Herb & supplement monograph

Winter Savory Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

First and foremost: how Winter Savory interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Winter 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 Winter 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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Winter 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 Winter Savory drug interaction appears low for most people. Only one interaction is documented, it is rated moderate rather than major, and no other medications are known to be affected.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one combination that deserves real attention involves lithium. Winter savory is thought to act as a mild diuretic, and anything that changes how the body handles fluid can slow how the kidneys clear lithium. Because lithium is a narrow-margin medicine where even small rises in blood levels can cause problems, anyone taking it should treat this pairing with caution and keep their prescriber informed. For people not taking lithium, nothing in the current data stands out as a concern.

What the rest of the list means

It helps to know this concern is based mostly on how winter savory is expected to work rather than on reports of harm in people. The predicted effect on lithium levels has not been confirmed in well-controlled human studies, so the true size of the risk is uncertain. A short interaction record like this also reflects how little this herb has been formally studied with medications, not proof that other combinations are risk free.

Check your medications against Winter Savory

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Winter Savory

1 medication has a known interaction with Winter Savory, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug)Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3›
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 Winter 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 Winter Savory affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Winter 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 Winter Savory interacts with
Lithium
Lithium

Winter savory is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, winter savory might reduce the excretion of lithium and increase plasma levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Winter Savory: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Winter savory is a culinary herb in the mint family used mainly to flavor food and, in folk medicine, to ease digestion and sore throats. Solid human research is very limited, so it should not be relied on to treat any health condition. It is generally considered safe in food amounts, but concentrated extracts and the essential oil call for more caution.

Scientific name
Satureja montana
Family
Lamiaceae
Part used
Leaves, flowering tops, and essential oil
Common forms
Culinary herb, tea, dried herb, capsules, essential oil
People commonly use it for
  • Digestive upset and gas
  • Sore throat
  • Antimicrobial
  • Cough
  • Seasoning food

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 concentrated extracts and essential oil are not well studied in people.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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.

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Overview

Winter savory (Satureja montana) is an aromatic herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is a small, woody, perennial shrub with narrow leaves and a peppery, slightly piney taste. It is native to warm, dry parts of southern Europe and the Mediterranean and is now grown in gardens around the world.

Its closest relative is summer savory, and the two are often used in similar ways. Winter savory has a stronger, sharper flavor and is a common seasoning for beans, meats, and stews. Beyond the kitchen, it has a long history in folk medicine for digestive complaints and sore throats, and its essential oil is used for its antimicrobial smell and taste.

How it works

Winter savory contains aromatic plant compounds, with carvacrol and thymol often making up much of its essential oil. It also has other terpenes and antioxidant compounds called polyphenols.

In laboratory studies, carvacrol and thymol can damage the outer membranes of bacteria and fungi, which is the basis for the herb's reputation as an antimicrobial. These compounds also show antioxidant activity, meaning they can neutralize unstable molecules in the test tube.

It is important to remember that most of this mechanism research is from lab and animal models, not from people. What happens in a dish or in a rodent does not always translate to a real benefit at the small amounts a person would actually consume.

Effectiveness

Does Winter Savory work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Winter Savory, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Premature ejaculation
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in males with premature ejaculation shows that taking a combination product (Eiacumev, Farmaceutica MEV) containing winter savory, chanca piedra, tribulus, cardamom, tryptophan, niacin, thiamine, and vitamins C and B6 for 3 months lengthens the intravaginal time to ejaculation by about 30 seconds when compared to a control group receiving counseling. Although winter savory is traditionally used for premature ejaculation, it is not clear if this effect is due to winter savory, the other ingredients, or the combination. Also, it is not clear whether an increase of 30 seconds to ejaculation is beneficial in terms of quality of life.

Sources Ref 97016

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

As a food seasoning, winter savory has been eaten safely for centuries and is generally considered low-risk. The bigger questions are about concentrated supplements and the essential oil, which have not been well studied for safety in humans.

The essential oil should never be swallowed undiluted and should be kept away from children, as concentrated plant oils can be irritating or toxic. People who are allergic to plants in the mint family (such as oregano, thyme, or marjoram) may also react to winter savory.

Pregnancy: Avoid medicinal amounts and the essential oil because there is not enough safety information. Breastfeeding: Normal food amounts are likely fine, but avoid concentrated extracts and oils without checking with your doctor. Anyone with a chronic illness, or who is taking prescription medicines, should speak with a pharmacist before using winter savory supplements.

Side effects

When used as a culinary herb, winter savory rarely causes problems. Larger or concentrated amounts may cause stomach upset, nausea, or digestive irritation in some people.

The essential oil and strong extracts can irritate the skin, mouth, or stomach lining, especially if not properly diluted. Allergic reactions are possible, particularly in people sensitive to other mint-family herbs. Stop using it and seek medical care if you develop a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no established, standardized medicinal dose for winter savory. Most people simply use it as a seasoning in cooking, which is considered the safest way to enjoy it.

If you choose a tea, capsule, or essential oil product, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the suggested amount. Essential oils are very concentrated and require special handling and dilution. Because product strengths vary widely, check with a pharmacist before starting any winter savory supplement, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Winter Savory & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Winter Savory & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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 3 references that drive our Winter 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. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. Sansalone S, Russo GI, Mondaini N, Cantiello F, Antonini G, Cai T. A combination of tryptophan, Satureja montana, Tribulus terrestris, Phyllanthus emblica extracts is able to improve sexual quality of life in patient with premature ejaculation. Arch Ital 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 Winter Savory

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

Product directory

Supplement products with Winter Savory

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Winter Savory: Common Questions

What is Winter Savory used for, and does it work?
People use Winter Savory for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Winter Savory interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 1 medication with a known interaction with Winter Savory. Use the checker above to see how Winter Savory interacts with a specific drug.
How are Winter 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 Winter 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 Winter 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 Winter Savory used for?
It is mostly used as a culinary herb to flavor beans, meats, and stews. In folk medicine, people use it for gas, upset stomach, and sore throats, though strong scientific proof for these uses is lacking.
Is Winter Savory safe to use?
As a food seasoning it is generally considered safe for most people. Concentrated supplements and the essential oil are less studied, so use them cautiously and keep the essential oil away from children.
Can I use Winter Savory while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Food amounts are likely fine, but you should avoid medicinal doses and the essential oil during pregnancy because of limited safety data. If breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using concentrated products.
What is the difference between winter and summer savory?
They are closely related mint-family herbs. Winter Savory is a hardy perennial with a stronger, sharper, more peppery flavor, while summer savory is a milder annual.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Winter Savory

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

See all 8 products with Winter Savory →
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