Common Yard Daisies (Bellis perennis) - Bellis, Latin for "pretty" and perennis, Latin for "everlasting".
Daisies are enchanting, often prized by the young for their use in making daisy chains and crowns. Despite gracing our lawns throughout the year, common yard daisies are often overlooked or, worse, despised. Truly, they are a treasure to have growing in your yard.
Dubbed the poor man's arnica, this herb has proven efficacy in various conditions: bruises, broken bones, muscle pain, skin wounds, and rheumatism. Delving into history, these blooms were once revered for their versatile botanical applications. A stalwart in traditional wound care, daisies addressed eye infections, migraines, bruises, and swellings. Functioning as a spring tonic, they tackled fevers, coughs, conditions involving swelling and stagnation, and stimulated digestion. Herbalists have said that daisies boast attributes such as mild anodyne, antitussive, expectorant, laxative, ophthalmic, and tonic properties.
Harnessing the healing potential, an infused oil or ointment crafted from daisy leaves and flower heads proves invaluable for external treatments. The external use of daisies would address wounds, sprains, strains, bruises, topical infections, inflammation of joints, and congested lymph nodes.
Meanwhile, an infusion (tea) or tincture of daisies can be taken internally to address inflammatory disorders, digestive complaints, diarrhea, menorrhagia, support kidney health, mouth ulcers, and as an expectorant to help relieve phlegmatic coughs. Some even suggest that the leaves can be infused to make a bug-repellant spray.
Most commonly the flowers and leaves are used for herbal remedies, but the roots have medicinal properties as well. A strong decoction of the roots has been suggested for treating eczema, requiring sustained use for noticeable effects. A milder decoction, on the other hand, offers relief for respiratory tract issues, rheumatic pains, and painful or heavy menstruation. Studies have shown that daisies contain a fair amount of vitamin C, in fact, the root decoction has been used to treat scorbutic (related to scurvy) complaints.
Beyond medicinal applications, common daisies reveal culinary potential. Young leaves, raw or cooked, find a place in salads, though their astringency intensifies with age. Tender flower buds and petals bring a raw, vibrant touch to sandwiches, soups, and salads. Even with a bitter aftertaste, raw leaves blend well in salads or cooked dishes. Preserving buds in vinegar offers a caper substitute, showcasing the versatility of these unassuming blossoms.
Herbal Energetics
Analgesic - Common yard daisies have pain relief properties. Use these little daisies topically to alleviate pain, bruising, and inflammation. Feel free to use these daisies as a substitute for arnica in herbal recipes if you do not have arnica on hand.
Antimicrobial - Evidence suggests that these daisies do have antibacterial properties and are most likely antiviral as well. I would suggest pairing common daisies with another antimicrobial if an infection is suspected.
Vulnerary & Anti-inflammatory - Common daisies, with their anti-inflammatory and vulnerary properties, are effective for soothing minor skin irritations, cuts, and insect bites. They expedite the healing of wounds and bruises by improving blood circulation. These properties aid in relieving arthritis, joint pain, and sore muscles and can be taken for trauma, bruises, wounds, and post-surgery.
Expectorant & Antispasmodic - Brewed as a tea, daisies may help relieve symptoms of respiratory complaints such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
How to use
Compress/Poultice - To make a poultice, crush fresh daisy leaves and apply them directly to the affected area to help alleviate pain and promote wound healing. Alternatively, soak a cloth in daisy tea and apply it as a warm compress to reduce swelling and soothe skin irritations.
Infused Oil - A daisy-infused oil can be used for massages to reduce bruising, and ease muscle tension and inflammation. Great oil to use for massaging tired, or over-used feet. Add some oil to your bath for a soothing, relaxing effect.
Salve - A daisy salve helps address general skin issues, bruising, muscle pain, strains, and inflammation. Blend with St John’s and calendula wort for an even more beneficial salve.
Tea - Daisy tea aids digestion, eases diarrhea, and decreases internal inflammation. Gargling the tea can soothe a sore throat and reduce gum inflammation. A daisy bath tea creates a relaxing soak that can benefit the skin and muscles.
Tincture/Mouthwash - A common daisy tincture taken orally can address various digestive discomforts. The tincture can also be used as a mouthwash to alleviate oral inflammation and promote gum health.
Safety & Contraindications
Individuals with allergies to the aster family should exercise caution or avoid using daisies altogether. While few side effects are documented from the consumption or medicinal use of daisies, moderation is advised to ensure safe usage.
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