Savory

Other names of Savory:

Satureja hortensis (Summer Savory)
Satureja Montana (Winter Savory)

Useful Parts of the Plant:

Flowers
Chopped leaves- fresh or dry

Savory is a type of herb that is a member of the mint family. It is a plant that was originally found in Southern Europe but is also found now in some Middle Eastern and European countries. You can now grow savory at home - either indoors in a pot or outside, in a herb garden. The plant grows up to a height of about 40-60 cm and has small flowers which are purple in color. The plant's leaves are smooth and a dark green color. This herb is used quite often in American and European cuisine. Summer savory or Satureja hortensis is an annual herb plant while Winter savory or Satureja Montana is a perennial herb plant. Summer savory is the more popular herb, of the two.

Nutritional Information and Properties

The Savory herb has many minerals and vitamins which make it an excellent herb to use for medicinal purposes. The shoots and leaves of this herb are a rich source of zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, and selenium. The vitamins that this herb contains include Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex group vitamins, Vitamin C, pyridoxine, niacin and thiamin. It is a well known fact that the intake of Vitamin C helps to build up one's resistance while Vitamin A is an antioxidant and also helps to maintain one's vision. 100 grams of dry savory will provide you with the following vitamins and minerals:

25% of Niacin,
120% of dietary fiber,
474% of iron,
130% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
210% of calcium,
265% of manganese
83% of vitamin C,
94% magnesium, of and
177% of vitamin A

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

As can be seen from the above information, this herb offers many health benefits. Some of the well known benefits of savory are listed below:-

This herb or rather the savory leaves contain many essential oils such as carvacrol and thymol. These oils are known to have antifungal and anti bacterial properties. Carvacrol helps to prevent the growth of bacteria like Bacillus cereus and E.Coli.
Making a tea out of savory can help to treat several internal disorders. These range from tuberculosis, uterine contractions, coughs, gastric problems, colic, urine retention to even headaches.
Savory oil is highly concentrated and is recommended in treating nausea, gout, headaches and rheumatism.
This oil can also be mixed in tea and consumed to help relive mild digestive problems as well as a sore throat.
Savory tea is considered a powerful antiseptic and can thus help to improve the functioning of the liver and the kidneys.
This herb also contains dietary fiber which is useful in controlling and maintaining cholesterol levels. The dietary fiber helps to reduce bad cholesterol and helps to increase good cholesterol levels.
One can also make small pouches of savory that is steamed and heated and then apply these pouches to inflamed areas. These pouches can also help relieve dental pain as well as cramps.
Using distilled and tepid savory water helps to relieve the symptoms of bronchitis as well.
The shoots and leaves of the savor plant also contain chemical compounds which act as antioxidants and therefore help to prevent many diseases and promote overall good health.
The flowering shoots of the savory plant contain many anti flatulent and antiseptic properties.
The savory herb is also an expectorant and helps clear the throat as well.
Savory can also be used to treat flu. The herb should be mixed with others teas such as chamomile if it is being used for this purpose.
This herb is also believed to act as an appetite stimulant.

Other Uses

Savory is often used as a spice and to flavor legumes such as beans as well as pork and beef dishes. It can also be used to season salads, pasta, broths, mayonnaise, various sauces and sandwiches.