DAISY DAISY Macerate (flowers) — Origin: Europe
Bellis perennis
THE DAY’S EYE
At dawn, this adorable little plant, which decorates domesticated lawns and wild prairies alike, turns its bright yellow heart and pinkish-white crown of petals towards the sun. This “day’s eye”—hence “daisy”—folds its beautiful limbs by nightfall, or in the event of inclement weather. The daisy plays a role in Celtic myths and legends. An “eternal beauty,” as the Latin name promises, it blossoms on warm days (around Easter, in the spring!) and returns every year, perennially pretty—thus symbolizing the comforting hope of life’s eternal return.
TEACHINGS FROM TIME IMMEMORIAL
A symbol of innocence, youth, and purity, the daisy adorned the coat of arms of Louis IX, King of France. In the Middle Ages, Gerard of Cremona, an Italian translator of Greek and Arabic scientific books, recommended crushing the flower in some fresh butter as a way to treat joint pain. From the 15th and 16th centuries onward, it was used in poultices to heal bruises. Popular wisdom advocates eating the first three daisy flowers of the year to avoid toothaches.
ON COLLECTING DAISY FLOWERS
In the springtime, far from all pollution, the daisy flowers are harvested and put out to dry—but they don’t lose all their moisture. In a jar that must be left open for the duration of this first maceration, these flower tops are steeped in a fine, neutral vegetable oil. This preparation is left to macerate for a month, exposed to sunlight but not left directly under its rays. It is then filtered and decanted to rid the macerate of any trace of moisture, which could oxidize and contaminate the preparation.
THE BENEFITS
Daisy macerate is reputed to efficiently tone and tighten the outline of the face, the neck, and the neckline area. The beta-myrcene that it contains decongests and stimulates the skin. Vitamin A activates cell turnover and bioflavonoids stimulate microcirculation. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties are courtesy of its polyacetylenes and triterpenoids.
A FEW DROPS
Daisy macerate is a perfect gift for young mothers who are watching their figure and for all who aim to maintain the freshness and radiance of their cleavage. It should be massaged directly onto the skin.
DAISY-BASED RECIPES
from Officine Universelle
TONING TREATMENT FOR THE FACE, NECK, AND NECKLINE AREA
An irresistible treatment to firm up your contours and curves, from forehead to cleavage, as your thoughts drift back to spring.
In a small jar with a dropper, mix two tablespoons of daisy macerate, two teaspoons of rose hip seed oil, and two teaspoons of prickly pear oil. Use this serum nightly, at bedtime, on gently yet meticulously cleansed skin.
THE ODALISQUE’S OIL— “DOWN WITH HAIRS AND FAT DIMPLES!”
Even if you’re perfectly at ease with nudity, both on the beach and in the city, you would still understandably want to fight these perfectly natural imperfections. . . . Serious types will opt for this treatment all year long, while the rest of us will settle simply for summer use.
In a four-ounce jar with a dropper, mix one part daisy macerate and one part nut grass oil with ten drops of Atlas cedar essential oil and five of Mediterranean cypress.