Identity & origin
BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
A biennial or perennial native to western and southwestern Europe and northern Morocco.
Also known as: Digitalis purpurea
Leaves may be mistaken for comfrey, especially before flowering. Do not consume them based on a photograph.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
Uses & evidence
UNDERSTANDING THE USES
Properties & uses.
Documented inventory entry
ANSM List A records: leaf. It inventories traditional use without specifying an indication, dose or clinical benefit here.
The references do not establish a benefit. Lack of evidence is not assurance of safety.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
Precautions before use
BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
The following warnings do not constitute a complete review of interactions or contraindications. An unstudied combination cannot be considered compatible.
Contraindications & precautions
- ANSM toxic-part warning: all organs. Do not attempt self-medication.
Medicine interactions
- Interactions are not assessed in this profile: have any combination with medication checked.
“Reported” does not prove causality; “possible” may reflect indirect evidence. “None reported” means none in the cited source, not that all combinations have been studied. Do not stop a prescribed treatment based on this profile.
Adverse effects
- Digestive symptoms, severe slowing of the heart and low blood pressure are reported; poisoning can be fatal.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Do not use for self-medication, including during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Children & adolescents
Keep this plant out of children’s reach. No home use is proposed.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
Sources & last review
CHECKING REFERENCES
Sources for this profile.
- ANSM — Liste A, janvier 2026, page 14Accessed on 09/10/2026
- Kew POWO / MPNS — Digitalis purpureaAccessed on 09/10/2026
- ANSES — Confusion entre plantes comestibles et toxiques (2019)Accessed on 09/10/2026
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