Teucrium buxifolium
StarTeucrium buxifolium
Synonyms: Teucrium buxifolium var. tomentosum, Teucrium buxifolium f. tomentosum, Polium chamaedryoides
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In south-eastern Spain Teucrium buxifolium has traditionally been used to treat rheumatic and other inflammatory complaints, a use supported by pharmacological study of the species, which demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity against experimental arthritis and carrageenan-induced paw oedema as well as significant antiulcer and cytoprotective effects (Fernandez Puntero, Iglesias Peinado and Villar del Fresno, 1997).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Teucrium buxifolium is a small, woody subshrub of the mint family (Lamiaceae) endemic to the limestone mountains of south-eastern Spain. Like other germanders it has square stems clothed in short hairs and sessile glands, and bears opposite, small, leathery leaves that are box-like (the epithet buxifolium meaning box-leaved), with margins rolled under. The flowers are arranged in leafy terminal heads or short spikes; each has the characteristic Teucrium corolla in which the upper lip is reduced and split so that the stamens are exposed, with a prominent lower lip, in shades of white to cream or pale pink. The fruit splits into four nutlets. A drought-adapted chasmophyte, it grows in rock crevices and on stony calcareous slopes of the eastern Iberian Peninsula, where several restricted subspecies, such as subsp. rivasii, are recognised.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Teucrium buxifolium.
No notes yet.