Daisies – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com
Saturday, September 02, 2017 by Rhonda Johansson
http://www.naturalpedia.com/daisies-sources-health-benefits-nutrients-uses-and-constituents-at-naturalpedia-com.html
When people talk about the daisy, they are most likely referring to the Bellis Perennis, which is the archetypal species of a rather large plant genus. The English daisy, as it is known, is a small flower with white petals and a yellow center. Its child-like appearance made it a favorite among gentlemen of old who used to present the flower to their younger sisters or to women who were considered to be pure and innocent.
Its association with innocence is somehow perverted when you first read about it in Russian novelist Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita, where he writes, “I do not know if the pimp’s album may not have been another link in the daisy chain; but soon after, for my own safety, I decided to marry.” Here, Nabokov uses the word “daisy” beautifully as something that is both desirable (and young) but also unbreakable, thus its links to a chain. Despite the literary allusions, however, daisies remain to be linked to a level of lightness and virginity.
On a healing level, daisies are most often used in homeopathy and are only recently being introduced to herbal medicine. Health regulatory groups caution the use of the daisy as it is yet to be scientifically verified to be beneficial.
List of known nutrients
- Acetic Acid
- Agylcones
- Apigenin
- Calcium
- Essential Oils
- Flavonoids
- Inulin
- Iron
- Kaempferol
- Magnesium
- Malic Acid
- Mucilage
- Oxalic Acid
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Protein
- Quercetin
- Resins
- Saponins
- Tannins
- Vitamin A
- Wax
Medicinal uses for daisies
Coincidentally, daisies are used to give people a more youthful appearance. Daisy flower extract is popularly used by many big-name cosmetic brands as a powerful brightening agent. Daisies contain natural substances that brighten the complexion and lighten dark spots. Daisies reduce discoloration or hyper-pigmentation caused by sun exposure or pregnancy. The flower is also an effective exfoliant.
Some botanists say that daisies can be used as an alternative to hydroquinone — a substance many dermatologists prescribe to resolve dull skin but which causes a slew of negative side effects. Daisies are also touted to prevent scar tissue buildup, promote collagen production, reduce minor wrinkling, and ease skin drooping and sagging caused by age.
Taken as an herbal remedy, daisies are used to relieve respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and cold. They can be infused in water and taken as a mouthwash as a remedy for mouth inflammation and sore throat.
Daisy extracts have digestive, laxative, and purgative properties. These can help address various gastrointestinal issues such as mild constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, liver, and gallbladder complaints.
One other name for the English daisy is bruisewort. This may be because daisy extract is used to relieve pain and reduce swelling. A poultice made from daisies can be used to treat fresh wounds, sores, and scratches. Medical doctors used to take daisies with them in battle to cure open wounds.
Some other uses for daisies include:
- Detoxifying the Body
- Easing Rheumatic Pain
- Promoting Sweating
- Reducing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Treating Breast Cancer
Body systems supported by daisies
Daisies keep the skin supple. Extracts from the flower help maintain skin structure and aid in the organ’s function.
Daisies may also be used to support the gastrointestinal system.
Ways to use daisies
For the most part, daisies are applied topically either as an oil or as part of a poultice. New research though has allowed for a more varied usage. Herbalists are now suggesting taking the flower (and its leaves) as part of a tea. The flavor is mild, with a slightly-sweet taste.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try adding the fresh leaves, buds, and petals in a salad or sandwich.
Where to learn more
Summary
Daisies represented youthfulness in the past and is used in the modern age as a detoxifying agent that clears skins and lightens dark spots. Medically speaking, daisies can be used to remove digestive and certain gastrointestinal problems.
Sources include:
Tagged Under: Tags: Daisies
