The old English word "saverey" was derived from the Latin "satureia" - a good indication of savory's connection with the satyrs! Over the centuries, savory was considered the herb of love, used to augment physical fervor. Its virtues were stressed by Martial in his epigrams and by Aemilius Macer in his treatise De Herbarum Virtuibus. The famous French herbalist Maurice Mességué suggested savory instead of ginseng to help couples restore conjugal happiness. Sprinkling it generously over every dish, they used to say, can only make your life better.

On the other hand, in the case of an impotent man or a frigid woman, he recommends rubbing the base of the spine with a decoction of savory and fenugreek. Today, essence of savory is still used in aromatherapy to combat sexual inadequacies. After all, its Latin name Satureia means "satyr's herb."

Drinking an infusion of savory before bedtime, it is said, heats up frigid women and revitalizes impotent men

Another method consists of slowing pouring a decoction of savory and fenugreek down the spine.

Preparation

• heat 600 ml (2 1/2 c.) water
• add 3 tbsp. of fenugreek seeds and boil for 5 minutes;
• add two handfuls of fresh savory;
• remove from the heat and let infuse for 1 hour;
• strain and reheat without boiling. Drink 2 cups of this infusion before bedtime and apply as a warm compress to the lower part of the kidneys.