Winter savory ORG

Production

Harvest

A typical plant of Mediterranean terroirs

An emblematic plant of the Mediterranean scrubland, winter savory (Satureja montana) naturally grows on the arid, sunny, and limestone slopes of the Mediterranean basin. It is found in Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, among other places. Hardy and undemanding, this perennial plant thrives in dry, well-drained, and exposed soils. Its spontaneous growth makes it a valuable species for wild harvesting and low-intensity organic cultivation.

The flowering of savory, between July and September, attracts a wide variety of pollinating insects. Its evergreen leaves release a powerful scent when crushed, blending thyme-like aromas, peppery nuances, and garrigue notes. This olfactory profile is also responsible for the biochemical richness of its essential oil.

Manufacturing

A gentle distillation for a powerful extract

We carefully select our winter savory essential oil from committed producers, specialized in the wild harvesting and organic cultivation of the plant. The extraction process follows these steps:

• Hand harvesting of the flowering aerial parts of the plant at the optimal moment of active compound concentration.

• Quick drying in the field or under shelter to prevent the degradation of volatile compounds.

• Steam distillation, carried out slowly in a still, without the addition of solvents.

• Cooling and separation of the essential oil and hydrosol through natural decantation.

• Filtration and quality control of the oil obtained before packaging.

This extraction method preserves the plant’s most powerful aromatic molecules while ensuring a 100% pure and natural oil.

Application

An essential oil with herbaceous and aromatic notes

Winter savory essential oil reveals an intense and penetrating fragrance, evoking nuances of thyme blended with green, tonic, and very slightly citrusy tones. In natural perfumery, it is used sparingly for its pronounced aromatic effects, capable of structuring fresh, rustic, or cologne compositions.

Its typical accords:

• With woody or resinous notes (pine, cedar, myrrh) to create deep herbaceous bases.

• In contrast with floral or citrusy notes to bring depth and character to softer creations.

An essential oil with strong repellent potential

Winter savory essential oil is also valued in agriculture and gardening as a natural alternative to synthetic products. Thanks to its richness in Carvacrol and Thymol, it is traditionally recognized for:

• Its repellent effect against certain harmful insects.

• Its action against mold or fungi (in preventive use).

• Its ability to strengthen the natural defenses of plants in preparations such as plant teas or aromatic macerations.

Aromatherapy :

A composition rich in phenols

Winter savory essential oil is particularly concentrated in carvacrol (25 to 50%) and thymol, two phenolic compounds known for their powerful olfactory properties.

Main components:

• Carvacrol (25 à 50 %)
• Gamma-terpinene (5 à 25 %)
• Para-cymene (5 à 25%)
• Thymol (<= 15 %)

These aromatic compounds explain the toning and purifying properties traditionally associated with this oil in aromatherapy practices, especially through atmospheric diffusion or diluted use.

Technical and regulatory

Usage tips

Manual:

Ingrédient parfumant. Teneur maximale: 1 goutte pour 100 ml de composition finale. Ne pas ingérer ni appliquer pur sur la peau. Tenir hors de portée des enfants. Ne pas utiliser pour les enfants de moins de 7 ans, les femmes enceintes et allaitantes, les personnes ayant des antécédents de troubles épileptiques ou convulsifs ainsi que chez les personnes allergiques aux huiles essentielles et extraits de plantes.

Consult our guides: storage and preservation methods and precautions for use