Latin Name: Satureja hortensis
Herb Class/Action: Summer savory is classified as a carminative, antimicrobial, and digestive herb.
Parts of Plant Used: The leaves and flowering tops of the summer savory plant are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Flavors: Summer savory has a warm, peppery flavor with hints of thyme and mint.
Energetics: Summer savory is energetically warming and drying.
Medicinal Properties:
- Digestive Aid: Summer savory is prized for its carminative properties, which help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. It stimulates digestion and promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food.
- Antimicrobial: Summer savory contains compounds such as thymol and carvacrol that have antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacteria and fungi. It can be used internally or externally to prevent infections and promote healing.
- Respiratory Support: Summer savory is used traditionally to alleviate respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It helps relieve congestion, loosen phlegm, and soothe inflamed airways.
In the Garden: Summer savory is an annual herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Summer savory has narrow, elongated leaves and produces small, white to pale pink flowers in the summer. It is often grown in herb gardens, containers, and borders or used as a companion plant to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
Culinary Uses: Summer savory is a versatile culinary herb used to flavor a wide range of dishes. It pairs well with meats, poultry, fish, beans, vegetables, soups, stews, and sauces. Fresh or dried summer savory leaves can be added to recipes to enhance flavor and aroma. It is commonly used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines.
Precautions: Summer savory is generally safe for most individuals when used as a culinary herb. However, it may cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint and oregano. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use summer savory in moderation, as its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been well studied.
