Other names for Summer Savory

certified organic summer savory extract
certified organic summer savory (satureja hortensis) dried leaf liquid extract
summer savory leaf extract, dry
summer savory plant oil

Synopsis of Summer Savory

History

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) has a rich history as both a culinary and medicinal herb. Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, it was revered for its warming, aromatic qualities and was frequently used to flavor foods and preserve meats. Physicians such as Galen and Dioscorides recommended summer savory for a variety of ailments, recognizing its carminative, antiseptic, and digestive properties. Traditionally, summer savory tea was administered to relieve indigestion, bloating, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Its essential oils, rich in carvacrol and thymol, were believed to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making the herb a valuable remedy for sore throats, coughs, and respiratory complaints.

In European folk medicine, summer savory was sometimes applied externally to minor wounds and insect bites, harnessing its reputed ability to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation. The herb was also used to ease symptoms of colds and encourage appetite, especially in convalescents or those with weak digestion.

Summer savory’s contributions extend to its role in herbal combinations. It blends harmoniously with other digestive herbs such as fennel, mint, and chamomile, amplifying their soothing effects on the gut. When combined with thyme or oregano, summer savory’s antimicrobial activity is enhanced, offering broad-spectrum support for immune health. Its gentle tonic effect and pleasant flavor make it an ideal addition to various herbal teas and natural remedies, exemplifying its enduring value in traditional medicine and modern herbalism alike.

Traditional and scientific validation

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) is a fragrant annual herb traditionally valued both as a culinary spice and in folk medicine. Its use dates back to ancient Roman and Greek times, where it was employed for its digestive and antiseptic properties. Historically, Summer Savory has been incorporated into remedies to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, promote appetite, and support respiratory health. The herb contains various bioactive compounds, including carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid, which are thought to contribute to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Modern scientific research has begun to explore the potential benefits of Summer Savory. In vitro and animal studies have suggested that its extracts may exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. For example, some laboratory studies have demonstrated that compounds in Summer Savory can inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Other preclinical research indicates that the herb may support healthy digestion and exert mild protective effects on the liver.

While these findings are promising, clinical studies involving human participants remain limited. As a result, definitive conclusions about the efficacy of Summer Savory in nutritional products await further investigation. Nonetheless, the herb’s longstanding use in traditional medicine, combined with encouraging preliminary data, suggests that Summer Savory holds potential as a supportive ingredient for digestive and immune health. Continued research will help clarify its benefits and optimal applications in modern nutrition.

Summer Savory is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Belching (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Laryngitis (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Sinus Infection (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

Summer Savory is used to support these body systems

Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)

Products containing Summer Savory

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.