Health & Well-Being A-Z

Germander

Germander plant
Description

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.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence
  • 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.

Is it Safe?

Action

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

Safety

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 & Warnings:

Germander shouldn't be used by anyone. Some people may be at even higher risk of side effects.

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.

Drug interactions

It is not known if Germander interacts with any medicines. Before taking Germander, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

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.

Other names

Camedrio, Chasse-Fièvre, Chêneau, Chenette, Germandrée, Germandrée Officinale, Germandrée Petit Chêne, Petit Chêne, Teucrium chamaedrys, Wall Germander, Wild Germander.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.