Summer Savory

Satureja hortensis

Physical Characteristics

Satureja hortensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S.E. Europe to W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[1, 2, 20, 27, 34, 37, 52]. An aromatic, slightly peppery flavour, they are used mainly as a flavouring for cooked foods, especially the more difficult to digest foods such as beans where they compliment the flavour and reduce flatulence[183, 244]. They are also used as a garnish for salads etc[183]. The leaves can be used fresh or dried[183]. A herb tea is made from the leaves[14]. The leaves are harvested just before the plant comes into flower[183]. A tangy, marjoram-like flavour[183]. The flowering shoots contain about 0.5% essential oil[7], this is used as a food flavouring[46, 61, 105].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antiseptic Aromatic Carminative Digestive Expectorant Stings Stomachic Summer savory is most often used as a culinary herb, but it also has marked medicinal benefits, especially upon the whole digestive system[254]. The plant has a milder action than the closely related winter savory, S. montana[254]. The whole herb, and especially the flowering shoots, is antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, expectorant and stomachic[4, 7, 14, 21]. Taken internally, it is said to be a sovereign remedy for colic and a cure for flatulence[4], whilst it is also used to treat nausea, diarrhoea, bronchial congestion, sore throat and menstrual disorders[238]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. A sprig of the plant, rubbed onto bee or wasp stings, brings instant relief[4]. The plant is harvested in the summer when in flower and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The essential oil forms an ingredient in lotions for the scalp in cases of incipient baldness[7]. An ointment made from the plant is used externally to relieve arthritic joints[7].

Known Hazards

None known