Derived from the Greek word meaning "flower of the gods”, clavel, or carnation, has medicinal and spiritual powers revered since ancient times. This perennial herb grows to 4 feet high, and has very narrow leaves and multi-petaled flowers with a light fragrance. The original flower color was a bright pinkish-purple, but today, they are cultivated in many other shades.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Mediterranean, Mexico, Central America, Arkansas, Massachusetts
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Nervine, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, diaphoretic, hypotensive, and used to treat heart disease, nausea, motion sickness, menopause symptoms, skin conditions, tired eyes, poor metabolism, Parkinson's disease, headache, anxiety, chest congestion, fatigue
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For heart health, steep 1 teaspoon dried flowers per cup boiling water. Steep for 2 to 4 minutes. For rashes and itching, place flower heads in a cool bath. Can be used as a face wash to treat wrinkles, rosacea, and eczema.
AYURVEDIC CHEST CONGESTION AND FATIGUE CURE
Makes about 1 cup
This treatment comes to us from Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old traditional Hindu medicine system.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup water 1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh carnation petals
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
USE:
Allow to cool, and drink a tablespoon per hour for three hours.
