- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia
Europe · Herb · № 197
Dianthus spp.
Herb · Europe
Carnation
Dianthus spp.
The clove pink has fragrant, edible petals. In Chinese medicine the related Dianthus superbus (qu mai) is used for bladder infections; no medicinal effect is described for the garden carnation.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Not during pregnancy or with qi deficiency of kidney or spleen.
Preparation
Petals (without the bitter white base) in salads, syrups or candied.
Use in traditions
In the Middle Ages the carnation was grown to flavour wine and beer, hence the English name sops-in-wine. In Christian art the red carnation stands for the love and suffering of Christ; in Portugal it became the symbol of the Carnation Revolution in 1974. In herbal magic associated with protection, strength, energy and luck.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- bitter, cold
- Meridians
- heart, small intestine, bladder
Attributed effects
Qu mai (Dianthus superbus) strongly promotes urination in damp heat with dark, bloody or scanty urine, cystitis and dribbling, and moves the blood in absent menstruation.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 6–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With akebia, talc and knotgrass in ba zheng san for cystitis
Caution: Not during pregnancy or with qi deficiency of kidney or spleen.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Protection, strength, energy, luck, healing.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
A good gift for the sick.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen
- Formulas
- Ba zheng san