Bellis Perennis (Daisy)

There's a simple beauty that radiates from a daisy. A small feeling of happiness can easily be brought on by a daisy, and you see them in hospitals and stores with their petals dyed an array of vibrant colors. My sister favors them above all the rest of the flowers, yet I never knew that my sister's favorite flower had an array of medicinal purposes, as well. 

Ryan and I found daisies growing on a run we took that I posted about earlier ( Trails - A Natural Antidepressant ). Whenever I'm on a walk or a run I observe the plant life around me and try to notice each change that happens. We found the beautiful daisies growing tall on the ridge, reaching up to the sky. Their "faces" were turned upward, and in my eyes they were clearly enjoying the sun. They grew in groups that at first seemed sporadic, but I noticed they lined the ridge. 

This gorgeous herb that has been growing without my knowledge in my own backyard is also known as the Bellis perennis and "poor mans arnica" and shares many of the medicinal properties that are found in plants belonging to the Asteraceae family (such as Echinacea).

To begin with, this gorgeous flower is a healer of the skin. With astringent properties, it helps cleanse the skin to prevent acne and is also an emollient, soothing the skin at the same time. It may be able to help certain cases of eczema because of not only its emollient inducing constituents, but also of its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also commonly used topically for bruises, ointments and poultices are often made of this herb. 

For us women, it also serves an all so very important purpose: helping ease menstruation pain. Known as an emmenagogue (an herb very helpful to women and their cycles), it helps ease painful menstruation in the form of a decoction made of its dried flowers. 

For me, this herb hits home in other ways. I tend to deal with occasional mouth sores and the leaves, when chewed, are said to be aiding in ridding your mouth of these ulcers. For everyone who deals with that issue rejoice because I also know of another way for numbing and ridding the mouth of those vile things: geranium Pelargonium graveolens and rose Rosa damascena essential oil. Dillute five drops of each in 1 cup of water, and use a cotton swab to apply it to your sores as needed. These oils contain natural anesthesia properties, and at the same time their antiviral properties help the body fight off whatever virus is causing the sores.

Back to the daisy, however...

Among the properties I've already listed, various types of arthritis, respiratory issues, and also as a blood purifier. 

If you are pregnant or nursing, please do not use this herb. It also may cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to plants such as ragweed. 

So next time you see this beautiful herb, think of all the wonderful healing properties it carries and I wish good health to you and yours. 

Daisy. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2016, from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Daisy
Practical Plants. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2016, from http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Bellis_perennis