Health Benefits

Health benefits of Thyme-leaved savory

Satureja thymbra is a perennial green dwarf plant from the Mint family that is also called savory of Crete, whorled savory, pink savory, and Roman hyssop. Its leaves smell very strongly of mint. The plant comes from the Mediterranean, which includes parts of Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East. In Israel, the plant can be found in the Mount Carmel area, which is south of Haifa. It can also be found in Upper Galilee, which is hilly, in Samaria, and in the Judean Mountain. You may also know these plants as White Thyme, Broad-leaved Savory, Poultry Savory, Creeping Mountain Savory, Rock Savory, Creeping Winter Savory, Rustic Savory, Garden Winter Savory, Wild Thyme Savory, Hill Savory, and Blue Mountain Savory.

The name of the genus “Satureja” comes from the Latin word “satura,” which means “fullness” or “saturation.” People think it has to do with how strong and full the herbs in this group taste. Satureja is a genus of fragrant plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), and some of its species are savory. The name “thymbra” comes from the old Greek word “thymbrós,” which means a type of herb that tastes good or smells good. It sounds a lot like the Greek word “thymon,” which means “thyme.” This name draws attention to the fact that Thyme-leaved savory smells and tastes like thyme. People in the area gather it from the wild and use it as food, medicine, and building supplies. In the past, savory with thyme leaves was used in healing. People thought it could help with stomach problems like indigestion and bloating and used it to do so.

Thyme Leaved Savory Facts

Thyme-leaved savory Quick Facts
Name: Thyme-leaved savory
Scientific Name: Satureja thymbra
Origin Mediterranean region, including parts of Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East
Colors Typically brown or dark brown in color
Shapes Schizocarp splits into four segments, each containing a single seed
Taste Strong, peppery taste with earthy and woody undertones
Major nutrients • Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Iron
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Dietary Fiber
• Antioxidants
• Essential oils
Health benefits Digestive Health, Respiratory Benefits, Immune System Support, Rich in Nutrients, Heart Health, Pain Relief, Skin Health, Mental Well-Being, Weight Management, Diabetes Management, Oral Health
Name Thyme-leaved savory
Scientific Name Satureja thymbra
Native Mediterranean region, including parts of Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East.
Common Names Winter Savory, Mountain Savory, Savory, Creeping Savory, Creeping Winter Savory, Dwarf Savory, Garden Savory, Bushy Savory, Satureja montana, Broad-leaved Savory, Wild Thyme Savory, Creeping Mountain Savory, Rock Savory
Name in Other Languages Albanian: Majdanoz malor, Majdanoz malor
Arabic: السويداء الجبلية (Al-sawaida al-jebliya), الفلفل الجبلي (Al-filfil al-jabalii), السافوريا ذات أوراق الزعتر (Alsafoorya dhat awraq alza’tar), الحكمة الزعترية (Alhikmat alza’tariya), Za’atar (Liban), Za’atar Rumi, ندغ زعتري
Armenian: լեռնահատ (Lernahat)
Basque: Mendietako arrebieta
Bosnian: Planinski mažuran
Bulgarian: Горски чубрица (Gorski chubritsa), Планински чубрица (Planinski chubritsa), Планински чубрица (Planinski chubritsa), Чубрица с листа от чай (Chubritsa s lista ot chay), Чубрица с листа от чай (Chubritsa s lista ot chay)
Catalan: Santoreig de muntanya
Chinese: Shān péng (山蓬), Bǎilǐxiāng yè dúhuó (百里香叶独活)
Croatian: Planinski mažuran, Gorski mažuran, Timijanolistni zanatlija
Czech: Horský taragon
Danish: Bjergsar, Bjergtimian, Timianblade krydderurt
Dutch: Bergbonenkruid, Tijmbladige bonenkruid, Kanadisk Peberurt, tijmbonenkruid
English: Goat oregano , Pink savory, Persian zatar, Roman zatar , Roman hyssop, Thyme-leaved savory, water savory
Estonian: Mägisarapuu, Tüümianileheline estragon
Finnish: Vuorisarvi , Timjanilehväinen kirveli
French: Sarriette des montagnes, Sarriette de Crete, Sarriette de Sardaigne
Galician: Satureia de montaña
German: Bergbohnenkraut, Thymianblättrige Bohnenkraut, Zatar Parsi
Georgian: Mtis tsits’aka (მთის წიწაკა)
Greek: Savori (Σαβόρυ), Vounó savorí, Thymarísios thymári (Θυμαρίσιος θυμάρι), Thymbra (Θύμβρα), Tragohorto (Τραγόχορτο  ), Tragorigane (Τραγορίγανη)
Hebrew: Savory me’harim (סוורי מהרים), tzatrah veruddah
Hindi: Pahadi pudina (पहाड़ी पुदीना)
Hungarian: Hegyi szegfűszeg, Hegyi szurokfű, Kakukkfű levélű cserkeszó, Perzsa borsfű
Icelandic: Fjalltimjani
Irish: Seabhac na gcnoc
Italian: Santoreggia montana, Santoreggia sarda
Japanese: Yama saboten (山サボテン), Taimurībudosaebari (タイムリーブドセイバリ)
Korean: San pyeon (산편)
Latvian: Kalnu pankūka, Kalnu majorāns
Lithuanian: Kalninė mažirija, Kalninė majerelė
Macedonian: Gorski rigan (Горски риган)
Malay: Savory gunung
Montenegrin: Gorski rigan
Norwegian: Fjelltimian, Timianbladet krydderurt
Persian: Zareh-parvar kuhstani (زره‌پرور کوهستانی)
Polish: Macierzanka górska, Czaberek o liściach tymianku
Portuguese: Satureja-da-montanha, Satureja de folha de tomilho
Romanian: Sătrujel de munte, Cimbrișor, Cimbru de munte, Cimbru cu frunze de cimbru
Russian: Gorchitsa gornaya (Горчица горная), Tim’yanolistnyy chabrets (Тимьянолистный чабрец)
Scottish Gaelic: Luathad na gcnoc
Serbian: Gorska rigan (Горска риган), Timjanlisni zanatilja (Тимјанлисни занатиља)
Slovak: Horská škorica, Tymiánolistý záhradník
Slovenian: Planinski majaron, Gorski majaron, Planinski timijan, Timijanove liste kozarec
Spanish: Ajedrea de montana, sarriette à odeur de thym
Swedish: Bergsarv, Timjanbladig kärvel
Thai: Hom maew thiam (หอมแมวเทียม)
Turkish: Dağ kekiği, Kekik yapraklı sariyet, Kara kekik, Girit sateri, halil ibrahim zahteri
Ukrainian: Hirs’ka sargan (Гірська сарган), Tym’yanolysta chebrets (Тим’янолиста чебрець)
Vietnamese: Rau mùi núi
Welsh: Sefrwm mynyddol
Plant Growth Habit Small evergreen, herbaceous, perennial shrub or sub shrub
Growing Climates Sunny positions on dry rocky hills, Mediterranean woodlands and scrubland, rocky limestone gullies, alongside dirt roads, coastal plains, or in the Jordan valley, dry grasslands, scrublands, and rocky hillsides
Soil Prefers well-draining soil that is moderately fertile. It can tolerate slightly alkaline to slightly acidic soil
Plant Size About 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall and spreads to a width of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm)
Root Taproot is generally thicker and longer than the lateral roots and serves as the central anchor for the plant
Stem Relatively woody and branched stem which is covered with small, fine hairs, giving it a slightly fuzzy or pubescent texture
Bark smooth texture. Does not have the deep furrows, ridges, or distinct patterns associated with woody bark
Leaf It has narrow, lance-shaped or linear leaves that are arranged oppositely along the stem with a pointed tip and a narrower base. The leaves are typically green, although they may have a slightly grayish appearance due to fine hairs
Flowering season May to June
Flower Small, tubular flowers in clusters. The flowers are tubular and have a typical two-lipped structure. The upper lip is often smaller and arched, while the lower lip is larger and flat or slightly concave. They are pink to purple in color and are attractive to pollinators
Fruit Shape & Size Schizocarp splits into four segments, each containing a single seed. Fruit segments are usually somewhat flattened and have a roughly triangular shape, with rounded corners
Fruit Color Typically brown or dark brown in color
Seed Tiny, typically measuring only a few millimeters in length. They are usually oblong or ovoid in shape
Flavor/Aroma Robust and earthy flavor with hints of both thyme and pepper
Taste Strong, peppery taste with earthy and woody undertones
Plant Parts Used Leaves, essential oil, Aerial Parts
Propagation By seeds, Stem cuttings, Division
Lifespan 2 to 5 years or sometimes slightly longer
Season August through September
Varieties
  • Satureja thymbra subsp. thymbra
  • Satureja thymbra subsp. mysica
  • Satureja thymbra subsp. alpina
  • Satureja thymbra subsp. nepetoides
Major Nutrition
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Antioxidants
  • Essential oils
Available Forms
  • Dried Herb
  • Herbal Tea
  • Tincture
  • Essential oils
  • Capsules and tablets
  • Ointments and Creams
  • Herbal Preparations
Health benefits
  • Digestive Health
  • Antioxidant Properties
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  • Antimicrobial Activity
  • Respiratory Benefits
  • Immune System Support
  • Aphrodisiac Properties
  • Rich in Nutrients
  • Heart Health
  • Antifungal Properties
  • Pain Relief
  • Antispasmodic Effects
  • Skin Health
  • Mental Well-Being
  • Weight Management
  • Diabetes Management
  • Oral Health
  • Anti-Cancer Potential

Plant Description

It is a small, evergreen, herbaceous, perennial shrub or sub-shrub that gets to be about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall and 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) wide. It grows in sunny places on dry, rocky hills, in Mediterranean woods and scrubland, in rocky limestone gullies, next to dirt roads, on coastal plains, or in the Jordan valley on dry grasslands, scrublands, and rocky hillsides. The plant likes dirt that drains well and isn’t too fertile. It can grow in dirt that is slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. Thyme-leaved savory is a versatile herb that is loved for its peppery, savory taste and pleasant smell. It adds a lovely Mediterranean flavor to many recipes, whether it’s fresh or dried, and has a long history of use in both cooking and traditional medicine.

In some places, savory with thyme leaves has traditional meaning. It is an important part of za’atar, a popular Middle Eastern spice mix made in Lebanon. Thyme-leaved savory, sesame seeds, sumac, and other herbs and spices are often used in za’atar. It is an important plant in many cultures around the world, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It makes a lot of different foods taste better, from cooked meats to soups and salads. The essential oils in thyme-leaved savory are thought to have possible health benefits, even though they are not used as much for medical reasons these days. It can be used in aromatherapy and plant medicines.

Appropriate growing environment for Thyme-leaved savory

Thyme-leaved savory is an herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, and it thrives in environments that mimic its native habitat. Here are the key factors to consider when creating an appropriate growing environment for Thyme-leaved savory:

Roots

Thyme-leaved savory plants usually have a taproot system, which means that the main root, called the taproot, grows up into the soil. Usually, the taproot is stronger and longer than the lateral roots. It holds the plant in place in the middle. Lateral roots grow from the taproot and spread out horizontally in different directions. It is these lateral roots that take in water and nutrients from the dirt around the plant. They can connect to make a dense network that makes it easier for the plant to get to supplies. Small root hairs cover the roots of thyme-leaved savory on a microscopic level. These structures that look like hairs make the roots’ surface area much bigger. This makes it easier for the roots to take in water and minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the earth. For protection, there is a structure at the end of the main root called the root cap. As the root grows, the root cap helps it push through the soil and also feels gravity, which helps the root grow in the right direction. The depth of thyme-leaved savory’s roots can change based on the soil type and the weather. When the soil is well-drained and healthy, the roots may go quite deep. When the soil is compacted or not as fertile, the roots may stay closer to the surface.

Stem

Savory with thyme leaves has a base that is mostly woody and has many branches. The stem has lignin in it, which makes it semi-woody. As the plant grows, the stem can become stiffer. Savory with thyme leaves is a small, low-growing perennial plant. Its stems can grow straight up or spread out along the ground, getting about 20 to 40 centimeters (8 to 16 inches) tall. Thyme-leaved savory has small, fine hairs all over its stem, which gives it a slightly fuzzy or pubescent feel. The younger parts of the stem have a stronger appearance like this. There are parts of the stem called nodes and internodes. Nodes are the parts of the stem where leaves, branches, or flowers connect. Internodes are the parts of the stem that are between the nodes. Savory stems with thyme leaves can branch out from the nodes, making the plant look thick. The design of branches can change based on how the plant grows and how much it is pruned.

Bark

The stem’s top layer is called the epidermis. This layer is pretty thin and made up of cells that are very close together in thyme-leaved savory. The epidermis lines the skin and helps keep the cells below safe by stopping water loss and shielding against outside factors. The skin of thyme-leaved savory is smooth, not rough and thick like the bark on trees and shrubs. It doesn’t have the deep grooves, ridges, or clear designs that are common in woody bark. Even though it can be any color, the stem skin is usually green when the plant is young and growing. The base of the plant may get a little woody and look brownish or grayish as it grows older. The skin of the stem may have pubescence or small, fine hairs on it, especially in the younger parts of the stem. These hairs can help keep the plant from losing water through transpiration and protect it from predators. Lenticels are small raised spots that can form on the stem epidermis in some cases. Lenticels are small holes in stem tissues that let gases move between the stem’s tissues and the outside world. While they are more common on woody plants, they are not as noticeable on thyme-leaved savory.

Leaves

Thyme-leaved savory has simple leaves, which means that each leaf is made up of just one blade. Along the stem, the leaves are arranged so that they face different directions. This means that at each node, two leaves come out of the stem, facing each other. If you look at thyme-leaved savory, the leaves are usually lance-shaped or long and narrow at the base. Like the leaves of many other plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), these leaves may look a bit long and narrow. The edges of the leaves are usually whole, which means they are smooth and don’t have any teeth or serrations on them. In turn, this makes the leaves look pretty smooth and even. Leaves usually have small, fine hairs all over them that make them feel a little fuzzy or pubescent. Having these hairs on a plant can help keep it from losing water through transpiration and keep animals away.

The leaves are usually a gray-green to green color, but they can be any color. It is common for the leaves’ top surface to be darker than their bottom surface. The midrib is the main vein in a leaf. Smaller veins branch off from it in a pinnate or reticulate design. These channels are very important for moving water, nutrients, and sugars around the leaf. The leaves can be different sizes, but most of them are small, measuring between 0.4 and 1.2 inches long and 0.2 to 0.5 inches wide. The leaves of this plant, like many others in the Lamiaceae family, have medicinal oils that give them their taste and smell. These oils give the herb its typical savory, thyme-like smell and taste. For photosynthesis to happen, leaves need to take in light energy and turn it into chemical energy in the form of sugars. The leaves are also important for reproduction because they make essential oils that add to the taste of the plant and can be used in cooking.

Flowers

Thyme-leaved savory flowers in small groups, which are called inflorescences. Most of the time, these groups can be found at the ends of the stems and in the axils of the leaves, which is the gap between the stem and the leaf. The flower structure is called a cyme, and it looks like a flat-topped or slightly rounded bunch of flowers. Individual flowers of Thyme-leaved savory are tube-shaped and have two lips, which is typical of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Most of the time, the lower lip is bigger and flat or slightly curved, and the upper lip is smaller and arched. Pink to purple flowers are the most common color, but some types may have white or pale pink flowers. The color can be a little different based on the cultivar and the environment.

The base of every flower has a green, tube-like structure around it that is called the calyx. The calyx is made up of five fused sepals that cover the flower bud as it grows. The sepals may stand out more as the flower opens. Most of the time, the most bright and noticeable part of a flower is its corolla. The corolla is made up of five flowers that are fused together to make a tube-like shape with two lips. The upper lip is smaller and generally looks like a hood. The lower lip, on the other hand, is bigger and helps pollinators land. There are stamens, which are the male reproductive parts, inside the flower. Savory with thyme leaves usually has four stamens, two long and two short. The corolla tube is connected to the stamens. Pollen is made by the anthers at the tips of the flowers.

The pistil is the parts of a flower that reproduce. It has a single style with a stigma at the end. Pollen lands on the stigma during fertilization. Most of the time, the stigma has two lobes and goes to an ovary that holds the possible seeds. On the bottom lip of some flowers’ corollas, there may be nectar guides. These are usually darker lines or spots that show pollinators where the juice is, which makes them want to visit the flowers and help pollinate them. Different insects, like bees and butterflies, pollinate thyme-leaved savory. They are drawn to the colorful flowers and the juice they make.

Fruit

This is a schizocarp fruit, which is a dry fruit that splits into two or more pieces when it’s ready. Thyme-leaved savory has a schizocarp that splits into four pieces, each with one seed inside. The fruit segments are generally a bit flattened and shaped like a triangle with rounded corners. They are very small, only a few millimeters long on average. There is a difference between the green calyx of the flower and the brown or dark brown fruit pieces that are fully grown. There is one seed in each section of the schizocarp. Most of the time, these seeds are oval or ovoid and very small. They come in many colors, but most of the time they are brown to black.

Seeds

Savory seeds with thyme leaves are very small, usually only a few millimeters long. When you compare them to other plant seeds, they are pretty small. Savory seeds with thyme leaves are usually oval or long. They are a little longer than usual and have rounded tips. Seeds are usually dark to black, but they can be any color. The exact color may rely on things like how old the seeds are. There is a protective shell around each seed. It is called the seed coat or testa. The seed coat is pretty smooth and thin.

Varieties of Thyme-leaved savory

Thyme-leaved savory is an herbaceous plant with few recognized varieties or subspecies. These variations may have slightly different characteristics, including growth habits, flavor profiles, and regional adaptations. Here are a few notable varieties:

Health benefits of thyme-leaved savory

Thyme-leaved savory is an herb that has been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It offers a range of potential health benefits, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Here are some detailed health benefits associated with thyme-leaved savory:

1. Digestive Health

Thyme-leaved savory has traditionally been used to support digestive health. It contains compounds that can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in the digestion of food. It may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.

2. Antioxidant Properties

Savory with thyme leaves is full of antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic substances. These antioxidants help the body get rid of harmful free radicals, which lowers oxidative stress and the risk of getting long-term illnesses.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Essential oils found in thyme-leaved savory, like carvacrol and thymol, have been shown to reduce inflammation. These chemicals might help lower inflammation in the body, which is a typical part of many long-term illnesses.

4. Antimicrobial Activity

The essential oils in thyme-leaved savory are also antimicrobial, which means they can kill germs, fungi, and some parasites. In the past, it was used to help fight diseases and keep things clean.

5. Respiratory Benefits

Breathing in savory steam or tea mist with thyme leaves can help with breathing problems. It might help with stuffy noses, coughs, and asthma symptoms. The antimicrobial qualities of the herb may also help it work well for treating respiratory problems.

6. Immune System Support

The antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities of savory with thyme leaves can help the immune system fight off infections and illnesses.

7. Aphrodisiac Properties

Savory with thyme leaves has been thought of as an aphrodisiac in some cultures, meaning it is thought to boost libido and sexual desire. However, there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence to back this claim.

8. Rich in Nutrients

Thyme-leaved savory has important nutrients like iron, calcium, manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These nutrients are important for keeping your health in many ways.

9. Heart Health

Flavonoids and polyphenols are chemicals found in savory with thyme leaves that may be good for your heart. Because they lower inflammation and oxidative stress, these antioxidants help lower the chance of heart disease. Besides that, it might help keep blood pressure in check, which is good for heart health.

10. Antifungal Properties

The essential oils in thyme-leaved savory are antifungal, which means they can help treat fungal diseases like candidiasis. Using thyme-leaved savory on the skin or adding it to your food may help fight fungal development.

11. Pain Relief

The anti-inflammatory qualities of thyme-leaved savory can help ease the pain and discomfort of conditions like arthritis or sore muscles. It might also make menstrual cramps less painful.

12. Antispasmodic Effects

A savory herb with thyme leaves has been used to relax muscles, especially those in the digestive system. This quality might help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other stomach problems feel better.

13. Skin Health

Putting savory oil or products with thyme leaves on the skin may be good for it. Because it kills germs and reduces inflammation, it can help treat skin irritations, acne, and cuts. But it needs to be watered down before it is put on the skin.

14. Mental Well-Being

The smell of savory with thyme leaves is thought to wake you up and may even improve your mood. The use of savory essential oil with thyme leaves in aromatherapy may help lower worry, anxiety, and mental fatigue.

15. Weight Management

Some studies show that chemicals in savory with thyme leaves may help people control their weight by making them feel full and lowering their cravings for food.

16. Diabetes Management

Thyme-leaved savory may help people who have diabetes, according to early studies. It might help make insulin work better and keep blood sugar levels in check.

17. Oral Health

Thyme-leaved savory is good for keeping your teeth healthy because it kills germs. It can help keep your mouth healthy, stop bad breath, and stop oral diseases.

18. Anti-Cancer Potential

Because it is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, thyme-leaved savory has been looked at as a possible way to avoid cancer. But more study needs to be done in this area.

Culinary uses of Thyme-leaved savory

Thyme-leaved savory is a versatile herb with a flavor profile that combines the savory, peppery notes of traditional summer savory with hints of thyme. It is commonly used in culinary applications to enhance the taste of various dishes. Here are some culinary uses of thyme-leaved savory:

Different uses of Thyme-leaved savory

Thyme-leaved savory can be used in various ways beyond culinary applications. Here are different uses of thyme-leaved savory:

Side effects of Thyme-leaved savory

Thyme-leaved savory is generally considered safe for culinary use when consumed in moderate amounts. However, like many herbs and spices, it may have some potential side effects or considerations to keep in mind:

References:

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Satureja+thymbra

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/STITH

https://academic-accelerator.com/encyclopedia/satureja-thymbra

https://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Satureja+thymbra

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