General Information

Digitalis purpurea, known commonly as foxglove, is a flowering plant native to most parts of Europe. It is the original source of the heart medicine digoxin, (also called digitalis or digitalin).

Digitalis, during its homeopathic provings, slowed the pulse rate of those who took it. As a result, it is used homeopathically as a ‘similar’ to treat an abnormally slow heartbeat. Allopathically, which treats by ‘opposites’, it is used as digoxin for fibrillation (when chambers of the heart beat rapidly). Mental-emotional symptoms that may also be present and indicate its homeopathic need our fear of death, remorse and guilty feelings, tearfulness, and aversion to talking. The liver and prostate gland may also be affected.

Common Uses

When the remedy matches the symptom profile, Digitalis has the ability to treat conditions such as angina, arrhythmia, congestive cardiac failure, hepatitis, prostatitis, and rheumatic heart disease.

From the Old Masters

Extremely slow, intermittent pulse; weak heart; or rapid, very irregular pulse.
Respiration; irregular, difficult, slow, deep or performed by frequent deep sighs; sometimes stops on dropping off into sleep.
Excessive jaundice, with slow, weak heart, and ashy-white stools.
Faintness or sinking at the stomach; feels as if he would die if he moved.
The blueness of the skin, eyelids; lips, tongue; cyanosis. Distended veins on lids, ears, lips, and tongue.

MIND AND DISPOSITION

• Gloomy and peevish.
• Indisposed to speak; inclination to lassitude.
• Dulness of head as from inebriation, with increased mental activity.
• Overworked mind, pulse being weak.
• Lascivious fancies day and night.
• Tearfulness, low-spirited.
• Internal anxiety, like from troubled conscience.
• Anxiety, with great fear for the future, worse at 6 P.M.
• Great anxiety and inclination to shed tears; apprehension about the future.

GENERALITIES

• Faintness and debility, with perspiration.
• Attacks of great debility, especially after breakfast and dinner.
• Great nervous weakness.
• Gray nodosities.
• Prickling pain in the muscles of the upper and lower extremities.
• Dropsy of internal and external parts.

TISSUES

• Piercing pains in the joints.
• Distended veins on the eyes, ears, lips, and tongue.
• Flabby, œdematous swelling all over; with fluttering, weak pulse, cold legs.

STAGES AND STATES
During the climacteric, sudden flashes of heat followed by great debility, irregular pulse; least motion brings on palpitation.

Where do I find it?

Digitalis Purpurea is available here as a single remedy in a variety of strengths (potency).

Dosage Instructions

Take 3 Pellets of the remedy every 10 minutes to two hours (10 minutes for intense symptoms, 2 hours for milder ones). Once an improvement is noticed, stop dosing and repeat the remedy only if symptoms return. If there is no improvement at all by three doses, choose a different remedy or seek professional guidance.

A Few Words

While the above self-limiting, acute complaints are suitable for home treatment with Digitalis Purpurea, see your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve. Digitalis Purpurea is also useful for a range of chronic or persistent complaints not listed; these are best managed by a qualified homeopath for good results.