Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
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Member of the Daisy family. Butterflies love this hardy perennial. Looks like a daisy. Also known as Moon Daisy, Marguerite and Maudlin Daisy. Ht 2 - 3 ft (60 - 90 cm). Native grassland wildflower, found in meadows and open woods. The word "daisy" comes from two Anglo-Saxon words - daeyes and eayes = day's eye.
It was considered lucky to step on the first flower of the year. Bunches should be picked with your eyes shut and the number of flowers collected would equal the number of years until you married. Somerset folklore connects the Ox-eye Daisy with the Thunder God, so it is sometimes known as Dun Daisy. Ancient peoples dedicated the plant to Artemis, goddess of women, as it was believed that the plant was good for women's problems. According to ancient Celtic legend, Daisies are the spirits of children who died at birth. Christian legend has it that when the Wise Men were going to see baby Jesus, they asked for a sign to show them his location. As they looked around they saw a group of Ox-eye Daisies near a stable, resembling the star that led them. In the Middle Ages, if a knight wore two Daisies he was the ladies' choice.
Leaves and outer layer of stem have been used as a sedative, astringent and demulcant. Anti-spasmodic and diuretic. It is also a herbal remedy for whooping cough, asthma and stomach upsets. In Wales during the Middle Ages, Daisies were used to treat madness, smallpox, tumours and jaundice. Makes a good lotion for wounds, bruises and ulcers. Decoction of fresh herb for jaundice. Distilled water made from the flowers can be used as an eye lotion for conjunctivitis.
Herbivorous insects won't touch Ox-eye Daisy juice so the plant was often mixed with the straw bedding of farm animals and hung from ceilings indoors to repel fleas etc. Dried blossoms can be boiled and used as a lotion for chapped hands. Root stops night sweats in consumption. Alleged to deter flies if planted around the outside of the house.
Flowers May to October, or later. Cut back plant in late September once the seed has fallen.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*