Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)

Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) is a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and flowers have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, bitter, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and ayurvedic medicine.

Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Germander
Scientific Name	Teucrium chamaedrys
Plant Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Teucrium
Species	chamaedrys
Native Range	Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Teucrium chamaedrys
Common Name: Germander
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Wall Germander, Caraway Germander, Common Germander
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Teucrium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Opposite, ovate leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Small, white to pale blue flowers arranged in dense clusters, actinomorphic, with four petals and five sepals, bearing distinctive glandular dots along the floral tube.
Stems: Climbing, twining stems with opposite branching, covered in short, stiff hairs, bearing opposite, simple leaves with prominent midveins.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a moderate anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a warming bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a mild tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a soothing diuretic, for moisture-related balance.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.