ΘΥΜΒΡΑ
Satureja thymbra
(Savory)
Botanical info:
Savory is a small evergreen shrub growing in cushion form to 0.4 m by 0.4 m. In wooden stems grow strongly aromatic leaves. It grows naturally in sunny positions on dry rocky hills. Its native to the east Mediterranean. Flowering from May to June.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Regimen 2:
a. Savory is similar in properties with oregano.
b. In Diseases 2 savory is recommended:
a. As an ingredient of a gargling remedy.
b. As drink for the treatment of pulmonary abscess.
c. In Nature of Women:
a. As an infusion for gynecological diseases.
d. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. As a drink for problematic prolonged pregnancies.
Other uses:
The leaves have a thyme-like flavour and are used as a seasoning for pulses, breads, brine-cured olives, vegetables etc. The leaves and young shoots are used as a tea substitute. It is said that this makes one of the best-tasting of all herb teas. Its medicinal use, when concocted into a tea, is said to aid against digestive problems, diarrhea, colic pains, flatulence, intestinal cramps, and anorexia. The leaves are antibacterial, aromatic, digestive, expectorant and tonic. They are used internally to treat minor digestive discomfort and bronchial congestion. The leaves are harvested during the growing season and can be used fresh or dried