What is the herb germander used for?
Overview. Germander is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, people take germander for treating gallbladder conditions, fever, stomachaches, and mild diarrhea; as a digestive aid, germ-killer, and “rinse for gout;” and to help with weight loss.
Is germander safe?
The U.S. still allows germander to be used in small amounts as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages. The safety concern is that germander has caused several cases of liver disease (hepatitis) and death.
What is the herb germander?
Germander herb plants are members of the Lamiaceae or Mint family, which includes lavender and salvia. This is a large genus of evergreens, from ground covers to shrubs to sub shrubs. Germander herb plants bloom lavender-hued flowers in the spring borne off of green serrated foliage.
Is Teucrium poisonous?
The most well known toxic Teucrium species are Teucrium chamaedrys, T. polium and T. capitatum, the use of which as herbal medicines and dietary supplements should be strictly controlled.
Is Teucrium edible?
Edible Uses The plant resembles hops in taste and flavour[4]. An infusion of the leaves and flowers is used as a hop substitute for flavouring beer in some areas[2, 4, 183].
What does the word germander mean?
Definition of germander : any of a genus (Teucrium) of plants of the mint family with flowers having four projecting stamens, a short corolla tube, and a prominent lower lip.
How do you grow Teucrium?
The seeds of Germander and other Teucrium plant genus members may be sown on the surface in late autumn or early spring. Ideally they like to grow in sunny or partially shaded areas that have a well drained soil. The soil type that plants grows in is not overly important.
How do you take care of a germander?
It is easy to care for Germander and other members of the Teucrium genus. They should be watered during dry spells and regularly lightly fertilised. Every spring cut back the plant stems by about fifty percent. If you require more Teucrium plants then they can be propagated in the spring from cuttings or by division.
Is primrose jasmine poisonous?
What is Primrose Poisoning? The primrose plant is one of the first to bloom in the spring producing beautiful, colorful flowers. While the primrose may be aesthetically pleasing, it is toxic if ingested. If your dog eats this plant, a veterinary visit is warranted.
Are Germanders poisonous?
Its blossoms are used as a folk medicine to treat dyspepsia, diabetes, and gout. However, chronic use of germander may cause hepatotoxicity. In general, the toxic effects of germander are first seen within 9 weeks of use and are manifested by jaundice and elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST).