Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

It is a biennial plant, that is, its life cycle consists of at least two years. In the first year of life does not produce flowers and its appearance is very different from the final will acquire during the second year is when you have a distinctive look, with a long stem that can measure up to two meters, if grown on land adequate, and one end of which lie (sideways) flowers that fall like cascading. The leaves are found along the stem. The fruit is a capsule within which we can find lots of seeds. But do not be fooled by the spectacle of this plant, as it is very toxic.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs between May and July. The flowers, which must plant their name, are a very particular way: Finger cots are sort of an attractive purplish color, with reddish stains on the inside. The first year appear to stem hardly leaves that can easily be confused with other species, which is why, despite being in the first year when more active ingredients has the plant, wait until the second year for collecting them to avoid errors in selection. These are used for the collection, which takes place before flowering. The leaves are covered with short hair, so his tone is clearer, with well defined veins on the underside. There is also another species that flowers are white, very hairy on leaves, are called "digitalis lanata. The drying should be done quickly, with a maximum temperature of 50 º C.

APPLICATIONS

For its content shows a marked cardiac glycosides action on the heart, which could affect the pace increasing cardiac contractility. Used with caution in decompensated heart disease and heart failure and arrhythmias. It also has diuretic action to contain flavonoids and saponins.

ADMINISTRATION

It is a very toxic plant and therefore should be used only under supervision of a specialist. In poisoning cases, boxes of nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and cardiac abnormalities, leading to death from heart attack. The possession of cardiac glycosides in the composition leads to these effects. Given the variation in the power of this plant as the crop area, time of harvest, method of drying, etc. as well as its high activity at present tend to be used semisynthetic digitalis coming from the plant itself but are subject some treatments in order to give a homogeneous activity and defined only way to get a rational treatment.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Escrofulariaceas
HABITAT: Forests in the north
FLOWERING: From May to July
PART USED: Sheets
CASTILIAN: Zapatitos de Cristo
CATALAN: Didals
BASQUE: Kukuprraka
GALICIAN: Luvas de Nossa Senhora

USES

Very toxic Strong, Cardiotonic Strong, Mild diuretic.