Herb & supplement monograph

Summer Savory Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Summer Savory interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Summer Savory is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Summer Savory is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
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Summer Savory Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Summer Savory drug interaction appears low for most people, since the only known concern is theoretical. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all of them trace back to a single concern supported only by lab research, not human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one area that deserves attention involves anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, often called blood thinners. Lab studies suggest summer savory extract may make platelets less sticky, which in theory could add to the bleeding risk of medicines such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. Because these medicines work within a narrow margin and bleeding can be serious, we treat this combination with extra care even though the effect has not been confirmed in people.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications reflects just one shared concern: every entry is a blood thinner of some kind. No human research has shown that summer savory actually changes bleeding risk, so most of these pairings represent a cautious prediction rather than proven harm.

Check your medications against Summer Savory

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Summer Savory interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Summer Savory

122 medications have a known interaction with Summer Savory, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcenocoumarolSintrom› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic› Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen› Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin› Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid› AnagrelideAgrylin› AnisindioneMiradon› Antithrombin IiiThrombate III› ApixabanEliquis› ArgatrobanArgatroban› AspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more› Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3› Aspirin, ButalbitalAxotal› Aspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal› Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine› Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal› Aspirin, CaffeineAnacin› Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine› Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC› Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet› Aspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P› Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal› Aspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte› Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Summer Savory combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Summer Savory affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Summer Savory is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Summer Savory interacts with
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

In vitro research suggests that summer savory extract inhibits platelet aggregation and adhesion. Theoretically, summer savory might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Summer Savory: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Summer savory is a common kitchen herb that has long been used as a tea or remedy for digestive complaints and minor infections. Food amounts are generally considered safe, but human studies supporting its medicinal use are very limited, so don't rely on it to treat any health condition. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated extracts or the essential oil.

Scientific name
Satureja hortensis
Family
Lamiaceae
Part used
Leaves, flowering tops, and essential oil
Common forms
Culinary herb (fresh or dried), tea, essential oil, capsules/extracts
People commonly use it for
  • Digestive upset and gas
  • Sore throat and cough
  • Antimicrobial
  • Mild diarrhea
  • Seasoning/culinary use

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Likely safe as a food seasoning, but medicinal amounts and the essential oil are not well studied.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It is a small annual plant with narrow leaves and a peppery, slightly spicy taste that is often compared to thyme. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is now grown in gardens around the world.

For centuries, summer savory has been used mainly as a cooking herb to flavor beans, meats, soups, and sauces. In traditional folk medicine, people have also brewed the leaves into a tea for stomach and throat complaints. Today it is available fresh, dried, as a tea, and in more concentrated forms like extracts and essential oil.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used summer savory for digestive problems such as gas, bloating, cramps, and mild diarrhea, and as a gargle or tea for sore throats and coughs. It has also been valued for possible antimicrobial effects.

It is important to be honest about the science: most of the research on summer savory comes from laboratory and animal studies. These early studies suggest the plant and its oil may have antioxidant and germ-fighting activity in a test tube, but this does not prove it works in the human body. There is very little high-quality human research, so the evidence for treating any medical condition is considered insufficient.

In short, summer savory is well established as a flavorful food, but it should not be counted on as a treatment for any specific illness.

How it works

Summer savory contains an essential oil rich in compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, along with other plant chemicals like rosmarinic acid and various flavonoids. These same compounds are found in related herbs such as thyme and oregano.

In laboratory tests, carvacrol and thymol can slow the growth of certain bacteria and fungi and act as antioxidants. Researchers think these effects might explain its traditional use for infections and digestive upset. However, the results seen in a lab dish or in animals do not always carry over to people, so these mechanisms remain proposed rather than proven in humans.

Safety & precautions

When used in the small amounts found in food, summer savory is generally considered safe for most people. The bigger unknowns come with concentrated extracts and the essential oil, which have not been well studied for safety.

The undiluted essential oil should never be swallowed and can irritate the skin. People with allergies to other mint-family herbs (like oregano, thyme, or basil) may be more likely to react to summer savory.

Pregnancy: Avoid medicinal or supplement amounts during pregnancy, since safety has not been established. Breastfeeding: Normal food use is likely fine, but avoid concentrated supplements because there is not enough safety information. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal product.

Side effects

Used as a food, summer savory rarely causes problems. When taken in larger or concentrated amounts, possible side effects can include stomach upset or mild digestive irritation.

Direct contact with the essential oil may cause skin or mouth irritation. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people sensitive to other mint-family plants. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no established standardized medicinal dose for summer savory. Most people use it simply as a culinary herb to taste, or as a mild tea made from the dried leaves.

If you choose to use a commercial supplement, tea, or essential oil product, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Because product strength varies widely and the essential oil is highly concentrated, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before using anything stronger than ordinary food amounts.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Summer Savory & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.

Summer Savory & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our Summer Savory monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Yazdanparast, R. and Shahriyary, L. Comparative effects of Artemisia dracunculus, Satureja hortensis and Origanum majorana on inhibition of blood platelet adhesion, aggregation and secretion. Vascul.Pharmacol 2008;48(1):32-37. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Summer Savory

3 brands in our database make a supplement containing Summer Savory.

Product directory

Supplement products with Summer Savory

12 products in our database contain Summer Savory. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Summer Savory: Common Questions

Does Summer Savory interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 122 medications with a known interaction with Summer Savory. Use the checker above to see how Summer Savory interacts with a specific drug.
How are Summer Savory interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Summer Savory with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Summer Savory interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Summer Savory used for?
It is mainly used as a flavorful cooking herb. Traditionally, people have also taken it as a tea for gas, upset stomach, and sore throats, though strong scientific proof for these uses is lacking.
Is Summer Savory safe to eat?
Yes, in the small amounts used to season food it is generally considered safe for most people. Concentrated extracts and the essential oil are less studied, so use those more cautiously.
Can I use Summer Savory if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Using it as a normal food seasoning is likely fine, but avoid medicinal or supplement amounts because their safety hasn't been confirmed. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Is Summer Savory the same as winter savory?
They are closely related mint-family herbs with similar flavors, but they are different plants. Summer Savory is an annual with a milder, slightly sweeter taste, while winter savory is a hardier perennial.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Summer Savory

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Summer Savory — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 12 products with Summer Savory →
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