Savory (Summer) Leaves 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Savory (Summer) Leaves – 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Benefits:
Nutrition And Compounds
One tablespoon (about 4.4 grams) of ground summer savory contains approximately:

• 12 calories
• 3 grams carbohydrates
• 0.3 grams protein
• 0.3 grams fat
• 2 grams fiber
• 93.7 milligrams calcium (9 percent DV)
• 1.6 milligrams iron (9 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligrams vitamin B6 (5 percent DV)
• 16.6 milligrams magnesium (4 percent DV)
• 2.2 milligrams vitamin C (3 percent DV)

Summer savory is composed of several bioactive chemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds and tannins. It also provides terpenes that give the herb its unique taste, smell and health benefits. The plant contains rosmarinic acid as well, which is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects. Summery savory has been used for centuries as a culinary herb and traditional remedy for common health concerns. More recent studies suggest that the herb is effective in protecting the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage, fighting inflammation, and easing microbial infections.

Anti-Inflammatory  S. hortensis polyphenolic fraction was observed to significantly inhibit carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. Significant anti-inflammatory effects were also noted with the hydroalcoholic extract and essential oils of S. khuzestanica. Similar anti-inflammatory activity to that of indomethacin was observed in a dose-dependent manner in rats given a single dose of 10 to 150 mg/kg, while the number of mucosal mast cells and inflammatory cells decreased significantly when essential oils were administered at 225 mg/kg for 28 days. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of Satureja species as anti-inflammatory agents.

Antimicrobial And Antiviral  The Satureja plant species have demonstrated antimicrobial activity including antifungal (ie, Aspergillosis, Microsporum) and antiviral activity.

A systematic review identified 7 studies published between 2000 and 2017 that documented activity against Psuedomonas aeruginosa by the aerial parts of S. khuzestanica with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values ranging from 0.31 to 0.45 mcg/mL. Carvacrol was most often noted as the major active component, with concentrations ranging from 53.8 to 97.9%. Another review identified 13 in vitro and 1 in vivo study reporting activity of S. khuzestanica against P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The essential oil from the fresh leaves of S. hortensis has also demonstrated activity against S. aureus with a MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.125 microL/mL. Biofilm formation was significantly prevented in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001). Thymol (41.3%) was identified as the most prevalent compound. S. hortensis leaf was also found to have significant dose-dependent inhibitory activity against 3 bacteria important in early dental plaque formation: Streptococcus mutans, S. sanguis, and S. salivarius. The 50% essential oil concentration produced similar results to the positive control (tetracycline) against S. mutans and S. salivarius, and was more effective than the positive control (erythromycin) against S. sanguis; respective MICs were 3.125%, 1.5625%, and 1.5625%. The essential oil from winter savory (S. montana L.) was highly effective against oral bacterial pathogens in vitro, including Fusobacterium nucleatum that releases volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) associated with halitosis. The respective MIC and MBC were 0.03% and 0.0625% (v/v) with a dose-dependent reduction of VSCs without negatively affecting cell viability. A significant reduction was also found on biofilm viability.

Antiparasitic activity, mostly against leishmaniasis, has also been documented with S. khuzestanica among 8 in vitro and in vivo studies in another review. In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial (n=80), S. hortensis applied twice daily for 2 weeks reduced candida-related oral lesions. In a double-blind, randomized comparator trial in 84 reproductive-aged women with confirmed candida vulvovaginitis, S. khuzestanica 1% vaginal cream produced similar results to clotrimazole 1% vaginal cream. Both groups experienced significant improvements in symptoms and complete recovery with no significant difference seen between groups in treatment results or satisfaction.

Antioxidant  Reviews report antioxidant activity for extracts of various Satureja species, based on in vitro and animal studies.

A small clinical study (n=21) evaluated the effects of 250 mg/day of dried S. khuzestanica leaves administered orally for 60 days to hyperlipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes with a mean age of 50 years. No change in lipid peroxidation compared to baseline levels was reported, while improved total antioxidant power as measured by ferric-reducing ability was found.

Diabetes  Several review articles of animal studies have evaluated the effectiveness of savory species in lowering blood glucose.

In a small clinical trial (n = 21) conducted in people with type 2 diabetes, 250 mg/day dried leaves of S. khuzestanica given for 60 days produced insignificant changes in blood glucose as compared with baseline indices.

Cholesterol  Several review articles of animal studies have evaluated the effectiveness of savory species in dyslipidemia.

In a small clinical trial (n = 21) conducted in people with type 2 diabetes, 250 mg/day dried leaves of S. khuzestanica given for 60 days produced significant improvements in low-density lipoprotein-, high density lipoprotein-, and total cholesterol as well as total antioxidant power. Blood glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were not altered.

Insecticidal/Pesticidal  S. montana essential oil at a 5 mcL/mL concentration killed 15% of engorged female Rhipicephalus microplus ticks after 7 days of treatment in vitro. Oocyte irregularities were also evident. A review also identified reports of pesticidal activity of S. thymbra essential oil with fumigant and repellent action on various insects including the tiger mosquito. The essential oils of S. hortensis, S. montana, and S. thymbra were considered the most promising agents in pest management.

Digestion  Savory summer is used in traditional medicine to ease digestive complaints, including upset stomach and bloating. It has been shown to work as a natural anti-inflammatory that helps ease pain.

Pain  Research indicates that some species of the plant genus Satureja have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In traditional folk medicine, summer savory has been used to relieve bone pain.

Sore Throat  Summer savory has soothing properties and has been used in tea and extract forms to soothe sore throats and respiratory conditions. It also has antimicrobial properties and can help fight infections that impact the respiratory system.

Low-Sodium Diet  Romans allegedly used summer savory as an alternative to salt when cooking. It has a strong aroma and perfectly savory flavor, with a touch of salty, spicy and tangy flavors. The herb helps add a salty flavor to dishes without adding more salt or increasing sodium intake. It’s an excellent tool for a low-sodium diet and can be added to a range of dishes that usually call for salt.

Botanical Name: Satureja hortensis
English: Summer Savory, Winter Savory
Also, known as: Bonekruid, Chubritsa, Bonenkruid, Sarriette, Bohnenkraut, Pfefferkraut, Santoreggia, Seibari, Sabori, Segurelha-das-hortas, Ajedrea, Sabroso, Kyndel,
Habitat: Indigenous to southeastern Europe or the Mediterranean region
Origin: Morocco
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:
Savory is native to Europe and Asia. The plant grows to a height of about 1 foot, has small aromatic grayish leaves that turn purple (in late summer) and white, pink, or violet flowers. There are thirty species of savory. Summer savory is the fresh or dried stem tips with leaves. They are soft and succulent with a spicy, peppery taste and an aroma reminiscent of thyme and oregano but with a hint of mint.
Savory is indigenous to southeastern Europe (summer savory) or the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe and North Africa (winter savory). Thyme-leaved savory originates from the southeastern parts of Europe specifically Balkans, Crete, and Greece. Savory has a long history of use as medicine and also for its alleged aphrodisiac properties, as the generic name derived from “satyr’s herb” suggests. The leafy stems tips are picked and used fresh, but dried summer savory is commercially available as a spice herb in some countries. Regular harvesting and pruning is beneficial to prevent flowering and prolong the production of new leaves.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.