DIGITALIS

Homeopathy

DIGITALIS

Digitalis purpurea
Common foxglove, purple foxglove.

Key Uses:

Heart and circulatory disorders

Liver problems, especially in conjunction with heart problems

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
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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.