Warnings:

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.