Savory - tea and other applications

Savory tea - applications and modes of action

For savory tea, many people initially think of a decoction of the whorled parts of the barley bean. However, this herb is an independent plant genus in the family Lamiaceae named Satureja. Their German name "savory" has the plant but in fact thanks to the beans. Already in ancient times Satureja was used to refine bean dishes. The spicy aroma of the savory leaves fits perfectly to the taste of the legumes. It has a slight harshness, which brought the herb, among other things, the epithet Pfefferkraut. In addition to its use as a spice plant species of Satureja are also used for medical purposes. Especially against digestive and gastrointestinal complaints, the savory should help reliably.

contents

• Savory tea - applications and modes of action
• Wanted poster for savory
• herbs portrait
• Ingredients and effect
• Application and dosage
• Savory tea
• side effects

Wanted poster for savory

Scientific name: Satureja
plant family: Labiatae (Lamiaceae)
Folk name: Aalkraut, Cheeseweed, Pepperwort, Vinegar, Sausage, Saturey
Occurrence: Arabian Peninsula, Europe, Mediterranean, South Africa
application areas:

• difficulty breathing,
• disturbed libido,
• skin problems,
• inner unrest,
• menstrual cramps
• and indigestion.

Used plant parts: Leaves, stems

Savory (Satureja) is known by many as a seasoning for bean dishes. The plant also offers a medical benefit, z. B. against digestive and gastrointestinal complaints. (Image: Franz Peter Rudolf / fotolia.com)

herbs portrait

The savory is in a sense one of the Mediterranean herbs, because it grows in Europe mainly in the Mediterranean and is dependent in its culture on sunny and warm local conditions. The appearance of the up to 60 centimeters high plant is reminiscent of Mediterranean herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Characteristic of the usually as shrub or semi-shrub growing savory namely lanceolate leaves that remind of afar the needles of conifers. Last but not least, Satureja, like most herbs and spices from the Mediterranean, is one of the labiates, all of which attract attention with their upper or lower lip shaped petals. By the way, these also have a high ornamental value, which is why Mediterranean herbs, despite their moderate winter hardiness, are also cultivated here. Especially with savory, the two most important medicinal and culinary species of the plant are in the foreground of the culture:

• Summer savory / common savory (Satureja hortensis)
• and winter savory / mountain savory (Satureja montana)

tip: With some winter protection measures, such as wrapping the plants with coconut fiber or hibernation in the house, Mediterranean herbs can survive the cold season with us! However, it is important to have a light-rich and frost-free location where temperatures do not drop too much below zero.

The healing properties of savory have been known since ancient times. Hardly surprising, considering that the plant originates from the Mediterranean, where in the ancient era many high cultures flourished, which are still known for their pioneering findings in the field of herbalism. From the Romans and Greeks to the Egyptians and Arabs, the local physicians usually knew very well the medical value of Satureja, whose scientific name origin is not clearly clarified.

On the one hand, the derivation of the Latin word satus for "seed" or "plantation", which gave its name to the famous Roman god of agriculture and planetary patron Saturn, is conceivable. On the other hand, the term "Satureja" could also derive from the Latin saturo for "saturate", which would be particularly clear with regard to the use of the plant as a kitchen herb and means for digestive promotion.

The medical benefits of Satureja were known in ancient times in many places. The name origin is not clear. (Image: Olga Tkacheva / fotolia.com)

The truth is probably somewhere in between, because in both conceptual origins sounds the ancient image of savory as a protective, spice and medicinal plant with. Above all, the divine protective aspect should have fascinated even the monks of the Middle Ages. At that time, under the popular name Saturey, Satureja also entered European monastic and later pharmacist gardens. One of the most important herbal descriptions of that time comes from the pen of Pietro Andrea Mattioli, a South Tyrolean botanist of the 16th century and personal physician to Duke Ferdinand II and Emperor Maximilian II. The herbalist is considered one of the most important translators of medicinal herbal writings such as "Materia medica "By Dioscorides. In addition, he also brought out own comments and first descriptions of herbs.

The records of the savory in Mattioli's "Neuw Kreütterbuch" of 1563 not only provide explanations of today common nicknames of savory such as eel or weed, but also another interesting explanatory approach to the name origin of Satureja, which in Mattioli refers to the use as an aphrodisiac. He also shows some of the earliest uses of the medicinal plant:

"Saturey is quite comfortable with the food, the spice is cooked with meat and fish, and gives a sweet savor, and it awakens the lust and eager to eat, strengthens the dwarf in the stomach, and magnifies the lust for life, and wafts the vengeance / umumb several menus [mine] / they have the name of the Satyris [greek fertility spirits].

The dry Saturey is better priced to chop the sausages than to be more graceful and healthy to eat. They are also cooked with the peas and other leguminous vegetables or legumes, and then inflame them.

Boil the cabbage in ox-tongue-water, and drink it from it, or help them to faint.

A dedicated Artzney for the Fraiven [women] / who sown at their time (menstruation) / are said to boil Saturey in Maluasier [Malvasia, a grape variety] / and drink them all day long / thus gaining their natural sickness / are being volatilized , Then, they use such a doctorney, or they are said to have previously carried out a purgation [excretory procedure for the detoxification via the intestine] / through which the mucus has passed through the feces. "

- P. A. Marttioli (Source: https://www.kraeuter-buch.de/images/database/1/bohnenkraut_heilkraut.jpg)

The descriptions Mattiolis are largely congruent with the modern applications of savory. In addition, there are some healing effects that were discovered later in the history of the plant. Overall, Satureja is used today for the following health conditions:

• Respiratory problems (e.g., coughing or constricted neck),
• Skin problems (such as acne, oily skin or skin irritations),
• Indigestion (such as loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, diarrhea or liver complaints)
• and other medical conditions (e.g., headache, sleep disorders, intoxication, cycle or libido disorders).

If you have a cough or a sore throat, Satureja can help as well as with skin problems, indigestion and other complaints such as. Headache and sleep disorders. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Ingredients and effect

The healing effect of savory is so good because it contains a wealth of classic medicinal ingredients. In particular, expectorant, digestive and metabolically regulating substances that are contained in the essential oil of Satureja (Saturejae Atheroleum) are found. These include:

• bitters,
• tannins,
• phytosterols,
• mucilage
• and terpenes.

bitters

Bitter substances hide substances which are considered to be phenols, a group of phytochemicals with a taste-producing function. They are common to almost all digestive herbs, which usually have a bitter aroma. Said plant substances are known in particular from the bitter of the stomach, a herbal liqueur, which does not rely on the combination effect of such bitter herbs for nothing. Also the so-called Theriak, an ancient brew, which was used until the late Middle Ages for the treatment of poisoning and numerous general diseases, relied on the healing power of these natural substances, which are usually made of glycosides or alkaloids.

Characteristic of bitter substances or bitter-containing plants are, in addition to their bitter to bitter taste especially a circulation-enhancing effect in the gastrointestinal tract as well as a stimulating effect on the production of digestive secretions, such as bile or gastric juice. In addition, bitter substances also have one

• antibacterial,
• antifungal,
• anti-inflammatory,
• antispasmodic
• and immune boosting

What makes them a good helper for symptoms typical of indigestion and gastrointestinal infections. The anticonvulsant effect in particular also has a calming effect on abdominal cramps, which are typical of menstrual cramps.

The bitter substances of savory make it a good helper for indigestion and gastrointestinal infections. It also has a calming effect on abdominal cramps, which are typical of menstrual cramps. (Image: rock_the_stock / fotolia.com)

tannins

Tannins owe their name to the fact that they traditionally served the tanning of animal hides, which can be converted by the tanning process into leather. Actually, the tanning process itself has a different purpose, namely to make the untreated animal skin germ-free. This is due to the special property of the tannins to withdraw the water contained in the animal skin proteins. As a result, the skin dries out and provides bacteria, fungi and Co, which prefer to settle on moist skin environment, so no more breeding ground. In addition, under the influence of tannins also the skin vessels narrow, whereby the skin surface is compressed and thus more difficult passable for germs. Such agents are also called astringents.

Tannins are therefore natural antibiotics, whereby vegetable tanning agents (tannins) are not only used for the disinfection of animal skins, but also for the treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, tannins also have other, medically valuable healing powers. All in all, they work

• astringent,
• antimicrobially,
• blutstillend,
• anti-inflammatory
• and soothing.

Tannins can therefore be found not only in numerous, antibiotic natural remedies, but also in medicines for gastrointestinal inflammation, inflammation of the mouth and throat, skin creams, healing ointments and antidotes.

Important: Despite their excellent healing properties, tannins should only be used temporarily. In fact, long-term effects can lead to a number of unwanted and dangerous complications. You can read more about this in the sections on dosage and side effects of savory.

phytosterols

A rather unusual ingredient is added to the savory with ß-sitosterol. A plant hormone that belongs to the so-called phytosterols. As phytosterols, or phytosterols, herbal agents are described that are similar in their effect to the body's own cholesterol. This is known to be an important marker for the fatty acid portion in the blood. In addition, cholesterol also affects the signal conduction in body cells as well as the production of bile acid and sex hormones such as testosterone and progesterone. Based on this effect, it is not out of the question that savory, thanks to phytosterols, not only has a cholesterol-lowering effect, but can also stimulate libido and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Primarily, however, the healing effect of phytosterols actually focuses on the blood cholesterol level. Because the plant substance stimulates by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine specifically the body's own cholesterol production. This is especially important for people with high cholesterol. And also for people who suffer from arteriosclerosis or want to prevent this disease, phytosterols can be valuable helpers. The disease is triggered mainly by a very high-fat diet, which is known to cause the cholesterol levels to skyrocket. In addition to vascular calcification, the result can be an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The better it is that phytosterols is a natural substance that can counteract this danger. In the repertoire of action of savory with respect to nutrition-related health complaints this property fits all.

The phytosterols in savory give it a special healing effect in terms of high cholesterol - often triggered by very high-fat diet. (Image: Rawpixel.com/fotolia.com)

mucilage

The mucilage of the herb is mainly responsible for the coughing and expectorant effect of Satureja. It is a special form of carbohydrates, which take on a slimy consistency with the addition of liquid. This mucus has an unexpected healing effect, especially on the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract. They lie down like a protective and soothing film on the mucous membrane, what a

• disinfecting,
• detoxifying,
• anti-inflammatory
• and irritating

Produces an effect that is highly desirable, especially for rough neck and irritated bowel mucosa. Also, mucilage is known to lower blood sugar and strengthen the immune system, which also benefits the health value of these carbohydrates.

terpenes

The group of terpenes is most widely represented in savory with over 60 percent active ingredient content of the essential oil. Their mode of action is sometimes very individual and ranges from hormone-regulating and anti-inflammatory effects on muscle and immune-strengthening aspects to anti-cancer properties. However, terpenes are particularly efficient in controlling infectious germs. This is especially true for ingredients like

• carvacrol,
• p-cymene,
• limonene,
• thymol
• and ursolic acid.

The antibiotic agents are used in medicine on the one hand in the fight against infections and deworming. On the other hand, they are also popular ingredients for anti-inflammatories and insect repellents.

Especially ursolic acid is also known for its cholesterol and blood sugar lowering effect. There is also evidence that the acid is cytotoxic, which could open up alternative treatment options in cancer therapy. A similar study is available, for example, from the Institute of Natural Products at Kaohsiung University of Medicine in Taiwan, Taiwan.

Carvacrol, on the other hand, is the secret weapon against rheumatism and gout. The terpenoid natural product is already being used to produce corresponding drugs (e.g., celecoxib or etoricoxib).

useful informationTerpenes are often also flavoring agents in herbs. Especially lime and thymol can often be found in aromatic herbs.

The group of terpenes is the most represented in savory. The terpenoid natural product carvacrol is a promising active against rheumatism and gout. (Image: Romario Ien / fotolia.com)

Application and dosage

The collection time for savory ranges from June to August. For a particularly strong taste experience, the harvest should take place immediately after flowering, when the aroma of Satureja has fully developed. Both the fresh leaves and whole shoots can be collected. The latter are excellent for stock storage. As a seasoning you can use the savory then either fresh or dried. It is conceivable, for example, the seasoning of hearty food such as

• Bean and pea vegetables,
• Potato or cabbage dishes,
• Sausage and meat dishes (mainly lamb),
• Fish and seafood
• or the production of herb butter or herbal quark.

tip: For fish dishes, in addition to the traditional savory varieties, the lemony aroma of the cultivar Satureja citrodora is also recommended.

In any case, the herb should first be finely chopped for use in cooking. It is also important to use the spice herb sparingly, because the taste is very intense. If you cook enough savory, you do not need much, because the flavors can be distributed so well in the food.

Savory tea

Unlike seasoning, you should definitely use dried plant parts for a savory tea. Two teaspoons are enough to make a cup of healing and digestive decoction. The correct brewing time for the tea is five to ten minutes. The recommended daily dose is about two to three cups.

For a savory tea, the dried parts of the plant should definitely be used. It will take two teaspoons for a cup. The brewing time should be between five and ten minutes. (Image: simonidadj / fotolia.com)

Cooled savory tea can also be used as a gargle for inflammation of the mouth and throat area. Furthermore, the herbal mud is suitable for cleansing or soothing the skin. It is conceivable, for example, the soaking of soothing compresses in the herbal water, before laying them on insect bites, wounds or irritated facial skin. In insect bites some simply crush the Satureja and give the herbal porridge directly on the sore skin.

tip: Also washes, healing and steam baths from savory are possible. Anyone who has experience in the production of ointments can also use the herb as an ingredient here.

side effects

The tannins in savory can lead to liver damage, abdominal cramping and nausea when overdosed. It is therefore important to use the herbicidal effect of the herb only selectively with clear health complaints or only very moderately as a digestive aid.

Due to the convulsive potential of overdose, pregnant women should refrain entirely from using the Satureja in order to take no risk. Even with allergic persons, the plant could lead to cross-allergies, if already an allergy to other herbs such. B. the mugwort is present. (Ma)