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Daisy (Bellis perennis) — English Daisy, Common Daisy, Bruisewort
Materia Medica
Daisy (Bellis perennis), also known as English daisy, common daisy, and bruisewort, is a low perennial in the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe and naturalized widely, it forms basal rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves and produces solitary white flower heads with yellow centers on short stalks. It has a long history in European folk herbalism as a wound and bruise remedy.
Actions & Energetics
Cooling, drying, and astringent with a mild sweet taste. Traditionally regarded as a vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, and mild diuretic. Actions include supporting resolution of bruises and contusions, soothing mucous membranes, and gentle support for the respiratory and digestive tracts. The name bruisewort reflects its traditional use for soft-tissue trauma.
Botanical Description
A low-growing perennial with a basal rosette of spatulate leaves and solitary capitula on leafless scapes. The flower head consists of white ray florets surrounding a yellow disc. It thrives in lawns, meadows, and short grass throughout temperate Europe and has naturalized in many other regions. Correct identification is important because many unrelated plants share the common name daisy.
Traditional Indications
Historical European use for bruises, sprains, swellings, and wounds (both internal and external). Infusions or poultices for coughs, catarrh, and mild digestive complaints. Leaves and flowers used as edible greens and garnishes. Gerard and later herbalists recommended it for heavy menstruation, migraine, and as a spring tonic. Homeopathic tradition emphasizes trauma, venous congestion, and overexertion.
Preparations & Dosage
Infusion of dried leaves and flowers: 3–9 g. Fresh-plant tincture 1:5 in alcohol. Poultice or ointment of fresh leaves and flowers for topical use. Culinary amounts of young leaves in salads. Conserves of the flowers appear in older European recipes. Start with modest doses for internal use.
Constituents
Triterpene saponins (including perennisosides), flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, quercetin glycosides), phenolic acids, polyacetylenes, tannins, and volatile compounds. Different plant parts yield different profiles. Saponins and flavonoids are the compounds most often studied for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Modern Research
Laboratory studies have examined antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-cell effects of extracts and isolated saponins. A small homeopathic trial explored Bellis with Arnica for postpartum bleeding. Human clinical evidence for herbal preparations remains limited. Traditional food and topical use is long-established in Europe.
History, Folklore & Spiritual Use
Known as the “day’s eye” because the flower closes at night and opens with the sun. European folk tradition linked it to bruises and wounds; the plant was said to rise again after being trodden upon. Used in homeopathy as a remedy for deep-tissue trauma and venous stasis. Culinary use of the leaves and flowers appears in several European ethnobotanical records. The plant remains a familiar meadow and lawn flower across its native range.
Summary
Daisy is a familiar European perennial whose traditional reputation centers on bruises, wounds, and mild respiratory and digestive support. Its long history as bruisewort, edible greens, and the subject of both folk herbalism and homeopathy is well documented, while modern research remains primarily preclinical. Distinctive white-and-yellow flower heads and low rosette habit make it easy to recognize in temperate grasslands.
Educational information only.