Fig. 948. Great Daisy

The Description.

            The Great Daisy hath very many broad leaves spread upon the ground, somewhat indented about the edges, of the breadth of a finger, not unlike those of groundsel: among which rise up stalks of the height of a cubit, set with the like leaves, but lesser, in the top whereof do grow large white flowers with yellow thrums in the middle like those of the single field Daisy or Mayweed, without any smell at all. The root is full of strings.

The Place.

            It groweth in meadows and in the borders of fields almost everywhere.

The Time.

            It flowereth and flourisheth in May and June.

The Names.

            It is called (as we have said) Bellis maior, and also Consolida media vulnerariorum, to make a difference between it and Bugula, which is the true Confolida media: notwithstanding this is holden of all to be Consolida media generis, or a kind of Middle Confound: in High Dutch, as Fuchsius reporteth, Genszblume: in English, the Great Daisy and Maudlin-Wort.

The Temperature.

            This great Daisy is moist in the end of the second degree, and cold in the beginning of the same.

The Virtues.

            A. The leaves of the great Maudlin-Wort are good against all burning ulcers and apostumes, against the inflammation and running of the eyes, being applied thereto.

            B. The same made up in an unguent or salve with wax, oil, and turpentine, is most excellent for wounds, especially those wherein is any inflammation, and will not come to digestion or maturation, as are those weeping wounds made in the knees, elbows, and other joints.

            C. The juice, decoction, or distilled water, is drunk to very good purpose against the rupture or any inward burstings.

            D. The herb is good to be put into vulnerary drinks or potions, as one simple belonging thereto most necessary, to the which effect, the best practised do use it as a simple in such cases of great effect.

            E. It likewise assuageth the cruel torments of the gout, used with a few Mallows and butter boiled and made to the form of a poultice.

            F. The same receipt aforesaid used in clysters, profiteth much against the vehement heat in agues and ceaseth the torments or wringing of the guts or bowels.