COMMON FOXGLOVE

COMMON FOXGLOVE

DIGITALIS PURPUREA 

Digitalis purpurea (common purple foxglove)
Family:  Plantaginaceae (formerly in the N.O. Scrophulariaceae family)
It is the same division and class as the Magnolia.

The best-known species is the Common Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea.
Plant Names: Witches gloves, Dead Mans Bells, Gloves of our Lady, Bloody Fingers, Virgin’s Glove, Fairy Caps, Folks Glove, Fairy Thimbles

The Foxglove derives it name from the shape of the flowers that resemble the finger of a glove.  It was originally call Folksglove – the glove of the ‘good folk’ or fairies, whose favorite haunts were supposedly in the deep hollows and valleys where this plant thrives. It is European legend that bad fairies gave these blossoms to foxes to wear on their toes to soften their steps as they prowled.  (the spots on the blooms are said to be from where the fairies’ fingers touched them).  It is native to most of Europe.

It is an herbaceous biennial, often grown as an ornamental plant due to its showy flowers that range in color from purples to whites with variable marks and spotting. Needing little soil, it is found often in the crevices of granite walls, dry hilly pasture, rocky places, roadsides, and by rabbit-holes. It is a favorite flower of the honeybee and is entirely developed by its’ attention.  

Leaves only now, although formerly the seeds were also used. The plants growing in sunny situations possess the active qualities of the herb in a much greater degree than those shaded by trees, and it has been proved that those grown on a hot, sunny bank, protected by a wood, give the best results. 

The flowers of the true medicinal type must be pure, dull pink or magenta, not pale colored, white, or spotted externally. No leaves are to be used for medicinal purposes that are not taken from the two year old plants, and only green, perfect leaves are acceptable.  The activity of the  alkaloids is at its highest at this time  before the ripening of the seeds, usually in July (which is dependent on the climate and season of the growing area).Taste is bitter

Health Benefits

• Anti-arrhythmic agent used to treat atrial fibrillation
• Treats heart failure
• Increases myocardial contraction
• Improves circulation, particularly to the heart muscle itself, but also to the Kidneys and to cerebral flow
• Raises blood pressure
• Diuretic, particularly when associated with heart failure
• It has also been used with severe internal hemorrhage, inflammatory diseases, delerium, epilepsy, and acute mania
• It is an excellent antidote for Aconite poisoning.