Digitalis

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Digitalis is associated primarily with the heart. This homeopathic remedy is prescribed for people who are prone to heart and circulatory disorders. The remedy is considered particularly appropriate if symptoms are accompanied by a fear of death, or a fear that moving - especially walking - may cause the heart to stop beating. There is a desire for bitter things and often visual disturbance. Heart disorders that respond well to treatment with Digitalis are typically accompanied by pains in the region of the heart, a slow pulse, faintness, and nausea. The remedy is also used for liver problems, particularly if they occur in conjunction with heart symptoms.

The 18th-century English doctor William Withering first established this flowers importance as a heart remedy, and its active constituents are still used in herbal and conventional heart medicines.

The fresh leaves are picked before the plant blooms in its second year. The juice is expressed from the leaves, then mixed with alcohol and diluted.

Uses

Foxglove was used by the ancient Britons to cure wounds. It is still used in orthodox medicine to treat heart failure and heartbeat irregularities and in homeopathy it is a key heart remedy.
Digitalis is used to treat a very slow pulse or an irregular, intermittent pulse associated with the following: heart failure; weakness with a faint, sinking feeling in the stomach; and nausea at the sight or smell of food. There may be associated liver problems, such as hepatitis.