Digitalis

Digitalis purpurea


Common Name(s)
Common foxglove, purple foxglove.
Origin
Native to western Europe, and cultivated in India, southern and central Europe, Norway, Madeira, and the Azores.
Background
The 18th-century English doctor William Withering first established this flower's importance as a heart remedy, and its active constituents are still used in herbal and conventional heart medicines.
Preparation
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.

Remedy profile

Digitalis is associated primarily with the heart. It 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.

Symptoms better: For cool air; for rest; for lying on the back; for an empty stomach; for frequent urination.

Symptoms worse: For heat; for standing up; for exertion; for movement; for lying on the left side; for sexual excess.



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