Daisies are an ancient healing herb which have been used for centuries to treat various medical ailments such as wounds, broken bones and gastric distress. Their magickal properties include love, friendship, divination, healing and protection along with many others which are detailed below.
Disclaimer: Any medicinal benefits given here are a product of my own research and as such should not be taken over the advice of trained medical professionals. If you are ill, please go and see a doctor. Always make sure that anything you consume is 100% safe. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor or midwife before consuming something you haven’t tried before.
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History of Daisies
Daisies, the most common species of which is called Bellis Perennis, are part of the Asteraceae family. They’re also known as the common daisy, lawn daisy or English daisy and used to go by the name of bruisewort and woundwort. Daisies are native to northern, central and western Europe but have been naturalised all over the world in temperate regions.
Daisies have been around for thousands of years, with evidence that they were grown by the ancient Egyptians as early as 2,200BC for use in herbal remedies. There are stone carvings depicting what looks like daisies from 3000BC.
Many herbalists believed that because the flower opened during the day and closed again at night, which mimics the eye, they would help heal ailments of the eye. In ancient Rome, daisy oil was extracted and used to soak bandages to make them sterile and to help wounds heal. They were so beloved, in fact, that the Roman legions would take sacks full of daisies with them for use after battle.
During the 16th century, the famous herbalist John Gerard recommended dairies as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, migraines, swelling and bruises. Henry the 8th reportedly ate platefuls of daisies to cure his stomach ulcers and it was believed that daisies crushed into wine and drunk for 15 days would cure insanity.
During the hippy movement in the 60s and 70s, daisies became a common motif and came to symbolise all things “flower-power”.
Fun Facts about Daisies
- The name daisy comes from “day’s eye” because a daisy will open its petals in the morning and close them again at night.
- Daisies are edible and if you pick the unopened, young buds, you can pickle them much like you would a caper.
- You can eat the young leaves of a daisy as part of a salad. The older the leaves the more bitter they become.
- According to some, cows won’t eat daisies and if they do eat them, it will make their milk taste bitter.
- Daisies are the flower of spring, with old folklore stating that spring hasn’t started until you’ve stepped on at least 12 daisies.
- Daisies grow on every continent except Antarctica.
- There are over 20,000 different types of daisies.
- A gerbera is a form of daisy and is one of the most well-known flowers in the world. It’s relatively new to Europe though as it was discovered in South Africa in 1884 and arrived in England in 1890.
- The Netherlands is the biggest grower and distributor of Gerberas in the world.
Medicinal Uses of Daisies
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Daisies are strongly astringent, meaning they help to bind wounds together faster.
- May help with coughs and colds
- May help with liver problems
- May help to brighten skin
- May aid digestive health
- May help those suffering from heavy menstruation
- May help those suffering from postpartum bleeding
- May help to reduce fever
- May help to heal broken bones
- Mild laxative effects
Magickal Properties of Daisies
The magickal properties of daisies have been used for a long time in love spells. Most of us will have already used daisy magick when younger. Remember pulling out daisy…
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