Herbal Monograph: Bellis perennis L.

Bellis perennis L

Botanical Name

Bellis perennis L.

Latin Name

Bellis perennis L.

Plant or Common Name

English daisy, lawn daisy

Family:

Asteraceae

Native Region:

Bellis perennis is native to Europe and the British Isles. It has been naturalized in many other temperate regions around the world, including:

• North America
• New Zealand
• Australia
• Parts of Asia

The plant thrives in temperate climates and is commonly found in:

• Lawns
• Meadows
• Pastures
• Roadsides
• Open woodlands

Chemical Constituents:

• Saponins
• Flavonoids (apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin)
• Polyacetylenes
• Essential oils
• Tannins
• Mucilage
• Organic acids (malic, oxalic, tartaric)

Actions:

• Astringent
• Antiinflammatory
• Vulnerary (wound healing)
• Expectorant
• Mild analgesic
• Diuretic
• Antispasmodic

Energetics:

Cooling and slightly drying

Part of Plant Used:

Flowers, leaves, and occasionally roots

Harvesting Guidelines and any sustainability issues:

• Harvest flowers when fully open, preferably in the morning after dew has evaporated
• Collect leaves before flowering for best potency
• Sustainably abundant in most areas; not considered at risk

Uses (Traditional, Modern, Scientific Research):

• Traditional: Minor wounds, bruises, skin inflammation
• Modern: Cough suppressant, digestive aid, mild pain relief
• Scientific Research: Potential antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties; studies on wound healing and antimicrobial effects



Specific Indications or Affinities:

• Skin conditions (minor wounds, bruises, inflammation)
• Respiratory system (cough, bronchitis)
• Digestive system (mild gastritis, diarrhea)
• Musculoskeletal system (rheumatic pain)

Types of Preparations:

• Infusion (tea)
• Tincture
• Poultice
• Ointment
• Compress
• Syrup

Recipes:

  1. Daisy Tea: Steep 12 teaspoons of dried daisy flowers in a cup of boiling water for 1015 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 times daily.
  2. Daisy Poultice: Crush fresh daisy flowers and leaves, apply directly to minor wounds or bruises, and cover with a clean cloth.
  3. Daisy Syrup: Simmer 1 cup of daisy flowers in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes. Strain and add 1 cup of honey. Simmer until thickened.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy (due to lack of safety data)
• Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family

Side Effects:

• Generally considered safe when used appropriately
• Rare cases of allergic reactions

Interactions with Other Drugs:

• Potential interaction with bloodthinning medications due to its mild bloodthinning effects
• May enhance the effects of diuretic drugs

Dosage:

• Tea: 12 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water, 3 times daily
• Tincture: 24 mL of 1:5 tincture, 3 times daily

Mode of Administration:

• Internal: Tea, tincture, syrup
• External: Poultice, ointment, or compress

Duration of Administration:

• For acute conditions: 12 weeks
• For chronic conditions: Up to 46 weeks, under professional guidance

Safety/Risks:

• Generally considered lowrisk when used appropriately
• Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• Longterm use or high doses may cause gastric irritation

Return To: A Wise Woman’s Guide to Reducing Inflammation with Herbs, Foods, and Lifestyle

References:

Blumenthal, M., Goldberg, A., & Brinckmann, J. (2000). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Integrative Medicine Communications.

Wichtl, M. (2004). Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis. Medpharm Scientific Publishers.

Basso, F. et al. (2018). “Bellis perennis L. (Daisy) extract promotes wound healing in HaCaT cells.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 107, 13491356.

Karakas, F. P. et al. (2012). “The effects of Bellis perennis L. on skin infections.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 139(2), 562567.

Grieve, M. (1931). A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications.

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