Properties: Very Bitter, Cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Heart and Kidney

1. Strengthens the Heart and disinhibits urine
   Congestive heart failure
   Irregular heart rate
   Low blood pressure
   Oedema associated with heart failure

Suggested Daily Dosage: Due to its toxicity precise dosage is necessary. The traditional way to administer was to give in incremental doses until the effect was achieved or the patient started to experience early signs of an overdose such as nausea or visual disturbances.

Cautions: The entire plant is toxic, including its roots and seeds. It should never be used in large doses or over a long period of time. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, wild hallucinations, delirium, severe headaches, tremors, convulsions and possible death.

In the UK this herb is considered a prescription only medicine under the banned and restricted herbal ingredients list issued by the MHRA, usually sold in the form of isolated digoxin.

Notes:

This plant is the source of Digoxin, the cardiac glycoside used in heart medication.

Actions and indications taken from White Rabbit Institute and Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011), Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines - Molecular Structures, Pharmacological Activities, Natural Sources and Applications, Vol. 5: Isolated Compounds T-Z.