Historical background
Satureia brownei is mentioned as an aromatic garden plant in 1578 in Venezuelan documents (VELEZ & VELEZ 1990).

Occurrence
The plant grows mainly in shady or humid places with a more or less temperate climate. It is regarded as semi-creeping and has an annual life cycle. The species is found in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.

Ethnobotanical and general use

Nutritional use
The plant is highly aromatic and used as a condiment, particularly for meat (pounding it before using). The ground plant smells pleasantly of menthol or camphor.

Medical use
The drug is called Satureia brownei (swARTZ) BRIQUETIER folia, rama. It is applied as a pectoral and emmenagogum and for problems of the liver.

Method of use
The plant is usually prepared as an infusion or decoction. To prepare it as a carmiantive and for the expulsion of wind and worms, 250 ml hot water have to be poured over 10 g leaves. The liquid is drunk during the day. As a stimulant or carminative and against bronchitis, 40 g leaves are boiled for five minutes in one liter of water; a small cup is taken 3 times a day; honey may be added to the decoction. People who suffer from gastric ulcer are recommended to take an infusion of Poleo, pouring half a bottle of hot water over 10 g of poleo; this can be taken with sugar in case of hoarseness. To stimulate digestion after heavy meals, half a bottle of hot water is poured over 5 g poleo and 5 g chamomile; after cooling, the liquid is taken immediately after the meal. A decoction of poleo is used for inhalations against sinusitis. Against toothache and mouth ulcers, poleo is boiled together with tobacco, some salt is added and the mouth rinsed with it. The boiled plants can also be rubbed directly in the affected site.

Healing properties
Stomachic, carminative, against flu and catarrh, against debility of the bladder and nocturnal incontinence (decoction or infusion of the entire plant). Antispasmodic, against stomach ache, colics and flatulence, as an expectorant, against palpitations, trembling and nervous vomiting, very effective against hoarseness. As an emmenagogum, for problems of the liver, sedative, aphrodisiac.

Chemical contents
Gum and resin. Menthol, limonene, cineol, carvacrol, menthone, dipentene.

South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.