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 | Germander Other Names: Petit Chêne. Chasse fièvre.
Botanical Name: Teucrium chamaedrys
Family: N.O. Labiatae |
Description: |
The roots are perennial and creeping, the square stem, 6 to 18 inches high, erect, much branched, leafy. The opposite, dark green leaves are 1/2 to 1 1/2 inch long and indented, somewhat like an oak leaf, hence the name Chamaedrys, from chamai (ground) and drus (oak). The name Germander is considered also to be a corruption of Chamaedrys. The French term this plant Petit Chêne, from the shape of the leaves, as well as Chasse fièvre, from its use in medicine.
The rose-coloured, labiate flowers, which bloom in June and July, are in three to six flowered whorls, in the axils of leafy bracts, and in leafy, terminal spikes. The whole plant is almost roughly hairy.
The fresh leaves are bitter and pungent to the taste and when rubbed, emit a strong odour somewhat resembling garlic |
Habitat: |
| The Common or Wall Germander (Teucrium Chamaedrys) is a native of many parts of Europe, the Greek Islands and also of Syria, being found near Jerusalem, but in England is scarce and hardly indigenous being chiefly found on the ruins of old buildings and in other places where it has escaped from cultivation. It was formerly much cultivated in this country for medicinal purposes. |
Cultivation: |
Germander will grow in almost any soil and is propagated by seeds,by cuttings taken in spring or summer, and by division of roots, in the autumn. Plant about a foot apart each way.
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Medicinal Usage: |
Stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic. Germander acts as a slight aperient, as well as a tonic.
The reputation of Germander as a specific for gout is of very old date, the Emperor Charles V having been cured by a decoction of this herb taken for sixty days in succession.
It has been employed in various forms and combinations, of which the once celebrated Portland Powder is one of the chief instances.
It was also used as a tonic in intermittent fevers, and is recommended for uterine obstructions.
The expressed juice of the leaves, with the addition of white wine, is held to be good in obstruction of the viscera.
Possessing qualities nearly allied to those of Horehound, a decoction of the green herb, taken with honey, has been found useful in asthmatic affections and coughs, being recommended for this purpose by Dioscorides. The decoction has also been given to relieve dropsy in its early stages.
Culpepper tells us that it is:
'most effectual against the poison of all serpents, being drunk in wine and the bruised herb outwardly applied.... Used with honey it cleanseth ulcers and made into an oil and the eyes anointed therewith, taketh away dimness and moisture. It is also good for pains in the side and cramp.... The decoction taken for four days driveth away and cureth tertian and quartan agues. It is also good against diseases of the brain, as continual headache, falling sickness, melancholy, drowsiness and dulness of spirits, convulsions and palsies.'
He further states that the powdered seeds are good against jaundice. The tops, when in flower, steeped twenty-four hours in white wine will destroy worms. |
Ancient Lore: |
GERMANDER TEUCRIUM CIIAMAEDRYS
It is commanded by some as a specific for the gout.
Commonly known as Wall Germander, it has a spreading creeping root, square hairy branches, with leaves resembling that of the Oak, and labiated flowers of a purplish-red.
Where to find it: Cultivated in gardens, but also found growing on ruins of old buildings.
Flowering time: Early to midsummer.
Astrology. Germander is a herb of warm thin parts, under Mars.
Medicinal virtues: It opens obstructions of the liver, spleen and kidneys, and is used for jaundice, dropsy and stoppage of urine. It is also a good emmenagogue. A specific for gout, rheumatism and pains in the limbs, it is also undoubtedly a good vulnerary and a useful ingredient in pectoral medicines.
The juice is justly recommended among the rest of the anti-scorbutic juices to be taken in the spring for some time.
Modem uses: The whole herb is used. It is collected in July(January, in the southern hemisphere) and dried. It is a stimulating tonic with diuretic and diaphoretic properties. It is combined with Meadowsweet and Celery Seed for rheumatism and gout, and with Horehound for coughs and asthma. One ounce (28 g) of the dried herb is steeped in 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water and taken in doses Of 1-2 fl OZ (28-56 mi) two or three times a day. |
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