At my beginners’ course, I always give one piece of homework that I really hope everyone completes…
Make a daisy chain.

Yep that’s the homework.

It’s nearly always followed by laughter, and then a moment of pause as people try to remember the last time they made one. For most, it was many, many years ago.

And while it might seem simple, it’s actually not.

It can feel surprisingly hard to allow ourselves the time to stop, find a patch of daisies, sit down, and intentionally pick them. The thoughts start to spiral
What if someone sees me, a full-grown adult, making daisy chains?
They’ll think I’ve lost the plot.
I don’t have time for this, there’s too much to do.

But please, I implore you do your homework.

It slows you down.
It connects you back to the moment that’s happening right now.
It brings back memories of childhood, when things felt simpler.

So feck what the neighbours think,get out there, make a daisy chain, and wear it with the pride of your five-year-old self 🌼

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The Medicine of Daisy

But let’s talk about what to do with daisies when we’re not wearing them.

Like many of my favourite plant allies, daisy is abundant and available for most of the year. It’s a quiet, steady presence always there underfoot.

Often called Bruisewort, daisy is considered our native version of arnica, meaning we don’t need to rely on sourcing medicine from far-off places.

The main medicinal parts are the flowers and leaves, and its actions include:

• Vulnerary (wound healing)
• Astringent
• Expectorant
• Anti-inflammatory

Daisy is wonderful for treating all sorts of wounds and minor burns. And unlike arnica, it is safe to apply to broken skin, making it especially useful for slow-healing wounds such as leg ulcers.

Daisy for the Lungs & Heart

Daisy also has a gentle expectorant action, helping to clear mucus and ease coughs.

You can make a simple tea using fresh or dried daisy:

• Add a small handful to hot water
• Cover and let it infuse for 10 minutes
• Drink up to three times a day

Beyond the physical, daisy can help us breathe a little deeper especially when the weight of the world feels heavy on our chest.

Energetics & Folklore

Daisy carries a light, playful energy.

It invites joy, softness, and a return to simple pleasures. There’s a sweetness to it often associated with love, innocence, and even a touch of mischief.

In folklore, it’s said that whoever picks the first daisy of the season will be filled with a spirit of coquetry, a playful, flirtatious energy that can’t be contained.

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How to Make a Daisy Oil (Folk Method)

One of the simplest ways to work with daisy is by making an infused oil.

You’ll need:

• Fresh daisies (picked on a dry day)
• A clean jar
• A light olive oil

Method:

1. Loosely fill your jar with fresh daisies
2. Pour oil over until the plant material is fully covered
3. Place the jar in a gentle warm spot (a sunny windowsill or a warm water bath) for a few hours
4. Then store in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks
5. Check regularly to ensure the flowers remain submerged
6. Strain and bottle

Use as needed on the skin, perfect for bumps, bruises, and general tending.

Daisy reminds us that medicine doesn’t have to be rare or exotic.

Sometimes, it’s right beneath our feet… waiting for us to notice.

Love

Laura & the plants x