Teucrium
scorodoniaWoodland Germander
A European native that has escaped from gardens to become naturalized in eastern Canada, this magic herb was once used as a substitute for hops in beer, which tells something about its flavor (bitter). It was also part of a recipe for bitters that included equal parts of woodland germander, lesser centaury (Centaurium pulchellum, a close relative of bitter gentians), and wormwood (this combo sounds horribly bitter!). It gets one of its common names, "hind heal," from the belief that deer eat woodland germander to heal snakebites, snakes being a Martial critter. Likewise, it was a traditional strewing herb in the Middle Ages for keeping snakes out of the house. Like many Venus herbs, woodland germander has been used for skin afflictions, especially old wounds and sores. These uses and its membership in the Mint family make it a Venus herb. Consider the this herb for Venus protection from Mars assault, such as against offensive magic, against Fiery spells, and against any serpentine manifestations. Some consider that this plant smells like sage when crushed; others say the scent is garlicky and that it will add a garlicky fragrance to the milk of animals that eat it. It's not related to garlic or sage, though. It is also known as wood sage, large-leaved germander, garlic sage, ambroise, ambrose, sage-leaved germander.
How
to Grow Woodland Germander
Seeds germinate in two weeks at room temperature.
Transplant to well drained soil that is rocky or sandy and in full sun
up north or partial shade in the south; it grows naturally in open
woodlands, so it likes neither fully open sites nor heavy shade. It
spreads by rhizomes, which can easily cover 6ft/2m, so make sure you
want it to stay where you put it. Woodland germander gets 1-2ft/30-60cm
tall and is hardy to zone 6. The greenish yellow flowers typically
appear in July. Bees are very fond of this herb, even though it is one
of the few bee plants that does NOT have blue/violet flowers.
Butterflies and moths also enjoy the flowers. Harvest and dry the herb
for later use. General
growing info
Teucrium
scorodonia
Woodland Germander
100 seeds $3.75
Uses
in Witchcraft & Magic:
Protection, esp.
against Mars magic
Venus Herb
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