Herbs N Weeds

Get To Know: Ox-Eye Daisy

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How to Identify Ox-Eye Daisy
Key Characteristics
  • Family: Asteraceae (same as chamomile, dandelion, yarrow)
  • Height: 1–3 feet tall
  • Leaves:
    • Basal leaves: Spoon-shaped, toothed
    • Upper leaves: Narrow, alternate, and clasp the stem
    • Flowers:
      • 1.5–2.5 inches wide
      • Bright white petals (ray florets) surrounding a yellow central disc (disc florets)
      • Bloom from late spring to early fall
      • Habitat: Meadows, roadsides, pastures, open woods; very common across North America and Europe
        • Lookalikes:
        • Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum): Larger, cultivated version
        • Chamomile: Smaller flowers, finely divided leaves, apple-like scent
        • Scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum): Similar look, but finely dissected leaves
          • Historical Uses of Ox-Eye Daisy
          Traditional European Herbalism
          • Used for centuries as a mild sedative, digestive aid, and cough remedy.
          • Called “Moon Daisy” in old English herbal texts.
          • Employed similarly to chamomile—particularly in treating whooping cough, asthma, and nervous complaints.

            • You can get ox eye daisy seeds HERE on Amazon through our affiliate link.

            Medicinal Benefits of Ox-Eye Daisy
            1. Respiratory Support
            • Traditionally used to treat coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
            • Its astringent and expectorant qualities help clear mucus and soothe airways.
              • 2. Nervine/Sedative
              • Mild calming effect, similar to chamomile.
              • Used for anxiety, headaches, and insomnia.
                • 3. Digestive Aid
                • Stimulates appetite and soothes indigestion, cramps, and gas.
                • Often used as a mild bitter tonic before meals.
                  • 4. Topical Use
                  • Infusions or poultices applied to wounds, bruises, and skin irritations.
                  • Historically used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
                    • How to Use Ox-Eye Daisy
                    Parts Used
                    • Flower heads (fresh or dried)
                    • Leaves (less commonly used, but edible)
                    • Roots (occasionally in decoctions)
                      • Common Preparations
                      FormUseInfusion/TeaFor coughs, nervous tension, stomach upsetTincturePreserved form for anxiety, asthma, digestionPoultice or CompressFor wounds, bruises, skin inflammationSyrup (with honey)Calms persistent coughs
                      Simple Ox-Eye Daisy Tea Recipe

                      Ingredients:

                      • 1–2 tsp dried or fresh ox-eye daisy flowers
                      • 1 cup boiling water

                        • Instructions:
                        Steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3x a day.

                        Safety and Precautions
                        • Mildly toxic in large doses; avoid high quantities.
                        • Not recommended during pregnancy or for people with ragweed allergies (same plant family).
                        • Avoid internal use for long periods—best used in short, occasional treatments.
                        • Always confirm ID before wild-harvesting.

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                          Herbs N WeedsBy Luke