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Zuta Levana

Zuta Levana

Scientific Name : Micromeria Fruticosa (L.) Druce

Common Name : White Micromeria, White Savory, White-Leaved Savory, Tea Hyssop

Arabic Name : Za`Atamn,Ashab A-Shai, عشب الشاي ,زعتيمان

Plant Family : Labiatae / Lamiaceae


Micromeria fruticosa, commonly known as White micromeria or White-leaved Savory, is a dwarf evergreen shrub endemic to the Holy Land and the eastern Mediterranean. It is a member of the genus Micromeria, of the Lamiaceae family. It is known as zuta levana in Hebrew and ashab a-shai in Arabic.

A popular tea flavoring agent in Palestine, Zuta Levana is a wild evergreen herb that is known for its calming abilities.  When added to hot tea, it is believed that it has the abilities to reduce fevers as well as assist in curing headaches, insomnia, joint pain, cold, cough, congestion, sore throat, bronchitis, laryngitis, stomach aches, gas, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, motion sickness, and to suppress the appetite. 

It is a Palestinian tradition and ritual to use this herb in tea by plucking it right off the plant where it flourishes in minimal soil between the rocks cracks. The plant can be used fresh yet it has a more vibrant flavor when dry. It is recognized by its minty, spicy, anise like flavor.  It is advised that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive not use this herb.