Germander, Water (Teucrium stevenianum printed as Teucrium Chamędrys) Click on graphic for larger image

Germander, Water

Botanical: Teucrium scordium (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Labiatae

• Description
• Medicinal Action and Uses
• Preparation

---Description---The square, hairy stalks, are of a dirty green colour and very weak. The leaves are short, broad, woolly and soft, and indented at the edges. The flowers are small, of a purplish-rose colour, in whorls, in the axils of the leaves. It flowers in July and August.

The whole plant is bitter and slightly aromatic.

The fresh leaves, when rubbed, have a penetrating odour, like Garlic, and it is said that when cows eat it through hunger, it gives the flavour of Garlic to their milk.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---It was once esteemed as an antidote for poisons and as an antiseptie and anthelmintic, but is now searcely used, though its tonic and aromatic bitter qualities and diaphoretic action make a decoction of it an excellent remedy in all inflammatory diseases, and it may be used with advantage in weak, relaxed constitutions.

The tincture in small doses is considered a good remedy for exhilarating and rousing torpid faculties.

For intermittent fever and scrofulous complaints the infusion of 1 OZ. of the dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water, taken in wineglassful doses, is recommended.

The dried leaves have been employed as a vermifuge, and decoction is said to be a good fomentation in gangrenous cases.

---Preparation---Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm.

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