Savory

The savory (Satureja montana), also known as Mountain savory, hisopillo, morquera or savorijais a highly appreciated aromatic plant that has been used since ancient times by country people as a kitchen seasoning, to flavor soups, salads, vegetables, stews and as a healthy and original alternative to salt.

is held as a plant with stimulant and aphrodisiac propertiesand its essential oil has been indicated in baths to combat impotence.

the savory blooms in mid to late summer and flowery can be found during the fall. On its leaves you can see tiny dimples, which are glands that contain the aromatic essence.

The plant is very present in the Mediterranean, on rocky slopes, scrublands and clearings of forests in mountainous areas.

Medicinal properties

Savory contains an essential oil very rich in carvacrol, thymol and limonene. The plant also has phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid and tannins. Thanks to this composition, digestive, astringent, stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties, among others, are attributed to it.

A great digestive remedy: The main use given to savory is as a digestive plant, for stimulate appetite, combat heartburn and gastritisand as a natural solution to avoid the accumulation of gases and avoid flatulence.astringent effect: Savory also shows a clear astringent effect, useful in case of diarrheaand it has been used in a traditional way to promote the expulsion of intestinal parasiteswhether worms or pinworms.balsamic properties: Savory can be of great help to deal with colds and to alleviate in case of flu, bronchitis and laryngitisand has been indicated as support against asthma.Stimulant properties: Savory shares its stimulating effects with its relative, rosemary, and is also attributed a certain power as a aphrodisiac plant, useful as a support against impotence, especially when combined with related plants. A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirmed its usefulness in the treatment of premature ejaculation.In external use: Savory is useful to take care of oral health. It has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antihemorrhagic and healing properties.

how to take it

Savory is added to many phytotherapy infusion recipes in order to balance the flavor or complement the effect of other medicinal plants. But it can also be the protagonist of infusions used for different medicinal purposes:

1. Digestive infusion

It is prepared by mixing savory with pennyroyal, lemon verbena and mint, in equal parts.

With a level tablespoon per cup of water of these herbs an infusion is made for 10 minutes. A hot glass is taken after the main meals. In many Mediterranean regions, lemon verbena is replaced by rock tea.

2. Balsamic infusion

A useful remedy for respiratory problems is the herbal tea that combines savory in equal parts with thyme, Scots pine needles, eucalyptus and green anise seeds.

Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of boiling water. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Then strain, sweeten with a pinch of honey and add a slice of lemon. are recommended up to three cups after mealsvery hot.

3. Invigorating infusion

Savory is credited with a mild recuperative and tonic effect. It is considered a brain, digestive and central nervous system tonic.

Prepare a herbal tea with savory and mint It can be a good help to face the day with more vitality.

4. Aphrodiasiac infusion

Used as a sexual tonic, savory is combined with rosemary, mint and cinnamon.

Two level tablespoons of the previous mixture are arranged per half liter of water. Boil for a couple of minutes and leave to stand, covered, for five more minutes. Can drink throughout the dayin small doses.

External use

In external application, the savory infusion is used to clean skin wounds, insect bites and Burns. It is also recommended to treat canker sores and yeast infections. fungus.

To make a mouthwash

We can use savory in decoction as a mouthwash, to cure canker sores and to reduce oral inflammation, either on the walls of the mouth or on the gums.

You can also use a few drops of savory essential oil, dissolved in the infusion and applied in rinse.

contraindications

Pregnant, lactating, and children under 3 years of age should avoid essential oil taken by mouth.

as aromatic herb

In the kitchen, savory is widely used for seasoning and is one of the most traditionally used aromatic herbs to season olives, although the most common is to also use varieties such as fine savory or white savory. Its light warm flavor is reminiscent of a mixture of oregano and thyme, with a spiciness that also brings it closer to pepper and mint.

Only the ripe leaves are used, which are added finely chopped to vegetables, beans and salads. When added to vegetables and stews, they should be added at the end of cooking, so that they release the flavor.

Season olives with savory

20 g of flowering tops of savory, thyme and hyssop are arranged for each kilo of olives. They are kept in maceration for 9 days, changing the water every day, and salt is added on the last day.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”.