Foxglove

/ˈfɑks.ˌɡloʊv/ noun

Definition

A tall flowering plant with bell-shaped flowers arranged on a spike, containing a powerful heart medicine.

Etymology

From 'fox' plus 'glove,' named because the drooping flowers resemble the fingers of a glove; the 'fox' part remains mysterious—possibly from the plant's slyness or toxicity.

Kelly Says

Foxglove contains digitalis, a medicine that literally controls heart rhythm—medieval herbalists used it without understanding why it worked, just knowing the 'cunning' plant could heal or kill depending on dosage.

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