ENGLISH NAME: Wall Germander
LATIN NAME: Teucrium chamaedrys
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Červený podražec
Turkey: Taş yoncası
Bulgaria: Червено подъбиче (Cherveno podŭbiche)
Georgia: კედლის ღერძკბილა (Kedlis gherdz’kbil’a)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Turkey, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Dry grassy slopes, forest edges, limestone
outcrops
Elevation: Up to 1500 meters
Terrain: Well-drained
calcareous or rocky soils in sunny, warm areas
DESCRIPTION:
Wall Germander is a low-growing, evergreen subshrub reaching 10–30 cm in height. It features glossy, toothed, opposite leaves and pink to purple bilabiate flowers that bloom in spikes during summer. The plant is aromatic and
forms dense mats, often used as groundcover in herb gardens.
USABLE PARTS: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowering tops)
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used as a tonic, digestive stimulant, and mild astringent. It may support liver and
gallbladder function and has been applied externally for minor wounds and skin
irritations.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Prolonged or excessive internal use
can lead to liver toxicity. Use cautiously and not
recommended without professional supervision.
Not advised during pregnancy or for those with
liver conditions.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Sometimes blended with bitter herbs such as gentian or yarrow in
traditional liver-support formulas.
PREPARATION:
Used mainly as an infusion for external washes or compresses.
Internally consumed only under qualified guidance due to hepatotoxic risk.
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer (June–August),
during peak flowering.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut aerial
parts just before or during blooming. Avoid pulling roots to
ensure plant sustainability.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry aerial parts in shade or well-ventilated
area, away from moisture and direct sun.
Store in airtight containers in
a cool, dark place.