Wall Germander

This cosmopolitan genus of about 100 species of perennials and small, evergreen and deciduous shrubs is centered on the Mediterranean region. Teucrium chamaedrys is a useful small evergreen for steep banks, walls, containers, and edging. In cultivation it is often confused with the hybrid T. x lucidrys (T. chamaedrys x T. lucidum), which is not used medicinally. Plants in herb nurseries are often wrongly labeled, so it is important to check identification when purchasing for medicinal use. Teucrium x lucidrys is taller than T. chamaedrys, and more upright, with glossier, more leathery, darker green leaves. It is often planted as a dwarf hedge in knot gardens, for which purpose the smaller, more spreading T. chamaedrys is unsuitable. Teucrium chamaedrys has been used medicinally since ancient Greek times, when Dioscorides recommended it for coughs and asthma. The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V (1500-1558), was apparently cured of gout by taking decoctions of the herb for 60 days. Culpeper considered it "good against diseases of the brain, as continual headache, falling sickness [epilepsy], melancholy, drowsiness, and dullness of spirits, convulsions and palsies" (The English Physician Enlarged, 1653). Following several cases of liver damage cause by diet formulas containing T. chamaedrys, a voluntary ban was imposed by French herbal practitioners, and many other herbalists no longer prescribe it. Cat thyme (T. marum) is used to treat gall bladder and stomach complaints, and has a similar effect on cats to Nepeta cataria (See Catnip). In N Africa, T. polium (mountain germander, ja'adah) is taken as an infusion for gastrointestinal complaints, and used as a depurative in steam baths for colds and fevers; it is also used to flavor drinks. Teucrium scorodonia (wood sage, sage-leafed germander) had very-bitter, hop-scented leaves that have similar medicinal properties to those of T. chamaedrys, and were once used in brewing.

Shrubby, aromatic perennial with a creeping rootstock, upright to spreading stems, and ovate, deeply veined, lobed leaves, about 3cm (1¼in) long, resembling small oak leaves. Small pink to magenta, two-lipped, tubular flowers appear in summer and autumn.

Common Name:	Wall Germander
Botanical Name:	Teucrium chamaedrys
Genus:	Teucrium
Family:	Lamiaceae
Native Location:	Europe and SW Asia
Cultivation:	Light, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in dry or stony soil in sun. Cut off dead flower spikes to encourage bushy new growth.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; by division in spring; by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Plants are cut when flowering, and dried for use in infusions and liquid extracts.
height:	10-24cm (4-10in)
Width:	10-42cm (4-10in)
Hardiness:	Z5-9
Parts Used:	Whole plant, leaves
Properties:	A bitter, astringent, anti-rheumatic herb that reduces inflammation, stimulates the digestion, and lowers fever. It has antiseptic, diuretic, and decongestant effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for loss of appetite, gall bladder and digestive disorders, summer diarrhea in children, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, nasal mucus, and bronchitis; also to encourage weight loss. Externally for gum disease, skin eruptions, and injuries (including snakebite). Combined with Apium graveolens, (See, Wild Celery), Filipendula ulmaria, (See, Meadowsweet), and Guaiacum officinale (See, Lignum Vitae) for rheumatoid arthritis; and with Achillea millefolium (See, Yarrow) and Apium graveolens (See, Wild Celery) for gout; and with Lobelia inflata (See, Indian Tobacco) and Marrubium vulgare (See, Horehound) for bronchitis.
Warning:	May cause liver damage and is subject to a voluntary ban by practitioners in some countries, notably in France
Economic Uses:	Leaves are used to flavor liqueurs, vermouths, and tonic wines.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 385.