Foxglove

Description

Foxglove Discussion:

Foxglove purpurea is interchangeable with the name “Foxglove digitalis”. Purpurea is the species being referred to when using both names, as the “digitalis” is actually the plant’s medicinal compound.  it is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, mainly to make medications for irregular and rapid heart rates. In TCM it is known as “Mao Di Huang” and it is used to support heart and kidney meridians. Foxglove digitalis is a double-edged sword. It is known to be a powerful remedy for chronic heart issues, however misuse and overuse of this plant can lead to death. Medications made from Foxglove are used in emergency rooms when flatlining occurs. It is used in cases of irregular heartbeat to increase blood pressure, tonify the heart, promote blood circulation, asthma, epilepsy, constipation, and to increase urination while experiencing Edema cases associated with heart failure. While it sounds promising, this is an herb that requires caution and may be best used in microdosing and with the help of an experienced herbalist or practitioner. 

Foxglove actually still grows wild in Ireland today. It thrives in partial to full shaded areas, especially after the ground has been burned. It is a known ceremonial plant, as well as a tool for breaking enchantments and spells. The bell-shaped flowers are said to entice fairies to come into your garden. It is also known as Witch’s Glove, Fairy’s Glove, Folk’s Glove, Bloody Fingers, Dead Man’s Bells, Fairy Caps, and Fairy Thimbles. You must be sure that you have the right plant and the right part. Yellow Foxglove is not typically used medicinally.

Traditionally the leaf is the only part used medicinally, as the root and seeds are highly toxic. It should never be used in large doses or over a long period of time.

Cardiac glycosides (including Digitoxin, Digitalin, Digitalis, Dioxin, Digitalein, and Digitonin), Steroidal glycosides, Digoxigenin, Volatile oil, Starch, Gum

We often hear that it is good for the heart but plants like this work as modulators, meaning they are like a switch, knowing what is needed and where. It can strengthen or lower heartrate. It promotes blood circulation and tonifies the heart. Foxglove is known to have multiple potent cardiac glycosides. These glycosides force the heartrate to rise, pushing blood through the bloodstream. It is also a powerful diuretic and is used by herbalists for cases of edema. It contains cardiac glycosides that tonify and up the heartrate by forcing the heart to pump, strengtheing and building the muscle. Its beta-blockers slow the heartrate, which is used in TCM for reducing sweating and trembling, anxiety, and migraine headaches. Foxglove contains calcium channel blockers as well that reduce the strength of the heart muscle contraction, relaxing blood vessels, reducing pressure on the heart. Cardioglycosides raise, beta blockers lower it. Foxglove works as a cardioglycoside. Western medicines are even made from this plant. Wooly Foxglove has about 3x’s the cardioglycosides and that is why it is the main species used.