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Kneeling Cure. Dianthus carthusianorum, Carthusian Pink, Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

In the barren gray of the flower beds of the Hortus, one single sprig of this pretty Pink. It is thought these plants were used by Carthusian Monks in the Middle Ages for medicinal purposes. Apparently they're good for diuretical problems and especially for aching muscles... No doubt those brought on by the chill of this season in unheated monastic buildings where there was lots of kneeling even in the middle of Winter's nights.

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Uploaded on December 10, 2025
Taken on December 10, 2025