Daisy Herb Description - Drug Interactions, Dosage and Some of its Useful Properties

Taxonomic Class

Asteraceae

Common Trade Names

None known.

Common Forms

None known.

Source

Several chemical compounds are derived from the fresh or dried flowers and leaves of Bellis perennis, a common perennial herb.

Chemical Components

The flower heads contain saponins, tannin, organic acids, an essential oil, bitter principle, flavones, and mucilage.

Actions

Daisy is claimed to have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

Reported Uses

The Iroquois Indians used the daisy as a GI aid. It has also been used as a mild analgesic, an antidiarrheal, an antispasmodic, an antitussive, an astringent, and an expectorant. When used as an infusion, daisy was reported to treat arthritis, catarrh, diarrhea, hepatic and renal disorders, and rheumatism and to act as a blood purifier. Few data are available to support these claims.

The plant also has reportedly been used externally in compresses and bath preparations for treating skin disorders, wounds, and bruises.

Dosage

Traditional uses suggest the following doses:

Infusion: 1 tsp of dried herb steeped in boiling water for 10 minutes and taken t.i.d.

Tincture: 2 to 4 ml P.O. t.i.d.

Adverse Reactions

None reported.

Interactions

None reported.

Contraindications And Precautions

Avoid using daisy in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown.

Special Considerations

Although daisy has been used as food in some parts of the world, pharmacologic effects are largely undocumented. Use with caution.

Monitor the patient taking this herb for adverse effects.

Although no known chemical interactions have been reported in clinical studies, consideration must be given to the pharmacologic properties of the herbal product and the potential for exacerbation of the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.

Advise the female patient to avoid using daisy during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.

Commentary

Although the daisy has a long history of anecdotal safety, no clinical data exist to substantiate the claims for medicinal purposes. Moreover, its chemical components have not been well described. Subsequently, medicinal use of daisy cannot be recommended.