Digitalis: composition, medicinal properties of leaf infusion, recipes

The name of the medicinal plant foxglove is of Latin origin and consists of two words. The term "digitalis purpureae" is translated as a ring, finger or thimble of purple color. In the medical literature, you can find the terms forest bell, witch flower, digitalis. Medicinal foxglove has been used in folk medicine for a long time.

What it looks like and where it grows

The medicinal plant became widespread in the 18th century, when the healing properties of raw materials were scientifically proven. A century later, digitalis began to be used in the pharmaceutical industry.

The forest bell has pronounced decorative qualities. The plant can be found on the territory:

• CIS countries;
• Europe;
• Asia;
• Europe.

In most cases, the witch flower is cultivated for medicinal use. Depending on the variety, the plant can be:

• two years old;
• perennial.

In the Mediterranean countries, foxglove is a shrub. The plant has a high stem, reaching 150 cm. The leaves are dark green. The veins are clearly visible on the plates.

The appearance of digitalis depends on age. In the first year of growth, basal leaves are formed. Their length is 25 cm. Gradually, the development of unbranched stems with leaves occurs.

Foxglove bloom spans the summer months

The forest bell has the following popular varieties:

1. Yellow... The flower is found in Europe and has a characteristic shade. Perennial grass grows up to 1 m in height. The plant is actively used for decorative purposes.
   
   

   Foxglove is distinguished by smooth stems and leaves
2. Purple... This is the most common species. The erect stem has a cylindrical shape. The flowers are characterized by a beautiful purple color. Plant height can reach 1.2 m. Perennial is more common in the Mediterranean countries. The medicinal plant is actively used in official and folk medicine due to the presence of organic acids, flavonoids in the composition. Among the main indications for the use of medicinal agents are diseases of the nervous system and violation of the integrity of the skin.
   
   

   The raw material of foxglove purpurea is used for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals
3. Woolly... The perennial has small flowers. The plant is actively used in medicine for the treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Leaves predominantly have healing properties.
   
   

   Means made on the basis of woolly foxglove are effective in the treatment of ascites
4. Large-flowered... Perennial grows up to 1 m in height. The species has a straight stem and short root.The plates are painted in a light shade of green. The length of the leaves is approximately 20 cm. Raw materials are used for the manufacture of medicinal compositions for the treatment of diseases of the heart muscle. The beneficial effect on the body is due to the presence of saponins, tannins in the composition.
   
   

   Collecting foxglove leaves for therapeutic use covers August and September
5. Perennial... The plant has a spectacular appearance. It is used to decorate gardens and home gardens. The witch's flower has medicinal properties.
   
   

   Perennial digitalis is an unpretentious herb that does not require special conditions for growing

The chemical composition of foxglove woolly, purple

Leaves of the plant have medicinal properties. This part of the perennial includes the maximum number of useful components:

• digoxin;
• lanagoside C;
• saponins;
• glycosides;
• flavonoids.

The healing properties of digitalis

The unique composition of the forest bell allows for the treatment and prevention of heart and vascular diseases. In ancient times, dropsy and epilepsy were treated with foxglove. Healing compositions made it possible to eliminate pain in pathologies accompanied by an inflammatory process.

Foxglove potions have the following effects:

• sedative;
• antibacterial;
• diuretic;
• immunostimulating;
• fortifying .;
• decongestant;
• diuretic

Preparations made from the witch flower help:

• normalize the work of the heart and blood vessels;
• lower pressure, including intraocular pressure;
• eliminate puffiness, shortness of breath;
• stabilize blood circulation;
• strengthen immunity;
• restore sleep.

The inclusion of digitalis in the complex therapy is recommended for the following pathologies:

• heart failure;
• arrhythmia;
• hypertension;
• epilepsy;
• pain syndrome of various etiologies.

Preparation and application methods

Various medicinal compositions are made from the leaves of the witch's flower. Their use depends on the medical indication for admission.

Foxglove tincture

The alcohol solution includes:

• 60 ml of vodka;
• 25 g of raw materials.

The tincture is done like this:

1. Dry leaves are placed in a glass container.
2. Raw materials are poured into an alcohol base.
3. The container is placed in a dark place.
4. After a week, the drug is filtered off, poured into a clean bottle.

The ready-made tincture of the forest bell is taken ten drops daily

Infusion of foxglove leaves

The aqueous solution is effective for both heart and nervous diseases. To prepare it, take:

• 3 g of dry raw materials;
• 250 ml of water;
• 1 drop of vegetable oil.

The infusion is done step by step:

1. The dried leaves are poured with boiling water in the required proportions.
2. The tool is insisted for 15 minutes.
3. The liquid is filtered and oil is added.

Witches drink infusion of a flower every three hours for 1 tbsp. l.

Foxglove broth

The drug benefits the body when used in short courses. The tool includes:

• 3 tbsp. boiling water;
• 20 g dry leaves.

The broth is made as follows:

1. Raw materials are crushed and poured with boiling water.
2. The composition is put on fire and boiled for half an hour.
3. The drug is filtered before using it.

A decoction of a forest bell is used in the complex therapy of diseases of the circulatory system

The use of digitalis in medicine

Witch flowers are widely used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Means made from perennials are drunk in courses.

For heart disease

A remedy that includes:

• leaves - 1 g;
• water - 1 tbsp.

The infusion is prepared as follows:

1. The dried raw materials are crushed.
2. The leaves are poured with a glass of hot water.
3. The composition is left to infuse for 12 hours at room temperature, filtered off before use.

An aqueous solution of foxglove is drunk in 1 tsp. twice a day to strengthen the heart muscle

With hypertension

High blood pressure is associated with the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To normalize it, you can use a drug that is made from the following components:

• 1 g dried foxglove leaves;
• 200 ml of warm boiled water.

The tool is made in accordance with the instructions:

1. Raw materials are poured with the required amount of water.
2. The composition is insisted for 40 minutes, and then filtered.

To normalize the pressure, the foxglove infusion is drunk at 1 tbsp. l. during the day

For burns

The witch flower produces anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. The herb can be used in violation of the integrity of the skin due to thermal burns. Dried raw materials must be ground to a powder and applied to the affected area. The place of the burn must be fixed with a bandage.

Forest bell is suitable for treating skin after burns

With nervous disorders

To normalize the psycho-emotional state, restore sleep, use a tincture, which includes:

• 20 g of dry raw materials;
• 1 tbsp. wine alcohol.

The drug is easy to prepare:

1. Dried leaves are placed in a dark glass container.
2. The herb is poured with an alcohol base.
3. The bottle is sealed and placed in a warm and dark place.
4. The composition is shaken regularly for seven days.
5. After the specified time, the agent is filtered off.

Tincture for nervous diseases drink 30 drops daily.

For epilepsy

The medicinal composition taken with increased seizure activity contains:

• alcohol 70% - 50 ml;
• dried leaves - 20 g.

Preparation of the tincture includes the following steps:

1. Raw materials are poured with alcohol.
2. A dark glass vessel is placed in a warm place, remembering to periodically shake the contents.
3. After seven days, the liquid is filtered.

Foxglove tincture is taken daily, 15 drops with a small amount of water

With arrhythmia

A solution containing:

• 1 g dry leaves;
• 180 g of boiled water.

The infusion is prepared according to the instructions:

1. Crushed raw materials must be filled with hot water.
2. The composition is left under the lid for an hour, after which the liquid is filtered.

Water infusion of foxglove drink 1 tsp. three times a day

To strengthen the circulatory system

To minimize the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases, you can use a recipe for an infusion of foxglove leaves. Powdered products are highly effective. Their advantage is that they do not affect the kidneys and liver. Dry leaves are ground in a coffee grinder. The powder is taken twice a day for 0.1 g.

The medicinal composition of the forest bell is stored in a dark glass jar

Prevention of heart attack

Dry leaves can be crushed in a coffee grinder. The resulting powder is an effective agent that is used to prevent heart attack. It is taken at a dosage of 0.1 g four times a day.

The duration of the therapeutic course with foxglove leaf powder does not exceed two weeks

Contraindications to the use of digitalis and side effects

Care must be taken when treating with forest bells. The foxglove herb has not only medicinal properties, but also contraindications:

• high cholesterol levels;
• chronic lung pathologies;
• infectious diseases in the acute phase;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• hypotension.

Why is purple foxglove dangerous?

The forest bell has a unique chemical composition.The components present in the leaves determine the benefits and harms of digitalis for humans. The plant is toxic and can provoke intoxication.

The consequences of poisoning with foxglove purple include:

• stomach ache;
• diarrhea;
• nausea and vomiting;
• decreased heart rate;
• convulsions.

Poisonous substances in the herb can accumulate in the body. It is advisable to carry out treatment with digitalis under the supervision of a physician.

Collection and procurement

The leaves of the plant have healing properties. In young specimens, rosette leaves are cut off, which can be collected up to three times over the summer. Stem leaves can be harvested from biennial plants.

The collection of raw materials is carried out after flowering in sunny and dry weather. It is known that light enhances the intensity of glycoside accumulation. Carrying out the procurement at a different time helps to reduce the pharmacological properties.

The raw materials are laid out in a thin layer on paper or clean cloth. Dry the leaves in the shade. Adequate ventilation is essential.

Conclusion

Medicinal foxglove is a plant known in folk medicine. For the preparation of medicinal compositions, perennial leaf plates are used, which contain the maximum amount of nutrients. Before using them, you should consult a doctor in order to avoid the development of dangerous consequences.