Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a member of the Plantaginaceae family, native to Europe, and Asia. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its cardiac tonic, stimulant, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, ayurvedic medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Purple Foxglove
Scientific Name	Digitalis purpurea
Plant Family	Plantaginaceae
Genus	Digitalis
Species	purpurea
Native Range	Europe, Asia
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Cardiac Tonic, Stimulant, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea
Common Name: Purple Foxglove
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Foxglove, European Foxglove, Purple Digitalis
Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Digitalis

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 meters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with reddish-purple upper surface and darker purple lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Corolla with five spurred lobes, violet to purple coloration, zygomorphic symmetry, spurred upper lip with two lobes, hooded lower lip with three lobes, arranged in whorls of two to three in spike-like inflorescence.
Stems: Erect, branched, hairy, with opposite leaves and tubular flowers.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Historically regarded as a cooling cardiac tonic,.
Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a moderate stimulant, in energy-related contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a calming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a soothing bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.

Active Compounds

Glycoside: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant species.
Alkaloid: Plant-derived nitrogenous compounds found in various tissues.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautionary guidance for this herb is not clearly established in available sources.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: The use of this herb alongside pharmaceutical medications may result in potential interactions.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.
Extract: Non-alcoholic extracts provide a liquid form of plant constituents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.