Summer Savory, Satureja hortensis, is also called bean herb and sometimes just savory. It is closely related to Winter savory, with which it shares many of the same properties. It is not related to Spring savory (another name for basil thyme).

Summer savory is a hardy annual which reaches a height of around a foot (30 cm). It may turn purple when it reaches maturity, depending on the conditions it is grown under. It prefers light to medium soil in full sun, and will tolerate very alkaline soil, and also drought.

Sow direct in late March and April 1cm (½”) deep, thin to 20cm (8″). Seed sown in early Fall may be grown in pots under cover for Winter cropping.

It is mainly regarded as a culinary herb, and is often recommended as an addition to beans to prevent flatulence. Strangely, it’s also a companion plant to beans in the garden, and a deterrent for the Mexican bean beetle. Besides beans, Summer savory is also used in biscuits, cabbage, cheese, dumplings, eggs, fish, hamburger, meat loaf, peas, pork, soups, stews, stuffing and in sauerkraut.

Savory is not suitable for use as a remedy by pregnant women.

A standard infusion is made from 2-4 teaspoons of fresh or dried herb to 250 ml (1 US cup, 8 fl oz) boiling water, which is allowed to steep for at least 15 minutes (up to 3 hours), before straining. The dose is up to 1 cup a day, taken in small sips.

The standard infusion can be used to treat colic and flatulence (“wind“) or (“gas“), nausea, indigestion and lack of appetite, diarrhea, and as a gargle for a sore throat. It’s even said to have aphrodisiac properties! The essential oil is often included in remedies for baldness.

If you get stung by a bee or a wasp, pick a sprig of summer savory and rub it on the sting for fast relief.

As with all herbs grown for medicinal use, summer savory must be grown organically to avoid its component volatile oils being adulterated by foreign chemicals and losing their efficacy. To find out more about growing organic summer savory visit the Gardenzone.

Summer savory essential oil is often included in remedies for baldness. However, do not use it on its own, as it is toxic and should not be used under any circumstances.

Related Posts

1. Bay
2. Winter Savory
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