About Savory

by Laurie

Potential Problems: Prevent root rot by providing good drainage.

Related Herbs: Winter savory (S. montana) is grown as a perennial in zones 5 to 9. It has foliage similar to summer savory but is spicier and evergreen in mild climates. The plant forms a mat 12 inches high.

White flowers appear in late summer. You can propagate winter savory by layering or cuttings. A low-growing form, creeping winter savory (S. montana 'Procumbens'), is also available.

Medicinal

Savory contains oils and tannins that have mild astringent and antiseptic properties that can be useful in medicines. Summer Savory is the type most often used for medicinal purposes.

Teas can be made for occasional colic, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, stomach upsets, mild sore throats, and as an expectorant. It is also sometimes used in a tea by diabetics to alleviate excessive thirst. Capsules can also be made from dried leaves for internal use.

Externally, rubbing a sprig of Savory on wasp or bee stings provides instant relief. Try using an ointment made of Savory for minor rashes and skin irritations.

Cooking

Try savory as a substitute for black pepper. Harvest summer savory as you need it. The rich aroma will be most intense just before the plant flowers.

Use it fresh or dried for a pleasant sweet, spicy flavor to vegetables, meats, pastas, and rice.

A favourite for tossing with beans and adding to soups. Add a bite of summer savory in salads, lettuce salads, potato salads, whatever and served chopped as a topping to hot dishes. You can also use the leaves in tea.