Many of the herbal formulas used here at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services contain dianthus as one of the main ingredients.
So, we thought you may be interested in its the history, use, and effects.
A History of Dianthus Health Benefits
The name dianthus was given by The Greek botanist Theophrastus came up with the name “dianthyus”. Dianthus means divine (dios) flower (anthos).
The relationship to the divine might reference Artemis and a story portraying the irrational anger of a goddess.
Artemis was hunting when a shepherd playing an instrument frightened her quarry. In a fit of anger, Artemis tore out the shepherd’s eyes. However, her anger passed like a summer shower and she immediately felt sorry for her anger.
Her remorse resulted in beautiful flowers that bloomed in the place of the man’s lost eyes.
The reference to the divine haunts the flower in other ways, as well. Another name for carnations during the fifteenth century was gillyflower or clove.
Many people felt that the scent of the carnation was similar to that of cloves.
Cloves are shaped like nails – similar to the shape of the nails that people believed were used to hammer Jesus to the cross.
Catholics chose dianthus to represent the Virgin Mary (as well as at least fifty percent of all other flowers). As a result, dianthus appears in many paintings of the Virgin from the thirteenth century foreword. -Plants & Bulbs Suite 101
Dianthus is an annual flowering herb. It is a member of the carnation family.
There are two types of dianthus: dianthus chinesis and dianthus superbus.
Herbal medicine most often ustilizes Dianthus chinesis.
Dianthus grows well in cool zones but will also grow in warm areas with well-drained soil. It can be found in many places including meadows, streamsides, rocky ravines, grasslands, mountain slopes, forest margins, and dry hillsides. This herb is often used as an ornamental plant in landscapes and gardens throughout the United States.
Dianthus Health Benefits in Eastern Herbal Medicine
One of the Traditional Chinese Medicine blends used in our clinic is Dianthus Harmonize Bladder.
In a Traditional Chinese Theory, when damp heat is present within the bladder the conditions are favorable for developing:
- bladder crystals, stones, and obstructions
- urinary tract infections.
Dianthus, along with several supportive ingredients (talcum, Plantago seed, gardenia, rhubarb root, licorice root, akebia, and rush pith) work together to promote a proper urinary environment by draining damp heat, promoting urination, and resolving obstructions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners use the dried aerial parts of the Dianthus chinesis, calling it Qu Mai.
Chinese herbalists consider dianthus is considered cold and bitter, and associate it with the meridians of the Bladder, Heart, and Small Intestine.
Eastern herbalists use dianthus to:
- unblocks the bowels
- break up stasis
- clear damp heat
- promote urination
- unblock Plantago syndrome.
Dianthus Health Benefits in Western Herbal Medicine
In Western Herbal Medicine, practitioners use the entire herb as a bitter tonic herb that stimulates the urinary system, digestive system, and bowels.
Dianthus chinesis offers many health benefits.
For example, by classification, dianthus is:
- antibacterial,
- anthelmintic
- antiphlogistic
- diuretic
- diaphoretic
- emmenagogue
- febrifuge
- haemostatic
Western practitioners use dianthus internally to ease cystitis and urinary tract challenges.
They also often use it as an overall digestion aid and the urinary system tonic.
Historically, western herblalists have used dianthus internally to help:
- cystitis
- urinary stones
- constipation
- failure to menstruate.
Externally, they use a decoction to soothe skin inflammations and swellings.
In addition, herbalists crush old leaves and make washes to clear eyesight.
Dianthus Health Benefits in Culinary Use
Some people use dianthus in cooking.
For example, fresh dianthus petals added in liven up salads, sandwiches and pies.
In addition, the petals of the flowers, when crystallized, make beautiful decorations for cakes and pastries.
When using this herb for cooking make sure to remove the petal base – it is quite bitter!
Dianthus Contraindications and Side Effects
Dianthus can stimulate the uterus, so you should not use it for pregnant or lactating females.
Over dosage of dianthus can cause prolonged contractions of the uterus.
Currently, there are no known drugs that interact with dianthus.
Learn More About How to Help Your Dog’s Bladder or Kidney Stones
Are you interested in improving the health of your pet with natural remedies, herbal medicine, or alternative medicine?
Sources:
- Acupuncture Today
- Herbe Rowe
- Herbsmith Rx
- Natural Medicinal Herbs
- Plants & Bulbs Suite 101
- TCM.health-info.org
- Yin Yang House
Note: It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before concluding that your pet has a particular ailment. Your veterinarian will also be able to recommend the best dosage of a particular remedy for your pet based on its symptoms, age, size, and specific needs.
