Daisies – sunny outlook
I always loved to make daisies chains with my kids. You have no choice but to love them. Even a lawn mower better gives in, because the leave rosettes are so close to the ground that they are hard to remove. There is no hope anyway to remove daisies from your garden. Ants are always busy to spread the seeds all over your garden
The flowers only open up during the day and immediately close up when it’s raining or at night time. Therefore daisies are also called rainflower.
In the Foragers Kitchen:
The leave rosettes of daisies remind you of the mild and nutty taste of lamb’s lettuce. The flower buds have a rather sweet taste compared to the fully developed flowers which are slightly bitter. Instead of parsley or chives you can use the very fine stems chopped finely and sprinkle them over boiled potatoes or add to a salad dressing.
Use the flowers to decorate your salad, sandwich, add to spinach, pesto, and soups or decorate cakes or desserts with it.
Use in moderation, not more then a handful a day! Daisies are very cleansing and ideal for a light detox in spring time. They help to get you back into spring.
This small plant was already used in medieval times to heal wounds and bruises. The secret is that daisies contain a substance which contracts the muscles in the veins; therefore the blood will circulate well again on places of venous congestion.
As herbal tea can be helpful with bronchitis, bladder infections and stomach upset and is also very relaxing. To make the tea just pick 10 fresh flowers or use 2tsp dried flowers and soak in hot water just off the boil for 10 minutes in a covered mug, strain and enjoy!
Daisy oil and ointment
As mentioned above daisy oil and ointment can be used for sprains, bruises, aches & pains. Daisies have anti-inflammatory properties and are helpful healing wounds.
Put the daisy flowers in a jar and cover completely with olive oil.
Cover the jar with a lid when using dried flowers or with a muslin or cloth if you use fresh flowers to allow any moisture to escape.
Let the jar sit on a sunny window place for 2-4 weeks.
After 2-4 weeks strain out the daisy flowers and save the oil.
To make an ointment measure the oil and then heat it gently in a bain marie (or double boiler) and add per ½ pint of oil 1oz of beeswax and stir until dissolved.
Pour into cream jars and loosely cover lid and allow to cool before closing the lids tightly.
Label and store in a cool, dark place