The daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), 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?
Daisies are quite neglected in my herbal library. Yet they’re 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. Some may find it relieves excess sweating and excessive mucous discharge.
Alternative Uses of Dog Daisy
The acrid juice contains polyacetylenes and thiphenes, which are insecticidal.
Daisy chains. Oh, memories. 🙂
Growing Leucanthemum Vulgare
Sadly, these daisies are not native. While the fact it can bloom late spring and then sparsely into early autumn makes it an attractive option for brightening up a flower garden, native black-eyed Susan also fills that niche. And looks wise we have native fleabanes including horseweed, and asters that’ll do too.
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. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious 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.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Leucanthemum vulgare Lamarck – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
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