GERMANDER: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

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 stomach and intestinal issues, weight loss, fever, and oral hygiene, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

In manufacturing, germander is used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages.

How does it work ?

There isn't enough information to know how germander might work.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Gallbladder conditions.
Fever.
Gout.
Stomach pain.
Diarrhea.
Weight loss.
Use as a germ-killer (antiseptic).
Use as a mouthwash.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of germander for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Germander is LIKELY UNSAFE. France has banned its sale. Canada does not allow germander to be included in products that are taken by mouth. 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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Germander is LIKELY UNSAFE to take as medicine. If you take it while pregnant or breast-feeding, you will endanger yourself as well as your baby.

Interactions

We currently have no information for GERMANDER overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of germander depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for germander. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Chrubasik, J. E., Roufogalis, B. D., Wagner, H., and Chrubasik, S. A. A comprehensive review on nettle effect and efficacy profiles, Part I: herba urticae. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(6):423-435. View abstract.

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Castot A, Djezzar S, Deleau N, et al. [Pharmacovigilance off the beaten track: herbal surveillance or pharmacovigilance of medicinal plants]. Therapie 1997;52:97-103. View abstract.

Kouzi SA, McMurtry RJ, Nelson SD. Hepatotoxicity of germander (Teucrium chamaedrys L.) and one of its constituent neoclerodane diterpenes teucrin A in the mouse. Chem Res Toxicol 1994;7:850-6. View abstract.

Larrey D, Vial T, Pauwels A, et al. Hepatitis after germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) administration: another instance of herbal medicine hepatotoxicity. Ann Intern Med 1992;117:129-32. View abstract.

Milutinovic MG, Maksimovic VM, Cvetkovic DM, et al. Potential of Teucrium chamaedrys L. to modulate apoptosis and biotransformation in colorectal carcinoma cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;240:111951. View abstract.

Mostefa-Kara N, Pauwels A, Pines E, et al. Fatal hepatitis after herbal tea. Lancet 1992;340:674.

Pauwels A, Thierman-Duffaud D, Azanowsky JM, et al. [Acute hepatitis caused by wild germander. Hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies. Two cases]. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 1992;16:92-5. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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