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 | Daisy Other Names: Bruisewort. (Scotch) Bairnwort.
Botanical Name: Bellis perennis
Family: N.O. Compositae |
Description: |
The Common Daisy, which flowers from the earliest days of spring till late in the autumn, and covers the ground with its flat leaves so closely that nothing can grow beneath them, needs no detailed description.
It had once, in common with the Ox-Eye Daisy, a great reputation as a cure for fresh wounds, used as an ointment applied externally, and against inflammatory disorders of the liver, taken internally in the form of a distilled water of the plant.
The flowers and leaves are found to afford a certain amount of oil and ammoniacal salts.
Gerard mentions the Daisy, under the name of 'Bruisewort,' as an unfailing remedy in 'all kinds of paines and aches,' besides curing fevers, inflammation of the liver and 'alle the inwarde parts.'
In 1771 Dr. Hill said that an infusion of the leaves was 'excellent against Hectic Fevers.' The Daisy was an ingredient of an ointment much used in the fourteenth century for wounds, gout and fevers.
A strong decoction of the roots has been recommended as an excellent medicine in scorbutic complaints, it being stated, however, that the use of it must be continued for a considerable length of time before its effects will appear.
The taste of the leaves is somewhat acrid, notwithstanding which it has been used in some countries as a pot-herb. On account of the acrid juice contained in the leaves, no cattle will touch it, nor insects attack it.
The roots, too, have a penetrating pungency, containing some tannic acid, and there was once a popular superstition (to which Bacon refers) that if they be boiled in milk and the liquid given to puppies, the animals will grow no bigger.
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.' |
Ancient Lore: |
DAISY
LEUCANTHEMUM VULGARE (= CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM)
The leaves bruised and applied to the testicles or any other part that is swollen and hot, doth dissolve it and temper the heat. This is not the little Daisy that grows in the lawn, but the Ox-eye Daisy, or what some know as Marguerite. It grows to 26 inches (66 cm).
Where to find it: A common perennial of grassland roadsides.
Flowering time: From late spring to late summer.
Astrology: It is under the sign of Cancer and under the dominion of Venus and therefore excellent for wounds in the breast and very fitting to be kept in oils, ointments, plasters and syrups.
Medicinal virtues: The Greater Wild Daisy is a wound herb of good respect, often used in those drinks and salves that are for wounds, either inward or outward.The juice or distilled water of these, or the Small Daisy, doth much temper the heat of choler, and refresh the liver and other inward parts. A decoction made of them and drank, helpeth to cure the wounds made in the hollowness of the breast. The same cureth also all ulcers and pustules in the mouth or tongue, or in the secret parts. A decoction made of the Daisy leaves, Agrimony and Wall-wort (Dwarf Elder) and used as a fomentation giveth great case to those troubled with the palsy, sciatica or gout. It will also disperseth and dissolveth the knots or kernels that grow in the flesh of any part of the body, or bruises due to falls or blows. An ointment made from Daisies helps all inflammatory wounds or where there is delayed healing. The juice dropped into the running eyes of any doth much help them.
Modern uses: The Ox-eye Daisy is a member of the Compositac family of plants which provides many valuable herbs. It is similar in action to Chamomile which, today, is a more popular herb. The Daisy has diuretic, anti-spasmodic and tonic properties, but is emetic if more than the recom- mended dose is taken. Its main uses are in the treatment of whooping cough and asthma. It is taken at a decoction - i oz (28 g) of the whole dried herb being boiled in 11/2 Pt (852 rni) of water until the mixture measures i pt (568 mi). It is then strained and administered in doses of 2 fl oz (56 mi) three times a day. |
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