Understanding: What Does DAISY Tea Help With?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

In folk medicine, the common daisy (Bellis perennis) has been traditionally brewed into a tea for various ailments for centuries. This unassuming meadow flower has a rich history of use, but many are still unaware of its potential applications. So, what does DAISY tea help with, and do these traditional uses have merit?

Quick Summary

Daisy tea, made from the common daisy (Bellis perennis), has long been valued in folk medicine for its use as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. It may help with respiratory and digestive issues, while its extract is popular in skincare.

Key Points

Respiratory Support: Used traditionally to soothe coughs and congestion associated with ailments like bronchitis.
Digestive Aid: Functions as a mild diuretic and digestive stimulant, easing indigestion and stimulating the metabolism.
Skin Health: Prized for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic properties, useful for treating bruises, wounds, and skin inflammation.
Detoxification: Historically included in spring tonics to help cleanse the body and promote the excretion of toxins via the kidneys.
Source of Nutrients: Contains valuable compounds like vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and flavonoids.
Allergy Warning: Individuals with sensitivities to the Asteraceae family (ragweed, marigolds) should use caution due to potential allergic reactions.
Pregnancy Precaution: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid daisy tea due to insufficient safety data.

A History of Herbal Remediation: The Humble Daisy

Throughout history, the humble daisy has been more than just a cheerful sight in a field. It has been employed in traditional European and Irish medicine for a variety of purposes, including treating wounds and respiratory issues. Known by folk names such as "bruisewort" and "woundwort," the plant's medicinal properties were recognized long before modern analysis confirmed its chemical components. The ancient Romans even used poultices from daisies to treat their soldiers' wounds.

Key Health Benefits and Traditional Uses of Daisy Tea

Daisy tea is prized for its versatility and a range of potential health benefits, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is important to note that much of the evidence is based on traditional use and anecdotal reports, with less extensive clinical research available compared to other herbs.

Supporting Respiratory Health

Historically, daisy infusions were used to address respiratory ailments. The tea is believed to possess expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a traditional remedy for conditions like coughs and bronchitis.

Aiding Digestive Wellness

Daisy tea is known in folk medicine to support gastrointestinal function. It contains saponins, which have a diuretic effect, and bitter compounds that can stimulate appetite and digestion. This makes it useful for addressing issues like indigestion, bloating, and constipation.

Promoting Skin Health and Healing

One of the most recognized applications of the daisy is for skin-related concerns. The plant's extract, and sometimes the tea itself, is used for its antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory effects.

A Natural Detoxification Aid

In the spring, daisy tea was often included in traditional "spring tonics" aimed at cleansing and revitalizing the body. Its diuretic properties help promote the excretion of toxins via the kidneys. This detoxification effect is also why it was traditionally used to help with conditions like gout and rheumatism.

Daisy Tea vs. Chamomile Tea: A Comparison

While daisies and chamomile are both members of the Asteraceae family and are used to make herbal teas, they differ in their primary applications and flavor profiles. Here is a comparison:


Feature	Daisy Tea	Chamomile Tea
Primary Use	Detoxification, diuretic, wound healing, skin health	Relaxation, sleep aid, digestive issues, anxiety relief
Active Compounds	Saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins	Apigenin, chamazulene, flavonoids
Effect	Mild diuretic, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory	Sedative, relaxing, anti-inflammatory, calming
Flavor	Subtle, slightly lemony, or nutty and bitter	Sweet, floral, and apple-like
Allergy Risk	Potential for those allergic to Asteraceae family	Potential for those allergic to Asteraceae family

How to Make Daisy Tea

Preparing a simple and restorative daisy tea is straightforward. Ensure you forage from a clean, pesticide-free area.

Gather the flowers: Collect fresh, young daisy flowers, or use dried petals. For a single cup, a teaspoon of dried flowers or a couple of teaspoons of fresh ones is sufficient.
Boil the water: Bring a cup of water to a boil.
Steep the flowers: Place the flowers in a mug and pour the hot water over them.
Cover and infuse: Cover the mug and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes. Longer steeping will result in a stronger flavor.
Strain and enjoy: Strain the flowers out and enjoy the tea. You can add honey or lemon to taste.

Precautions and Safety Considerations

While generally considered safe for most people, there are important precautions to consider before consuming daisy tea.

Allergy Risk: People with known allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae family, which includes ragweed, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, should be cautious. Daisy tea could trigger an allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to a lack of sufficient research, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid consuming daisy tea.
Moderation is Key: As with any herbal remedy, use in moderation is advised.

Conclusion

The humble daisy, or Bellis perennis, holds a long history as a medicinal herb used in folk remedies for centuries. While modern scientific research is still catching up to fully validate these traditional uses, anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies point to its potential benefits for respiratory complaints, digestive support, and skin health. With its gentle diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, daisy tea offers a natural way to support overall wellness. However, as with any herbal supplement, it is crucial to exercise caution, especially for individuals with allergies or who are pregnant, and to use it in moderation.

For more detailed information on herbal properties, consult authoritative sources like Eatweeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daisy tea is typically made from the common daisy, also known as the English or lawn daisy (Bellis perennis). It is important to correctly identify the plant and ensure it has not been treated with pesticides before use.

Daisy tea is generally considered safe in moderation, but individuals with allergies to the Asteraceae plant family (ragweed, marigolds) should avoid it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised against its use due to limited research on its effects.

Daisy tea and extracts are used for skin issues because they have anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic properties. It may help soothe inflammation, reduce swelling from bruises, and support the healing of wounds.

While some sources mention that daisy tea can aid metabolism and act as a diuretic, scientific evidence specifically linking it to significant weight loss is lacking. Weight loss is more complex and depends on diet and exercise.

Some herbal teas, like chamomile (which is a type of daisy-like flower), are known for their calming effects and can help with anxiety. However, daisy tea itself is not primarily known for its sedative properties in the way chamomile is, though some people report a general sense of well-being from herbal infusions.

The flavor of daisy tea is often described as subtle, slightly floral, and sometimes with a hint of lemon. If the leaves are included, it can have a more bitter or nutty taste.

To prepare daisy tea, steep one to two teaspoons of fresh or dried daisy flowers in a cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then strain. You can add honey or lemon to enhance the flavor.