Spring Remedies - Daisy infused oil
/Bellis perennis - the humble daisy! Sadly overlooked as a herbal remedy but there is so much history associated with this pretty little Aster. It is part of the Asteraceae family which also includes calendula, echinacea, dahlia and zinnia. As well as being a fun flower to pick and make daisy chains with, you can harvest the flowers to make wound remedies. It was given names like bruisewort and woundwort and Roman soldiers would soak bandages in an infusion of daisies - making use of their astringent properties to encourage wounds to stop bleeding.
Today you can easily make a balm for bruises and wounds by infusing the flowers in oil and then combining the strained oil with beeswax wax. It can be used as a substitute for arnica. It grows abundantly in grassy areas so see if you can find it in your local green space. A great plant for the herbal first aid kit!
Here is a step by step guide to making an infused daisy oil, to be used on bumps, bruises and sprains.
1. To make a small jar of oil collect a good handful of flowers
2. Lay flowers out on a tea towel overnight to wilt and loose excess moisture
3. Take a clean sterilised glass jar and fill with the wilted daisy flowers
4. Pour over oil, we’ve used olive oil
5. Give the jar a shake
6. Label your oil
7. Leave in a sunny, warm spot for a few weeks
8. After a few weeks strain out the flowers and apply directly to bruises, inflammation or anything sore by gently massaging into the skin.
To learn more about wild herbs check out our seasonal Herb Walks.
