Herbal Monograph: 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
Pliny the Elder ~ Plin. Nat. 26.13 ~ 77 CE
CHAP. 13.—THE PLANT CALLED BELLIS: TWO REMEDIES.
~ Bellis is the name of a plant that grows in the fields, with a white flower somewhat inclining to red; if this is applied with artemisia [mugwort], it is said, the remedy is still more efficacious. ~
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:
- 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.
- Daisy Poultice: Crush fresh daisy flowers and leaves, apply directly to minor wounds or bruises, and cover with a clean cloth.
- 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.