DAISY (Bellis perennis L)

HERBAL

MEDICINE

PLANT

DAISY

(day’zee)

Bellis perennis  L

by

RETTODWIKART THENU

DAISY

(day’zee)

Bellis perennis  L

DAISY

(day’zee)

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Bellis perennis

OTHER COMMON NAMES

Bairnwort, bruisewort, common daisy, day’s eye, pansy, wild daisy,  english daisy

ORIGIN

Daisy is a perennial found throughout the world.

USES

Daisy is used as a pain reliever and to treat diarrhea, cough, and gastrointestinal spasms.

It is also used to relieve arthritis joint pain and infl ammation, and as a blood purifi er and an antifungal.

ACTIONS

Antiinflammatory (1; PH2); Antipyretic (1; PH2); Antispasmodic (f; EFS); Astringent (1; PH2); Depurative (f; EFS); Discutient (f; EFS); Diuretic (f; EFS); Expectorant (f; HHB; PH2); Hemostat (f; EFS); Mucolytic (1; PH2); Pectoral (f; EFS); Resolvent (f; EFS); Tonic (f; EFS); Vulnerary (f; EFS).

Very little scientifi c research is available on daisy. Most of the research has focused on identifying its chemical components, which had not been studied previously.

Antimicrobial Action

One study revealed that the triterpenoid glycoside components of Bellis perennis L. are responsible for its antifungal activity. In this study these glycosides were effective against human pathogenic yeasts such as Candida and Cryptococcus spp. (Bader et al, 1990). Another study evaluated the essential oils of daisy for potential antimicrobial activity. Two of the oils exhibited activity against both gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria (Avato et al, 1997).

Other Actions

The volatile oil, thujone, may be responsible for increased salivation and blood fl ow and may be mind altering. Daisy may reduce postpartation bleeding as measured by Hgb at 72 hr after delivery (Oberbaum et al, 2005) and may decrease triglycerides (Morikawa, 2008).

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

None available commercially

Plant Parts Used: Flowers, leaves

                                

DOSAGES

DOSAGES  

• Adult PO infusion: 1 tsp dried fl owers steeped 20 min in 1 cup boiling water, drink 2-4 cups bid-qid

• Adult PO tincture: 3-4 ml taken bid-tid

• Adult topical: apply a poultice of pressed leaves prn to affected area

DOSAGES  

2 tsp herb/2 cups water; steep 20 minutes, take 2–4 cups/day (PH2).

INDICATIONS

Bleeding (f; EFS; PH2); Bronchosis (f; PH2); Bruise (f; PH2); Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, breast (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Catarrh (f; PH2); Cough (f; PH2); Cramp (f; EFS); Dermatosis (f; HHB; PH2); Diarrhea (f; PH2); Enterosis (f; PH2); Fever (1; PH2); Gastrosis (f; PH2); Hepatosis (f; PH2); Inflammation (1; PH2); Kernel (f; JLH); Myalgia (f; PH2); Nephrosis (f; PH2); Pain (f; PH2); Rheumatism (f; PH2); Swelling (f; HHB); Uterosis (f; JLH); Water Retention (f; EFS); Wen (f; JLH); Wound (f; PH2).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Until more research is available, daisy should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should not be given to children.

INTERACTIONS

Drug

Alcohol: Daisy may increase the effect of alcohol (Jellin et al, 2008).

Herb

Thujone-containing herbs (cedar, oak moss, sage, tree moss, wormwood): Daisy, when used with these herbs, can lead to thujone toxicity (Jellin et al, 2008).

CLIENT CONSIDERATIONS

Assess

• Determine why the client is using daisy and suggest other alternatives.

Administer

• Instruct the client to store daisy in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture.

Teach Client/Family

• Caution the client not to use daisy in children or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding until more research is available.

REFERENCE

Duke, J. A. with Mary Jo Bogenschutz-Godwin, Judi duCellier, Peggy-Ann K. Duke. 2002. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 2nd Ed. CRC Press LLC. USA.

Linda S-Roth. 2010. Mosby’s Handbook Of Herbs & Natural Supplements, Fourth Edition. Mosby Elsevier. USA.