Common Yard Daisies (Bellis perennis)

A Humble Healing Gift

field of daisies

Bellis, meaning "pretty" in Latin, and perennis, meaning "everlasting," perfectly capture the essence of the common yard daisy (Bellis perennis). These delicate blooms sprinkle lawns year-round, delighting children who weave them into daisy chains and crowns. Yet, their quiet presence often leads them to be overlooked, dismissed as mere weeds. What a marvel it is, then, that beneath their simplicity lies a rich legacy of medicinal and culinary uses—a testament to the God’s care in crafting even the smallest wonders.

daisy crown

A Historical Herbal Gem

Once cherished in traditional herbalism, daisies earned the title "poor man’s arnica" for their remarkable ability to heal. From bruises and broken bones to muscle aches, skin wounds, and rheumatism, these unassuming flowers have long served as a steadfast remedy. In times past, herbalists turned to them for eye infections, migraines, and swellings, while their role as a spring tonic soothed fevers, coughs, and stagnant digestion. With properties like mild anodyne (pain-relieving), antitussive (cough-suppressing), expectorant, laxative, ophthalmic (eye-supporting), and tonic, daisies reveal a versatility that speaks to the intricate design woven into the world.

daisy tea

Harnessing the Healing Potential of Yard Daisies

A daisy-infused oil or salve is excellent for external applications, helping with:

• External Use: A daisy-infused oil or salve works wonders for bruises, minor wounds, sprains, muscle strains, joint inflammation, congested lymph nodes, and topical infections. Applied to the skin, it’s as if these blooms whisper relief to our aches.

• Internal Use: A tea or tincture eases inflammatory disorders, digestive complaints, diarrhea, heavy menstruation, kidney woes, mouth ulcers, and stubborn coughs. Some even use a daisy infusion as a natural bug-repellent spray—a clever provision from the fields.

• Root Remedies: Though flowers and leaves take center stage, the roots hold quiet strength. A strong decoction has been used for persistent eczema, while a gentler brew soothes rheumatic pain, respiratory troubles, and menstrual discomfort. Rich in vitamin C, daisies even found a place in history as a remedy for scurvy, proving no part of this plant is wasted.

Culinary Uses of Yard Daisies

Beyond healing, daisies invite us to the table. Young leaves, tender and slightly astringent, brighten salads or cooked dishes—though their bite sharpens with age. Flower buds and petals lend a vibrant, faintly bitter note to soups, sandwiches, and salads. For the bold-hearted, preserving buds in vinegar yields a caper-like treat. In their humble way, daisies show us how the Lord turns even the overlooked into sustenance.

Actions & Benefits

Daisies pack a punch with their therapeutic qualities:

• Analgesic: Perfect for topical pain relief, bruising, and inflammation—substitute them for arnica in a pinch.

• Antimicrobial: With antibacterial (and likely antiviral) properties, daisies pair well with other infection-fighters.

• Vulnerary & Anti-inflammatory: Ideal for soothing cuts, bites, and minor irritations, they speed healing and ease arthritis, joint pain, or post-trauma soreness.

• Expectorant & Antispasmodic: As a tea, daisies loosen coughs and calm respiratory spasms, offering relief for bronchitis or asthma.a.

preparing to make a daisy pain relief salve

How to Use Yard Daisies

Ready to bring daisies into your life? Here are some practical preparations:

• Compress/Poultice: Crush fresh leaves for a poultice to ease pain and heal wounds, or soak a cloth in daisy tea for a warm, swelling-soothing compress.

• Infused Oil: Massage daisy-infused oil into bruises, tense muscles, or tired feet—or add it to a bath for a relaxing soak.

• Salve: Blend with St. John’s wort and calendula for a powerhouse salve to tackle skin issues, strains, and inflammation.

• Tea: Sip daisy tea to calm digestion, ease diarrhea, or reduce inflammation. Gargle it for sore throats, or use it as a bath tea for skin and muscle benefits.

• Tincture/Mouthwash: A tincture supports digestion and doubles as a mouthwash to soothe oral inflammation and boost gum health.

infusing daisies

Recipes

Yared Daisy Infused Oil

• wilted-dried yard daisies (flowers and leaves)

• carrier oil (olive, coconut, or baobab prefered)

Fill a jar ½-¾ with wilted or dried yard daisies.

Cover the daisies with carrier oil of choice.

Allow to sit and infuse for 4 weeks in a cool dark place. Alternatively, using a double boiler, heat the oil and herbs over low heat for several hours.

Strain, and bottle the infused oil in a labeled amber glass bottle.

Use as a massage oil, or use as a base in a pain-relief salve.

Yard Daisy Pain-Relief Salve

• 1/2 cup daisy-infused oil

• 1 oz beeswax pellets

• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

• 10 drops black spruce essential oil (optional)

Optionally, when creating the daisy infused oil, consider also adding a little dried ginger root for added analgesia and warmth.

Gently melt beeswax in a double boiler, stir in herb-infused oil until well combined and melted.

Remove from heat, cool slightly, and add essential oils if using.

Pour into salve tins or glass jars, let cool completely before sealing. Be sure to label.

Use for bruises, sore muscles, and minor wounds.

Soothing Yard Daisy Tea

• 2-3 tsp dried daisy flowers or 2 Tbsp fresh daisy flowers

• 1 cup boiling water

• honey and lemon to taste

Steep doisies in hot water for 5-15 minutes.

Strain, and honey and lemon to taste, and enjoy.

Drink occasionally for digestive support and pain relief.

Yard Daisy Honey Infusion

• 1/4 cup wilted or dried daisy flowers

• 1/2 cup raw honey

• 1 small sterilized jar

Pour a little honey into the jar, add flowers, then pour remaining honey over the flowers, ensuring all are submerged.

Seal and let infuse for 1-2 weeks.

Strain if desired, or leave the flowers in. Use in tea, on toast, or as a soothing remedy for sore throats.

Pickled Yard Daisy Buds

• fresh daisy buds

• ½ cup vinegar (apple cider or rice vinegar)

• ½ cup water

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

• additional spices as desired (peppercorns, red pepper flakes, rosemary, or thyme)

Pack buds and additional spices into a sterilized pint jar.

Heat vinegar, salt, and sugar until dissolved, pour over buds so they are submerged, and seal. Let sit for 1-2 weeks.

Enjoy as a tangy garnish.

Safety & Contraindications

Daisies are generally safe, with few reported side effects, but caution is key. Those allergic to the Asteraceae family (think ragweed or chrysanthemums) should steer clear. As with any herb, moderation ensures enjoyment without overreach.

Final Thoughts

Common yard daisies are far more than lawn ornaments—they’re a quiet invitation to marvel at the Lord’s provision. Whether you’re crafting a salve, sipping tea, or tasting a pickled bud, these "pretty everlasting" blooms beckon us to slow down, to tend what’s beneath our feet, and to give thanks for the healing woven into the smallest corners.