8 Amazing Benefits of Mountain Savory Essential Oil

Last Updated on December 7, 2018 by Marc Seward

What is Mountain Savory Essential Oil?

Mountain savory essential oil is a sweet and aromatic oil which is extracted from the Mountain savory herb. Known scientifically as Satureja montana, the herb is also commonly known as Winter savory and White Thyme and is closely related to Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L).

This perennial herb is a member of the mint family and grows mainly in Southern parts of Europe, Turkey, Russia and North Africa. The essential oil is extracted from the entire herb by a process of steam distillation. It produces a pale colored oil with a slightly sweet, peppery aroma.

Mountain savory essential oil can be used for a broad range of conditions thanks to its many therapeutic properties. It contains excellent antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties as well as boosting the immune system and circulation and acting as a general tonic.

Plant Description

The Mountain savory shrub is a smallish plant that grows to a height between 5 and 16 inches. It has leathery textured dark green needle shaped leaves. It flowers during the summer from July to October with small flowers ranging in color from lavender and pink to white.

Chemical Constituents

Analysis into the chemical composition of mountain savory essential oil found that it contained over 30 different compounds. The major constituent was found to be carvacrol followed by thymol. (1)

Carvacrol (50.2%)
Thymol (11%)
G-terpinene (5.8%)
Carvacrol methyl ether (4.6%)

It also contains smaller amounts of many other compounds including a-terpinene, geraniol, nerol a-thujene and myrcene.

Health Benefits

Mountain savory essential oil has a number of medicinal uses. According to research into its active compounds, the herb and its oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, carminative, aromatic and digestive benefits. The oil has also has expectorant properties and has been used to treat colds and ease breathing troubles. The leaves of the plant have also been used in the form of a poultice to treat insect bites and bee stings.

The herb as opposed to the oil has also been taken internally to remedy colic and treat bloating and flatulence. The herb has also been used traditionally to treat stomach issues like gastro-enteritis, nausea and diarrhea. It is also used to treat congestion, bronchitis, throat pain and certain menstrual disorders.

Research into the essential oil itself has found that it has excellent anti-fungal properties and can successfully inhibit the growth of various fungal infections including Candida albicans.

Medicinal Uses

Coughs and Congestion

If you are suffering from a respiratory condition like the cold or flu, you are likely to be congested and find it difficult to breathe. Mountain savory essential oil has natural expectorant properties meaning that it can help break up the build up of mucus and phlegm allowing you cough more readily and to expel it from your respiratory and nasal passages.

Mountain savory essential oil can also help you to overcome other respiratory conditions like sinus infections and bronchitis.

The best way to use mountain savory essential oil for this purpose is to inhale it. You can inhale it directly from the bottle or from the palms of your hands.

However, the most effective way to deal with a respiratory issue is to make your own steam treatment. Fill the sink with piping hot water and add a few drops of your essential oil. Cover the upper part of your body with a towel and lean over the sink. Inhale the soothing vapors for a few minutes or for as long as you can tolerate the heat.

Digestive Health

Mountain savory may also have a number of benefits for your overall digestive health. The herb has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for diarrhea and studies have demonstrated that it is extremely effective against the bacteria responsible for diarrhea. It also has carminative properties meaning it can help ease common digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating and gas.

Anti-fungal Uses

Mountain savory essential oil has excellent anti-fungal properties making it a potential natural remedy for a variety of fungal infections. It may be a useful weapon against common skin infections like jock itch or scalp infections like dandruff.

Studies have also found that mountain savory essential oil was extremely effective against Candida albicans. The study published in 2016 set out to examine the effects of 12 essential oils on Candida albicans compared with the three most commonly prescribed medications.

The results were extremely impressive. The researchers found that many of the essential oils including mountain savory inhibited the growth and activity of candida albicans even more effectively than the prescription medication – clotrimazole. (1)

The researchers concluded that Candida albicans was more sensitive to various essential oils than certain drugs and suggested the essential oils offered a potential alternative therapy for vaginal candidiasis.

Antibacterial Uses

Mountain savory essential oil also possesses potent antibacterial properties. Studies have demonstrated that it is extremely effective against various bacterial strains including salmonella. (3)

Because of its antibacterial and antioxidant nature, mountain savory essential oil may also be effective against certain bacterial skin conditions including acne. It may also be used to relieve oral infections. Try adding a few drops of this oil to a glass of water and using it as a mouthwash or gargle but be careful not to ingest any of it.

Hair and Scalp Health

You can add a few drops of mountain savory essential oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner to help bring life and sheen to your locks.

It is also effective against common scalp conditions like dandruff. Studies have demonstrated that this essential oil has potent natural anti-fungal properties making it an excellent choice of treatment for a variety of fungal complaints including dandruff.

Rheumatism and Arthritis

Mountain savory essential oil also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties which can help relieve muscle and joint pain and ease the swelling.

People suffering from rheumatism or arthritis can benefit form this wonderful oil. To treat your swollen joints or muscles, dilute the oil with a suitable carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and then massage it into then affected area of your body.

Bites and Stings

Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic nature, mountain savory essential oil can be applied to insect bites and stings to ease inflammation and reduce the chance of infection taking a hold.

Other Benefits

Massaging mountain savory essential oil into your body can also help boost circulation throughout your system. Mountain savory may also help boost the immune system to keep illness at bay.

How to use Mountain Savory Essential Oil

There are several ways to use mountain savory essential oil depending on the condition you are trying to treat. These are some of the most common:

Massage : Dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into your aching muscles and swollen joints to ease the pain and inflammation.

Inhalation : Inhale the oil directly or in a steam treatment to treat congestion, colds, coughs or bronchitis.

Diffuse : You can diffuse the oil at ho,me or in the office to help clear your mind and help you focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mountain savory essential oil good for?

Among its many therapeutic properties, mountain savory essential oil has excellent antimicrobial, expectorant, carminative and antioxidant actions. It is good for digestive health and can also be used to clear up congestion. You can also apply this oil topically to treat rheumatism and muscle pain and to help treat insect bites and other small wounds.

What does mountain savory oil blend with?

Like most essential oils, pairing mountain savory with one or more other oils can add greatly to its overall benefits. It blends especially well with cerdarwood, clary sage, lavender, bergaamot, frankincense and myrrh essential oils.

Is mountain savory essential oil safe?

Provided you use this oil with caution, it is generally considered safe for topical use and inhalation. Make sure that you dilute the oil before applying it topically and never ingest even a small amount of the oil without seeking expert advice.

Side Effects and Precautions

Like all essential oils, mountain savory oil is extremely beneficial but should be treated with respect and caution. You should be aware that mountain savory essential oil is extremely powerful and take care to use it in a suitable manner.

Never ingest even a small amount of this essential oil without expert supervision.
There is no safety data regarding its effects on pregnant women or breastfeeding infants. Women who are either pregnant or nursing should play it safe and avoid using the oil.
Provided the oil is diluted first, it can be applied topically. Use a suitable carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba or olive oil before applying it to your skin. It is also a good idea to perform a patch test on a discrete are of skin before applying a larger dose.

Final Thoughts

Mountain savory essential oil is extracted from the Satureja montana plant.
It contains a number of active compounds including thymol and carvacrol.
It is used to treat digestion, respiratory issues, congestion and to boost the immune system.
It also has excellent antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that give it a range of topical uses.
People with rheumatism can also benefit from massaging the oil into their swollen joints.

(1) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13880200390502180
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27568869
(3) https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jchem/2013/275698/