Dianthus caryophyllus
Botanical Nomenclature | Dianthus caryophyllus |
Common Name | Carnation, Clove Pink |
Taxonomy- Family | Caryophyllaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Dianthus caryophyllus is a perennial, evergreen plant growing from 45 to 80cm. It is densely vegetated with oblong leaves and colorful (pink, purple, red, white) flowers. It blossoms during autumn and the harvesting takes place in spring or in summer. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Flowers, which change color at harvest. |
Active Substances | Essential oil (20%) which contains 84-95% eugenol, sesquiterpenes (alpha- and beta- caryophyllene), esters, ketones, alcohols |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has disinfectant and moderate analgesic properties and is mainly used in dentistry (essential oil). Also it improves digestive function and is recommended in the treatment of bloating, nausea and vomiting. The herbal tea is effective in mental overstimulation conditions such as hysteria and chronic insomnia. In industry is mainly used as seasoning, for example in the tobacco industry as flavor, in perfumery and food industry. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as sedative and digestive in the form of herbal tea (3-5g of the dried fruit in 150-200mL of boiled water, 1-2 cups a day). In dentistry is used the essential oil of the plant, which is locally applied with a cotton as a disinfectant and analgesic. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | The essential oil may cause burn in the oral mucosa after ingestion. No side effects are reported. |
References | 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Β' τόμος, σελίδες: 179 2)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Dianthus_caryophyllus 3)http://www.mtplantas.com/eng/plants/E35153.htm 4)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/d/dianthus-caryophyllus=carnation.php 5)http://www.anthokipos.com/el/vasikh-frontida-vskfr/9-thamnoi-vskfr/299-dianthos-o-karyofyllos-dianthus-caryophyllus.html 6)http://www.e-geoponoi.gr/2010-02-28-17-09-35/590--dianthus-caryophyllus.html |