Does anyone know an Anishinaabemowin word for ox-eye daisy? Commonly seen woven into a crown on the heads of ethereally dressed children in aesthetic photography.. who knew this familiar flower is edible and medicinal too?
This plant is so neglected in my herbal library. Yet it’s one of the first plants many young folks will recognize, the token “he loves me, he loves me not” sort of daisy.
Edible Uses of Ox-eye Daisy
Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, mixed sparingly in a salads perhaps. Finely chopped young spring shoots and the young root can also be also be used.
Unopened buds can be marinated and used as capers.
You can eat the flowers, best fried in batter, like dandelions. All the parts are bitter and pungent, especially with age, so cooking helps.
Medicinal Uses of Ox-eye Daisy
Ox-eye Daisy is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Integumentary
- Nervous
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Astringent, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, and Sedative. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes using in place of chamomile as a tonic. There’s also the usual massive list of astringent uses, e.g. lotions and salves for wounds.
Alternative Uses of Dog Daisy
The acrid juice contains polyacetylenes and thiphenes, which are insecticidal.
Daisy chains. Oh, memories. 🙂
Growing White Daisy
Find them on roadsides and old fields. Just dig up and divide some of the rhizomes to plant along your own paths. Or you can sow the seeds in a tray and plant the seedlings in the spring. There are also cultivators you can buy from garden centers. The fact it can bloom late spring and then sparsely into early autumn makes it an attractive option for brightening up a flower garden.
Warnings
Large doses may cause vomitting.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation.
2) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk.
3) For medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored. Herbalists do not have an official certification yet, but that may be in the works.
4) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
5) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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