Digitalis purpurea
Jekkapedia
Digitalis purpurea, Foxglove, Fairy Gloves
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Digitalis
Tubular purple or white flowers, with purple spots in the throat, in the second year. Large textured, lance shaped green leaves. Famous medicinal herb traditionally used to regulate the heart.
Characteristics:
Foxglove can be seen at the herb farm in Jekka’s Herbetum and is available to buy online as herb seeds.
Details
Growing
• Indoor Sowing: In spring or early autumn, into prepared plug trays or pots. Do NOT cover the seeds.
• Outdoor Sowing: In spring, into a prepared site, do NOT cover the seeds. Thin seedlings to 30cm apart. WARNING: SEEDS AND PLANT ARE TOXIC.
Medicinal
Famously described as a treatment for dropsy by Dr William Withering in 1785, foxglove contains a group of powerful medicinal compounds acting on the heart called cardiac glycosides. A refined derivative of these, digoxin, is now used in present day medicine to treat some forms of irregular heart beat and heart failure.
The cardiac glycosides found in foxglove have a serious potential for toxicity and can rapidly build up within the body. For this reason foxglove is now regarded as too dangerous to use medicinally and has no place in current herbal practice. It should not be used medicinally under any circumstances.
Caution: DANGER!
This plant is considered to be very poisonous and should not be used medicinally under any circumstances. If accidentally ingested seek urgent medical assistance without delay. Care is needed as it is often confused with other herbs in the spring before the distinctive flowers have appeared.
Please note: The information provided here is for educational interest only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat significant health problems. Any serious or long-term health concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
See our blog for more information about the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
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