Western Isles Wildflowers

Western Isles wildflowers is a collection of information about our Hebridean wildflowers including identification hints, traditional herbal uses and general plant lore.

 

Daisy

Bellis perennis

The Common Daisy was also known as Bruiswort and Eye of the day.

Traditional Uses

Here in the Hebrides an infusion of daisies was taken for joint pain and gout.

In Glencoe daisies and buttercups were made into an ointment used to treat bruises and sores.

In olden times it was reputed to be an unfailing remedy for aches and pains, fevers and liver complaints, it was made into ointments, tinctures and decoctions. In modern herbal books it is said to relieve coughs and catarrh and verifies its use for aches and pains of arthritis and rheumatism as well as liver and kidney problems.

Root and leaves were the parts of the plant that were traditionally used, however in more modern times only the flower heads are included in remedies.

Because of its bitter taste no animals or insects will touch the Common Daisy, which is probably why it flourishes everywhere!

There is an old proverb that says, when you can put your foot on seven daisies summer is come.

Photography © Kim Park
Isle of Great Bernera - Outer Hebrides (Western Isles)
21st May, 2006

Visit Kim's web site of her photography of the Western Isles
www.bigbigskies.co.uk