Plant of the day Bellis perennis (Daisy)

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 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.

The simple daisy has a wide and long lasting body of folklore surrounding it. To begin with, there are several theories surrounding the Latin name of Bellis, as some authors believe it is derived from the latin word ‘bellus’ meaning ‘pretty, whereas others believe that it derives from the word ‘bello’, which is latin for ‘war’ – this association may be due to the plant’s long standing reputation as a wound herb, as well as the fact that it may well have been found growing on most battlefields. This association may perhaps partially explain the dichotomy between the assorted deities the plant is associated with.

There is also the possibility that the name derives from the myth of the water meadow nymph named Belidis, who, being pursued by the lustful orchard god Vertumnus, turned herself into a daisy in order to escape. The plant’s name has also been associated with the Celtic sun God, Belenos. The name ‘daisy’ derives from the Anglo Saxon name for the plant, ‘daeges eage’, which means ‘day’s eye’, meaning the plant’s tendency to only open during sunlit hours.

The old authors – most notably Gerard and Culpeper – believed that the root of the daisy could be used to stunt growth, and was often given to puppies to keep them small.

The folk name ‘Measure of Love’ comes from the old tradition of plucking petals from a daisy whilst saying ‘he loves me, he loves me not’, as a simple love divination charm.

Dried daisies which were picked between noon and one o’clock before drying bring success to any venture according to an old piece of German folklore.

An old Celtic belief surrounding the flower dictates that the spirits of still born children were reborn as daisies.