What is mountain savory?
Mountain savory(Satureja montana), also known as perennial savory, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family, closely related to thyme and oregano. Native to the Mediterranean and mountainous regions of Europe, it has been renowned since Antiquity for its medicinal, culinary and antiseptic properties.
Thanks to its high concentration of phenols, mountain savory is a powerful plant, appreciated for its stimulating, anti-infectious and digestive effects. It is often used in phytotherapy, aromatherapy and cooking, for its pungent taste and health benefits.
What are the benefits of mountain savory?
Mountain savory is a plant with remarkable medicinal properties, recognized for its :
- Powerful antibacterial and antiviral → Effectively combats respiratory, urinary and digestive infections.
- Immune system stimulant → Protects against winter ailments and loss of form.
- Facilitates digestion and limits bloating → Helps prevent intestinal fermentation and digestive spasms.
- Natural tonic and revitalizer → Combats physical and mental fatigue, while increasing the body's resistance.
- Antifungal and antiparasitic → Eliminates intestinal fungi and parasites.
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory → Soothes muscular and joint pain and cramps.
- Natural aphrodisiac → Stimulates libido and sexual energy, hence its nickname "the plant of happiness".
How to use mountain savory?
Mountain savory can be consumed in various forms, according to need:
As an infusion or decoction
- For digestion → After a hearty meal, it aids assimilation and prevents bloating.
- To boost immunity → Drink as a cure during seasonal changes.
Recipe: Infuse 1 teaspoon dried savory in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
Savory essential oil
- Internal use (under medical supervision) → To fight infections and strengthen the body.
- Massage (diluted in vegetable oil) → To relieve muscle and joint pain.
- Diffusion → Purifies the air and stimulates mental energy.
For cooking
- Natural seasoning → Goes well with meats, roasted vegetables and Mediterranean dishes.
- Pepper alternative → Adds a spicy, aromatic touch to recipes.
In capsules or extracts
- In phytotherapy → Used for its tonic and digestive effects.
- As a cure → To improveimmunity and resistance to infection.
Is mountain savory effective against infections?
Yes, it's one of nature's most powerful antibacterial agents. It is effective against :
- Respiratory infections → Relieves coughs, colds and bronchitis.
- Urinary tract infections → Helps combat cystitis and kidney disorders.
- Digestive infections → Limits the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the intestine.
Its highly concentrated essential oil is often used in combination with other antibacterial plants such as thyme and oregano.
Is savory beneficial for digestion?
Yes, it is recognized for its powerful digestive effects:
- Stimulates secretion of digestive enzymes.
- Reduces intestinal fermentation, limiting gas and bloating.
- Soothes abdominal cramps and spasms.
- Prevents digestive problems associated with heavy meals.
It is often consumed as an herbal tea or infusion after a meal.
Is mountain savory really an aphrodisiac?
Yes, it is known for its stimulating and energizing properties on the libido:
- Improves blood circulation, promoting greater sexual vitality.
- Increases energy and reduces nervous fatigue, improving desire.
- Traditionally used as an infusion or essential oil to boost general tone.
It is one of the most reputed plants in natural remedies for low libido.
What's the difference between mountain and common savory?
- Mountain savory (Satureja montana) → More concentrated in active ingredients, has a more powerful antiseptic and tonic action.
- Common savory (Satureja hortensis) → Milder in taste, often used in cooking and as a light infusion.
Mountain savory is therefore more suitable for medicinal use and aromatherapy.
Where can I buy quality mountain savory?
Mountain savory products are available in:
- Herbalists and organic stores → In the form of dried plant, powder or liquid extracts.
- Pharmacies and parapharmacies → As food supplements or essential oils.
- Aromatherapy stores → For pure, certified essential oils.
- Delicatessens → As spices for cooking.
Choose organic and locally-grown products, which guarantee a higher concentration of natural active ingredients.
Are there any contraindications to using mountain savory?
Although natural, mountain savory should be used with caution in certain cases:
- Not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women due to its stimulant effect.
- The essential oil is very powerful → Always dilute before use and avoid prolonged use.
- Avoid in cases of hypertension → Its tonic action may increase blood pressure.
- For internal use, always under medical supervision, especially if taking medication.
