Germander

Germander (Teucrium), a large and widely distributed genus of labiate herbs, of which all the European species are of old medicinal repute on account of their aromatic, bitter, and stomachic properties. The species are numerous. The Wall Germander or True Germander (T. chamædrys), often found on ruined walls, has probably been introduced from the south of Europe. With the German T. Botrys, it enjoyed a high reputation in the treatment of gout. Wood Germander or Wood Sage (T. Scorodonia) is a very common British plant, in dry bushy or rocky places. It is very bitter and slightly aromatic. It is used in Jersey as a substitute for hops. Water Germander (T. Scordium), in wet meadows, has a smell like garlic. Cat or Sea Thyme (T. Marum), of southern Europe, like catmint and valerian root, has great attractiveness for cats. It is still sometimes used in the preparation of sneezing powders.