A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, is a homeopathic remedy derived from the Digitalis plant, particularly useful in treating heart-related disorders.

This remedy is indicated for conditions where the heart is weak, pulse irregular, or slow and where the body experiences dropsy (fluid accumulation) as a result of heart failure.

It is especially effective when there is cardiac failure, auricular fibrillation, or heart block.

Digitalis is also beneficial for conditions like jaundice associated with liver hypertrophy and for individuals who suffer from collapse and extreme weakness.

DIGITALIS PURPUREA

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Order: Lamiales
  • Family: Plantaginaceae
  • Genus: Digitalis
  • Species: Digitalis purpurea
Chemical Compounds
  • Contains digitoxin, digoxin, and other glycosides which have a profound effect on the heart muscle.
Origin
  • Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa, the Foxglove plant was historically used as a folk remedy for treating dropsy and heart conditions.
  • In 1785, English physician William Withering formalized the use of Digitalis in the treatment of cardiac diseases, recognizing its potential to strengthen heart contractions and slow the heart rate.
  • Over time, Digitalis became an essential treatment for various heart-related ailments, especially in conventional and homeopathic medicine.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

  • Digitalis purpurea primarily acts on the heart and circulatory system, making it highly effective in treating cardiac failure and weakness of the myocardium (heart muscle).
  • The remedy also works on the kidneys by promoting diuretic action (increased urination), especially in cases of dropsy caused by heart failure.
  • Digitalis affects the nervous system as well, often leading to vertigo, confusion, and slow pulse.
  • It is beneficial for cases of cyanosis (bluish skin due to lack of oxygen), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and irregular heartbeats.

PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION

  • Digitalis purpurea is suited to individuals with pale, bluish, or jaundiced skin due to poor circulation or liver disease.
  • These patients tend to have swollen extremities (especially the feet), cold hands and feet, and weakness after exertion.

DIATHESIS

  • The remedy is suitable for people predisposed to cardiac diseases, especially those who suffer from heart failure, mitral valve disease, heart block, or auricular fibrillation.
  • It is also effective for patients with liver conditions like jaundice and liver hypertrophy.

TEMPERAMENT

  • Patients needing Digitalis purpurea may experience anxiety, melancholia, or despondency, especially related to their health condition.
  • They tend to feel fearful about the future and are mentally dull with lethargy.

THERMAL STATE

  • Digitalis purpurea patients are typically cold-sensitive, with a tendency toward cold extremities and a preference for warm environments.
  • They experience cold sweats, chills, and general coldness due to poor circulation and weak heart function.

MIASM

  • Digitalis purpurea aligns primarily with the sycotic miasm, which is characterized by chronic conditions, growths, and congestion.
  • Patients suffer from sluggish circulation, heart failure, and chronic fluid retention (dropsy), all of which are reflective of sycotic tendencies.
  • There are also elements of the psoric miasm, particularly in cases of weakness, melancholia, and mental dullness

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Heart Disorders: The remedy is key for treating cardiac failure, especially when there is irregular heart rhythm, slow pulse, and dilatation of the heart.
  • The patient may feel as if their heart would stop beating if they move.
  • Cyanosis: The skin, particularly the face, lips, and eyelids, may appear bluish due to poor oxygenation.
  • Cyanosis is a hallmark of heart and circulatory failure.
  • Dropsy: Digitalis is indicated for dropsy, which is fluid retention, especially in the feet, legs, genitals, and abdomen, due to heart failure.
  • Jaundice: The remedy is effective for jaundice associated with liver hypertrophy or heart disease, often accompanied by pale stools and enlarged liver.
  • Vertigo and Weakness: The patient feels faint and dizzy, especially when rising or walking.
  • There is often a sensation of great weakness and prostration, with a desire to remain still to avoid feeling faint.

PSYCHOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The psychological profile of Digitalis purpurea is deeply intertwined with the patient’s physical heart condition, which reflects in their mental state and emotional balance.

Here’s a breakdown of the core psychological characteristics:

Despondency and Melancholia
  • Digitalis patients often experience deep despondency and melancholia.
  • This sense of sadness and hopelessness is often a direct result of their heart condition, as they feel their life is at risk or that they are on the verge of death.
  • They feel as though their heart could stop at any moment, leading to a fear of dying.
  • This pervasive sense of gloom often makes them withdraw from activities and social interaction.
Fear and Anxiety About the Future
  • There is an overwhelming anxiety about the future. Patients often worry about their health, fearing that the next heart attack or fainting spell might be fatal.
  • This constant fear of death dominates their thoughts, leading to a pessimistic view of their future.
  • Even minor health disturbances can trigger severe anxiety, and they are often fearful of any exertion, thinking it might worsen their condition.
Dullness of Sense and Lethargy
  • Mentally, Digitalis patients experience dullness of the senses.
  • This can manifest as slowness of thought, difficulty concentrating, and mental fog.
  • They may feel disconnected from their surroundings and slow to respond to external stimuli.
  • This mental lethargy reflects the slowness of their physical heart rhythm.

Shock Sensitivity

  • One of the peculiar psychological symptoms is that every emotional shock or disturbance seems to be felt in the epigastrium (the upper stomach area).
  • This physical reaction to emotional stimuli suggests a deep connection between the nervous system and cardiac health.
  • Even minor shocks or anxieties can affect the patient deeply, causing a sense of sinking or weakness in the stomach region.
Melancholia with Physical Lethargy
  • Along with mental lethargy, Digitalis patients show a physical sluggishness.
  • They may appear dull, tired, and slow-moving, which is closely related to their slow heart rate (bradycardia).
  • Their mood and energy levels reflect the heart’s inability to pump efficiently, leading to a lack of vitality.
Core Essence of Digitalis Psychology
  • The core of Digitalis psychology is the fear of death and mental dullness arising from heart failure.
  • Patients are constantly afraid that their heart will stop, and this leads to emotional withdrawal, lethargy, and a lack of desire to engage with life.
  • Every physical or emotional shock is felt deeply, and their psychological state mirrors the slow, weakened state of their heart.

In summary, Digitalis patients live in a state of anxiety, fear, and mental dullness, driven by the profound connection between their heart’s weakness and their mental state.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

HEART

  • Irregular, Slow Pulse: The pulse is often irregular and slow, sometimes accompanied by auricular fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) or heart block, where the heart’s electrical signals are disrupted.
  • Weak, Fluttering Heartbeats: The heartbeats feel weak and fluttering, and these symptoms are made worse by even the slightest movement or physical exertion.
  • Cyanosis (Bluish Skin): Due to poor heart function, the skin, particularly on the lips and fingertips, may turn a bluish colour (cyanosis), signaling a lack of proper oxygenation.
  • Fainting spells often occur because of impaired blood flow.
  • Cardiac Dropsy and Pericarditis: Digitalis is indicated for cardiac dropsy (fluid retention caused by heart failure) and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart’s outer layer), often associated with fluid buildup around the heart, leading to swelling and discomfort.

LIVER

  • Jaundice, with enlarged liver and pale stools.
  • Hepatic pain and tenderness due to liver hypertrophy.
  • Biliary issues associated with heart disease.

LUNGS AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

  • Dyspnea (difficulty breathing), with a constant need to take deep breaths.
  • Cough, often with bloody sputum, indicating heart failure or lung congestion.
  • Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in elderly or weak patients.

STOMACH

  • Nausea and vomiting, particularly after eating or smelling food.
  • Tenderness and burning in the stomach, extending to the oesophagus.
  • Faintness after eating small amounts of food.

EXTREMITIES

  • Swelling of the feet, ankles, and fingers due to fluid retention.
  • Cold hands and feet, often with blue discoloration (cyanosis).
  • Muscular weakness and rheumatic pains in the joints.

MODALITIES

Worse

  • Symptoms worsen when sitting upright, after meals, during exertion, and when listening to music.
  • Cold weather and cold drinks also aggravate symptoms.

Better

  • Symptoms improve in open air, when the stomach is empty, and during rest.
  • Warm environments generally help ease discomfort.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

Antidotes

CAMPHOR (Camph)

  • Used to counteract the effects of Digitalis in cases of overdose or acute toxicity.
  • It helps to neutralize symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or heart-related discomfort caused by excess use.

SERPENTARIA

  • Another antidote, particularly useful in neutralizing the toxic effects of Digitalis on the heart.
Incompatible

CHINA (Cinchona)

  • Digitalis and China are considered incompatible remedies.
  • China is known for its action on the circulatory system, particularly in blood loss and weakness, but it does not work well with Digitalis’ action on the heart and can aggravate its effects.
Comparisons with Other Remedies

NERIUM ODORUM

  • Nerium odorum has heart effects similar to Digitalis, particularly in strengthening a weak heart.
  • However, it also acts on the spinal cord and is useful in treating spasms, which tend to appear more in the upper part of the body.
  • It can be effective for conditions like palpitations and lockjaw.

ADONIS VERNALIS

  • This remedy is indicated in cardiac weakness, especially when associated with dropsy or swelling.
  • It works on strengthening the heart and is often compared with Digitalis.

CRATAEGUS

  • A well-known heart tonic, Crataegus is useful in strengthening the myocardium (heart muscle).
  • It is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from heart failure, similar to Digitalis.

KALMIA

  • Kalmia is a remedy for heart disease, especially when associated with rheumatic pains.
  • It also addresses irregular heartbeats and painful palpitations, making it comparable to Digitalis.

SPIGELIA (Spigel)

  • This remedy targets heart and nerve-related conditions, especially when there is severe heart pain or neuralgia associated with heart issues.
  • Like Digitalis, it helps with irregular heart rhythms and palpitations.

LIATRIS

  • This remedy is effective for cardiac oedema (fluid retention caused by heart failure).
  • It works similarly to Digitalis in treating dropsy and conditions where the heart is struggling to pump efficiently.

DIGITOXINUM

  • Digitoxinum is a chemical compound derived from Digitalis and dissolved in chloroform.
  • It produces strong yellow vision and causes nausea, especially aggravated by champagne or aerated waters.
  • It shares many heart-related effects with Digitalis, especially in treating auricular fibrillation and irregular heart rhythms.

NITRI SPIR DULC

  • This remedy enhances the action of Digitalis.
  • It is often used to increase the strength of the heart muscle and to stimulate better blood flow.

ICHTHYOTOXIN (Fish toxin)

  • Experiments have shown similarities between this serum and the venom of vipers.
  • It is indicated for use in conditions of heart failure, especially when there is an insufficient systole (weak contraction of the heart) or decompensated valvular disease (heart valve failure).
  • Symptoms may include an irregular pulse, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), scanty urine, and enlarged liver.

EEL SERUM

  • This serum is particularly useful in cases of cardiac asystole (failure of the heart to contract) and fibrillation of the auricles (irregular heart rhythms).
  • It is recommended when the pulse is weak, frequent, and irregular, often accompanied by dyspnea, albuminuria (protein in urine), and enlarged liver.

CONVALLARIA

  • A remedy for heart disease, particularly when associated with vertigo and digestive disturbances.
  • It helps improve heart function, especially when there is difficulty breathing and congestion in the chest.

QUINIDIN

  • Quinidin is used to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of auricular fibrillation, which is often seen in patients treated with Digitalis.
  • It is particularly helpful in establishing a normal rhythm in patients with paroxysmal tachycardia (sudden, rapid heartbeat) and valvular lesions.

DOSAGE

Homeopathic Doses
  • The third to thirtieth potency (attenuation) is generally recommended when Digitalis is used as a homeopathic remedy.
  • These potencies help stimulate the body’s response when the symptoms align with the remedy’s indications.
Physiological Doses (for palliative purposes)
  • When used to treat more severe, non-homeopathic heart conditions requiring cardiac stimulation or diuretic effects, Digitalis is administered in its physiological form.

These forms include:

  • Tincture from the fresh plant: Dosages range from five to twenty drops, depending on the severity of the condition and the need for cardiac stimulation.
  • Infusion (1.5%): For diuretic purposes (to stimulate urination), half to one ounce of the infusion is administered.
  • It is recommended to take the tincture on sugar or bread. Additionally, no liquids should be consumed for twenty minutes before or after the administration to ensure proper absorption.
Powdered Leaves
  • If administered in capsule form, the dosage of powdered Digitalis leaves ranges from ½ grain to 2 grains.
Digitoxin
  • In cases where Digitoxin (a more potent extract from Digitalis) is required, the dosage is 1/250 of a grain.
Adjusting the Dose
  • Heart rate monitoring
    The dose of Digitalis should be reduced once the pulse rate is lowered to 80 beats per minute, or when the heart rhythm starts to normalize.
  • A helpful guideline is to cut the dose in half when the pulse stabilizes or if there is a sudden decrease in urinary output, as this could signal the body’s response to the treatment.