Characteristics
The daisy is a plant that grows up to 15 cm tall. It forms a rosette of leaves at its base and features small, distinctive flowers with white petals and a yellow center. The flowers open during the day and close at night. Daisies bloom from early spring to late autumn, and their resilience to harsh conditions makes them a common sight even in urban lawns.
Health Benefits
The common daisy is rich in vitamins A and C, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and mineral salts. It offers a range of health benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Useful in treating inflammation of the skin, throat, and respiratory system.
- Digestive support: Daisy infusions enhance digestion by stimulating bile and digestive enzyme secretion.
- Expectorant properties: Daisy is used in teas and syrups to clear the respiratory tract of mucus.
- Pain relief: Daisy compresses help relieve joint pain, bruises, and minor injuries.
- Detoxifying action: It acts as a diuretic, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body.
Uses
- Infusions: Daisy leaves and flowers can be brewed to create an anti-inflammatory and cleansing infusion.
- Compresses: Fresh, crushed leaves are applied to bruises, swelling, or skin irritations.
- Syrup: Daisy flowers can be processed into syrup, which helps with coughs and upper respiratory infections.
- Culinary: Young daisy leaves can be added to salads as a vitamin-rich ingredient.
Recipes
1. Cleansing Infusion:
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried daisy flowers, 1 cup boiling water
- Preparation: Pour boiling water over the flowers and steep for 10 minutes. Drink once a day as a cleansing agent.
2. Cough Syrup:
- Ingredients: 100 g fresh daisy flowers, 500 ml water, 300 g sugar
- Preparation: Boil the flowers in water, let the mixture sit for several hours, strain, and add sugar. Cook until the mixture thickens into syrup. Take 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day for cough relief.
3. Bruise Compress:
- Ingredients: Fresh daisy leaves
- Preparation: Crush the leaves in a mortar, apply to the bruise or swelling, and wrap with a bandage. Leave on for 20-30 minutes.
Cultivation and Care
The common daisy is an undemanding plant. It thrives in sunny or partially shaded locations with moderately moist soil. It is frost-resistant, blooming even in cooler seasons. Daisies can be grown in gardens as ornamental plants or for their medicinal properties.
The common daisy is not only a beautiful symbol of spring but also a valuable herb with versatile health benefits. Its accessibility and broad range of uses make it a worthwhile addition to both the kitchen and the home medicine cabinet.