Evidence supporting the use of: Dianthus
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Dianthus, commonly known as "pinks" or "carnation," has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Dianthus superbus (Qu Mai) is often employed for its purported diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is included in herbal formulas intended to address conditions such as "damp-heat" in the lower burner, which can manifest as urinary tract issues or, more broadly, as swelling or inflammation in the body. Swollen lymph glands may be interpreted in TCM as manifestations of internal heat or toxicity, for which Dianthus is sometimes recommended by herbalists to "clear heat" and "reduce swelling." However, this usage is grounded in traditional frameworks and not in modern medical understanding of lymphatic disorders. There is a lack of robust scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of Dianthus for treating swollen lymph glands or other glandular conditions. Available pharmacological studies have mostly focused on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or diuretic properties, but these do not directly validate its use for lymphatic swelling. No clinical trials or rigorous scientific investigations have specifically evaluated its efficacy for swollen glands in humans. Therefore, while Dianthus's use for glandular issues is rooted in tradition, the evidence base is weak, and it should not be considered a proven or reliable therapy for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Glands (swollen lymph)
betelIndian frankincense
bovine
burdock
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fu ling
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
licorice root
spruce
oregon grape
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
reishi mushroom
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
chickweed
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
swertia
peony
goldenrod
myrrh
fern
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
cleavers
paw paw
white oak
geranium
Aralia
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Allicin
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Abuta
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Black root
Bupleurum
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cynomorium
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cajuput
Centipeda
cypress
Cynodon dactylon
Costus
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
Dipsacus
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Fuchsia
Fang-Feng
Ficus simplicissima
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Garlic
Galium
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Galangal
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heartsease
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Dianthus
Abdominal PainAcne
Bedwetting
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (sinus)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes