Savory

Satureja montanaL.

Satureja: from the latin satureia(m) close to sanita "health", for its medicinal qualities.

Culinary use

The leaves of mountain Savory (garden Savory's aroma is not as intense) enhance the taste of vegetable soups. Due to its carminative properties which hinder the formation of intestinal gas and prevent flatulence, they are specially recommended to cook string beans, beans, lentils, broad beans and other legumes. They also enrich meat dishes, particularly rabbit and lamb and are used in the preparation of pickled vegetables and sausages.

Medicinal properties

Pharmacological manuals classify the Herba Saturejae with the carminative aromas, due to the aforementioned properties. However, the combinations made with its leaves and flowering tops have been credited with antimicrobial properties against fungus and bacteria; antispasmodic; astringent, useful for diarrhea; choleretic, digestive and stomachic, effective against gastric atony, against spasms and intestinal disorders; stimulants; vermifuge and even aphrodisiac virtues with sometimes uncontrollable effects.

Cosmetic use

Among its many virtues, Savory is accredited with the ability to halt hair loss. This alone would suffice to have it known as a miraculous plant!
Footbaths and baths with Savory are deterging, deodorizing and toning; it is particularly indicated in fumigations for greasy skins.