Digitalis purpurea
·
Plantaginaceae
·
Europe

Foxglove

Fairy fingers, Fairy cap, Fairy gloves, Lady’s glove

Useful parts

Above-ground parts

Key actions

Increases cardiac contractility, Slows heart rate, Increases cardiac output, Antiarrhythmic, Reduces edema

Active compounds

Cardiac glycosides (digoxin, digitoxin)

This Site is for Educational Use Only: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any medicinal plants, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Possible Proposed Uses

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Arrhythmia
  • Edema
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Feticidal agent (abortion)

Mechanism of Action

  • Blocks sodium-potassium pumps
  • Increases intracellular sodium & calcium
  • Strengthens contraction
  • Slows electrical conduction in heart

Possible Side Effects

  • Extremely narrow therapeutic window
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Arrhythmia
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Cardiac arrest

Possible Drug Interactions

  • Avoid without medical supervision
  • Interacts with quinine
  • Antibiotics
  • Senna (stimulant laxatives)
  • Diuretics
  • Antacids
  • Antifungals
  • Digoxin/digitoxin combinations

Abigail's notes

A little somethin' somethin' coming soon.

Personal notes, research rabbit holes, and why this plant earned a spot in the cabinet.Check back as the database grows.

Last updated on:
May 15, 2026

Deeper research options for you (because I would never ask you to just take my word for it)

Digitalis: The flower, the drug, the poison

https://www.aaas.org/membership/scientia/digitalis-flower-drug-poison

Clinical Use of Digitalis: A State of the Art Review

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30066080/

Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove)

https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJM199412083312306

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No provider-patient relationship is created by use of this site. The author makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any adverse effects resulting from the use of plants or remedies described herein.

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