Winter Savory: What It Is and Why You’d Use It

Want a small herb that punches up stews and helps settle an upset stomach? Winter savory (Satureja montana) is an evergreen herb with a peppery, thyme-like flavor. Chefs love it with beans, meats, and hearty winter dishes. Herbal users make tea or mild extracts for digestion and mild bloating. Lab studies note antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, but big human trials are missing. That means culinary use is safe for most people, and medicinal use should be cautious.

How to use winter savory

Culinary use is the easiest and safest way to enjoy winter savory. Add fresh leaves to soups or stews near the end of cooking to keep the flavor bright. With dried herb, 1 teaspoon per cup is a good rule when making tea. Steep 5–10 minutes in hot (not boiling) water. Taste before adding more—the flavor is bold.

If you use essential oil, treat it like any concentrated herbal oil: dilute well in a carrier oil for topical use (1 drop oil to at least 1 teaspoon carrier). Don’t swallow essential oil unless guided by a trained practitioner. For people who want supplements, look for standardized extracts from reputable brands. Start with small doses and track how you feel.

Safety, interactions, and practical tips

Food amounts of winter savory are safe for most adults. Herbal teas are usually mild, but the essential oil is strong and can irritate skin or mucous membranes if used neat. Avoid internal use of the oil unless a professional recommends it. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid medicinal dosing—stick to food amounts or ask your provider.

There’s limited evidence about drug interactions. If you take blood thinners, medications for diabetes, or have liver issues, check with your healthcare provider before adding concentrated winter savory products. Watch for allergic reactions if you’re sensitive to other Lamiaceae family plants (like thyme, oregano, or mint).

Buying and storing: choose a trusted supplier. Fresh herbs from a farmer’s market or grocery are great in cooking. For dried herb or tea blends, look for clear labeling and no fillers. Essential oils should list botanical name (Satureja montana), origin, and purity. Store dried herbs in a cool, dark place in an airtight jar; they last about a year. Essential oils should be kept away from heat and light.

Growing it yourself is simple. Winter savory tolerates poor soil, likes full sun, and stays small—great in pots or borders. Snip sprigs as needed and dry some for winter use. If you want a milder option, try summer savory; it’s less peppery and works well in lighter dishes.

If you plan to use winter savory beyond the kitchen, talk to a pharmacist or herbal-savvy clinician. They can help match the herb to your health needs and flag any safety concerns with your meds. For everyday cooking and a calming herbal tea, winter savory is an easy, flavorful choice that fits right into a Canadian herbal pantry.