Savory (Satureja montana)

The savory is a small bush, stiff and rough to the touch, only woody at the base and covered with small herbaceous white hairs. It is a very leafy plant with leaves faced, narrow and sharp. The flowers are white and borne in the axils of the upper leaves to form terminal clusters, with the flowers thrown to one side. It breeds on dry slopes and hills, generally always on limestone soils of most of the country. A variety of this species, Satureja innota, which only differs from savory to have wider leaves, rounded at the top and attenuated at the base, as if they were a corner.

FLOWERING

It blooms from June and continues throughout the summer and part of fall. Interesting collection sumidad leaves and flowers. In the leaves of this plant numerous pits are distinguished, each of which houses a gland full of essence, which is what informs the intense savory aroma given off. The flavor of the leaves is slightly spicy oil.

APPLICATIONS

The savory contains varying amounts of a substance that in some varieties, may reach more than 2%, this essence is composed mainly of carvacrol, cineol, dipentene and other lesser-known spirits. Phenolic acids confer antiseptic action, reinforced by the substance, which also has toning properties, appetizers, digestive and carminative. On the ground have also been found that tannins act as astringents, anti-diarrhea and healing. Problems is indicated by loss of appetite, gastrointestinal weakness, gastrointestinal spasms, bloating, stomach aches, bronchitis and also serves as external use for wound healing. However, there is a plant free of adverse effects. Indeed, as in any essence described the appearance of skin rashes after administered internally. In reality it is a rare occurrence, but it is always recommended to start treatment with low doses to be increasing gradually. It is important to caution that if administered to children, because they are more susceptible to allergy problems.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. A dessert spoon per cup. The leaves should be shredded before adding it to boiling water. It takes a cup after meals.
Essence. From 3 to 5 drops of essence, on a sugar cube, three times daily after meals.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Labiatae
HABITAT: Limestone soils
FLOWERING: Summer and autumn
PART USED: Leaf and flower sumidad
CASTILIAN: Ajedrea silvestre, hisopillo
CATALAN: Sadurija

USES

Antiseptic Moderate, Antidiarrheal Leve, Appetizer Leve.