Summer Savory

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Ajedrea de Jardín, Bean Herb, Bohnenkraut, Calamintha hortensis, Herbe de Saint Julien, Poivrette, Sarriette Commune, Sarriette d'Été, Sarriette des Jardins, Satureja hortensis, Savory.

Overview

Summer savory is a plant. The leaves and stem are used to make medicine.

People take summer savory for coughs, sore throat, and intestinal disorders including cramps, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite. People with diabetes take it to relieve frequent thirst. It is also used as a tonic and as an aphrodisiac to increase sex drive.

Some people apply summer savory directly to the skin for insect bites.

In foods, summer savory is used as a culinary spice. The oil is used as a flavoring agent.

How does it work?

The chemicals in summer savory are thought to decrease muscle spasms and kill bacteria and fungus.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of summer savory for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Summer savory is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts. It's POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in usual medicinal amounts or when the oil is diluted before putting on the skin.

Summer savory can cause skin problems. The concentrated, undiluted oil is very irritating and should not be used.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking summer savory if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Summer savory might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. There is concern that summer savory might make bleeding disorders worse.

Surgery: Summer savory might slow blood clotting. There is concern that summer savory might increase the risk for bleeding during and after surgical procedures. Stop using summer savory at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions


Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Summer savory might slow blood clotting. Taking summer savory along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of summer savory depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for summer savory. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Yazdanparast, R. and Shahriyary, L. Comparative effects of Artemisia dracunculus, Satureja hortensis and Origanum majorana on inhibition of blood platelet adhesion, aggregation and secretion. Vascul.Pharmacol 2008;48(1):32-37. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182