Description:
An evergreen Perennial growing to 0.15m by 0.15m.
Daisy is a herbaceous plant with short creeping rhizomes
and small rounded or spoon shaped evergreen leaves 2–5 cm long.
The flowerheads are 2–3 cm in diameter, with white ray
florets (often tipped red) and yellow disc florets; they are
produced on leafless stems 2–10 cm (rarely 15 cm) tall.
Distribution and habitat:
Lawn; Meadow.
Daisy is native to western, central and northern Europe. The
species is widely naturalized in North America, where it is considered
an invasive weed.
Hystory:
According to some old writers, the generic name is derived
from the Latin
bellus (pretty or charming), though
others say its name is from a dryad named Belidis. The common
name is a corruption of the old English name 'day's-eye,' and
is used by Chaucer in that sense:
'Well by reason men it call maie
The Daisie, or else the Eye of the Daie.'
In Scotland it is the 'Bairnwort,' testifying to the joy of
children in gathering it for daisy-chains. There is a common
proverb associated with the flower and its abundance in spring
and early summer: 'When you can put your foot on
seven daisies
summer is come.'
Parts used:
Flowers, root, leaves
Constituens:
Saponins, tannin, essential oil,
Flavones, bitter principle,
Mucilage
Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Flowers; Leaves.
Leaves - raw or cooked. The flavour is somewhat acrid. A pleasant
sour flavour according to another report whilst a third says
that they are mild and agreeable and are used in salads.
The daisy is occasionally used as a potherb. Flower buds
and petals - raw. Eaten in sandwiches, soups and salads.
Medicinal Uses:
Anodyne;
Antispasmodic;
Antitussive;
Cancer;
Demulcent;
Digestive;
Emollient;
Expectorant;
Laxative;
Ophthalmic;
Purgative;
Tonic.
Daisies are a popular domestic remedy with a wide range of
applications. They are a traditional wound herb and are also
said to be especially useful in treating delicate and listless
children. Recent research (1994) has been looking at the possibility
of using the plant in HIV therapy. The herb is mildly
anodyne,
antispasmodic,
antitussive,
demulcent,
digestive,
emollient,
expectorant,
laxative,
ophthalmic,
purgative and
tonic.
The fresh or dried flowering heads are normally used. An infusion
is used in the treatment of catarrh, rheumatism, arthritis,
liver and
kidney disorders,
as a
blood
purifier etc. The daisy
once had a great reputation as a cure for fresh wounds. An
ointment made from the leaves is applied externally to wounds,
bruises etc whilst a distilled water is used internally to
treat inflammatory disorders of the liver. Chewing the fresh
leaves is said to be a cure for mouth ulcers. Daisies also
have a reputation for effectiveness in treating breast cancers.
The flowers and leaves are normally used fresh in decoctions,
ointments and
poultices.
A strong decoction of the roots has been recommended for the
treatment of scorbutic complaints and eczema, though it needs
to be taken for some time before its effect becomes obvious.
A mild decoction may ease complaints of the respiratory tract,
rheumatic pains and painful or heavy menstruation. The plant,
harvested when in flower, is used as a homeopathic remedy.
Its use is especially indicated in the treatment of bruising
etc.
Others Uses:
Repellent.
An insect repellent spray
can be made from an infusion of the leaves.
Dosage:
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful
of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
This should be drunk three or four times a day.
Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
Safety:
None known
