SOLOMON’S
SEAL –Polygonatum Officinale, Polygonatum Biflorum, Smilacena
Racemosa, etc.
Also
known as: dropberry, seal root, sealwort, lady’s seal, St. Mary’s
seal, King Solomon’s seal, sow’s teats,
etc.
Parts
used: root
Systems/organs
affected: lungs, stomach, musculoskeletal, kidneys,
cardiac, reproductive (both sexes), skin, gastrointestinal
Properties:
nutritive, diaphoretic, yin-chi tonic, expectorant, astringent, mucilaginous,
anti-periodic, diuretic, sedative, analgesic, dermatological, vulnerary,
adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, etc.
Solomon’s Seal is a member of
the Asparagaceae (Monocots-Asparagus) family.
There are about 74 varieties of this species. This series of plants was once placed in the
Lily family but has since been placed into a family of their own. It is a single stem perennial that arcs
slightly and has broad, ovately shaped leaves that run along the length of the
stem. The flowers are small and tubular
and dangle from the leaf axils in clusters of two to seven. The flowers are a yellow-green to white and
bloom from April to June. It has a
creeping root stock that is twisted and knotty with circular scars left by the
leaf stems former years (each year that passes a new one is formed-this is also
how one can tell how old the plant is).
The stems can get up to 2 feet tall.
The flowers are replaced by blue black pea sized berries that are said
to be poisonous. It is native to North
America, Europe and Asia. It loves
wooded areas, roadsides and shady places.
Its name is actually derived from the root as the broken stem resembles
the Star of David (also known as Solomon’s Seal). Polygonatum is actually Greek in origin and
roughly translated means ‘many knees’, referring to the multiple joints in the
root.
This plant is steeped in ancient
history (literally). While modern
medicine would classify it as a poisonous and invasive weed (in some states it
is on the invasive species list but it is also close to the endangered list
which I find ironic), history paints an entirely different picture. Taoist monks consumed the young shoots much
like asparagus and it was considered a plant often looked to when the winters
were harsh and famine was abundant.
Native Americans also consumed them in much the same way. Several Asian countries consume the root,
leaves and stem, both raw and cooked.
They also use the root to make tea and alcoholic beverages, the roots
are fried with honey and sugar for a sweet treat and the root was also dried
and ground into flour for food staples.
It is a valuable food to them as well, especially in times of famine. Here in this country the root is eaten like potatoes
and also made into flour for breads.
Solomon’s Seal is believed to
have magical/mystical attributes.
History speaks of it helping one to be more decisive and break bad
habits. It was often used in love
potions to enhance a couples commitment to one another. It was considered a ‘seal’ or promise of love
and devotion. Incense made from the
plant was used to keep evil spirits away and to dispel negative thoughts and
emotions. Conversely it was used to
summon elementals and/or helpful entities.
The root was worn to increase one’s wisdom and to keep bad spirits at
bay. It was used during rituals
celebrating the Autumnal Equinox.
The medicinal applications are no
less interesting. In Galen’s time
(130-200 AD) the infusion was used as a cosmetic. This appears to have traversed the centuries
as it is still used in that capacity today (also contains allatoin which is in
comfrey and aloe). Culpeper said that
Solomon’s Seal is a plant of Saturn, ‘for
he loves his bones well.’ He stated that:
“Solomon’s Seal is found by experience to be available in wounds, hurts,
and outward sores, to heal and close up the lips of those that are green, and
to dry up and restrain the flux of humours to those that are old. It is singularly good to stay vomitings and
bleeding wheresoever, as also all fluxes in man or woman, also, to knit any
joint, which by weakness uses to be often out of place, or will not stay in
long when it is set; also to knit and join broken bones in any part of the
body, the roots being bruised and applied to the places; yea, it hath been
found by experience, and the decoction of the root in wine, or the bruised root
put into wine or other drink, and after a nights infusion, strained forth hard
and drank, hath helped both man and beast, whose bones hath been broken by any
occasion, which is the most assured refuge of help to people of diverse
countries of the land they can have.”
He went on to say: ”…the diluted
water of the whole plant used to the face or other parts of the skin, cleanses it
from freckles, spots or any marks whatsoever, leaving the place fresh, fair and
lovely, for which purpose it is much used by the Italian ladies and is the
principal ingredient of most of the cosmetics and beauty washes advertised by
perfumers at high prices.” (1653)
Gerard stated that, “..there is not another herb to be found
comparable to it for the purposes aforesaid…” (bone repair, bruises,
hemorrhoids, tumors, black eyes, inflammations, etc.) The Cherokee, Iroquois, Chippewa and
Menominee tribes used it for skin, reproductive, gastrointestinal and pain
management issues. Dr. Hedwig Langecker
found it useful for nutritional diabetes in 1930. The Ayurvedics use it for pain, inflammation,
weakness, allergies and as an aphrodisiac.
The Chinese call it ‘jade bamboo’
and used it for the flu, rheumatic conditions, respiratory problems, stomach
complaints, malaria and a host of other issues.
It has been used for poison ivy, menstrual problems, indigestion,
ulcers, internal bleeding, gum problems, bowel issues and as a tonic for the
heart, kidneys and reproductive organs.
The oil has been employed for sprains and broken bones and the tea and/or tinctures have been
used for torn ligaments, dislocations and general issues with joints. (If one
follows the Doctrine of Signatures then it would be obvious that this plant is
good for all problems relating to the musculoskeletal system). In some cultures it is believed to be
restorative to an overworked and overstressed mind. As it is mucilaginous in nature it is
soothing to the mucus lining thus making it beneficial for the female
reproductive system, the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. The Chinese class it as a yin tonic and say
it lubricates the heart and lungs, builds the marrow, tones the abdomen and increase
seminal production. They use it for yin
deficiencies (grey hair, dry throat/cough, diabetes, etc.). More recent research has found that it can
protect the liver, bring down blood pressure and reduce blood fat and blood
sugar levels (Lu, 1994, 203).
Many modern references by
alternative practitioners say how helpful it has been in healing slipped and/or
herniated discs, bursitis, connective tissue (fascia) issues (possibly useful
for Dupuytrens disorder), impaired immune systems and nervous system
problems. Some have even gone so far as
to call it ‘Chiropractor in a bottle’. Unfortunately there are few clinical studies
on this plant although given its history is nothing short of criminal.
WebMD says that one should avoid
using this herb if they are pregnant and/or nursing or if one is taking blood
pressure and/or blood sugar medications.
Some side effects of overdose are diarrhea, vomiting and mild
nausea. Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) suggests if one is suffering from excess phlegm conditions, spleen and/or
stomach problems they should probably avoid this plant. The berries are considered poisonous and
should be avoided as well. As always,
consult a qualified physician before starting any herbal product or regimen.
As is customary for my posts I am leaving you with some links below. Stay strong and healthy!
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