Solomon's Seal Root

SOLOMON’S SEAL (specifically the commonly used varieties of Polygonatum biflorum, multiflorum, odoratum, siberian, and odoratum) is an invaluable herb with a worldwide history of use dating back thousands of years in Asia, Europe, and North America. The root of the plant appears to have restorative properties that address certain health disharmonies, as noted on this website and below.

Historically, Solomon’s Seal has been used as a tincture, salve, lotion, topical spray, poultice, or tea. Literature and research suggests it may provide benefits for:

Muscular-Skeletal support
Intestinal, bronchial and heart health
Feminine health
Certain skin issues
Pain Relief and Sleep Aid
MODERN AGES
Europe A.D.

In A.D. 130-200, the most famous physicians of the day — Galen, Dioscorides, and Pliny — all recommended the use of Solomon’s Seal root for blemishes, bone repair, joint restoration, feminine health, and as a heart tonic.

In the sixteenth century, the herbalist, John Gerard, in his Herball, claimed that it was effective for cuts, wounds and bruises of all kinds. He claimed the roots were excellent for “broken bones to knit.”

In his 1640 publication, Theatrum Botanicum, John Parkinson, a renowned British herbalist, noted that Italian women used the root to improve their complexions and retain their beauty and agelessness. In some countries, it is boiled and eaten as a vegetable similar to asparagus, and it has also been used in snuffs to induce sneezing and relieve head congestion.

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Solomon's Seal Root & King Solomon's Seal
Usage In Native North American Cultures
The Solomon’s Seal variety known as multiflorum was first discovered in North America by early European colonists finding its same visual and therapeutic characteristics as their European counterpart biflorum.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Service) identified Solomon’s Seal as a Culturally Significant Plant, noting its medicinal and restorative value among North American Tribal (Original Nation) peoples. It is our understanding that the National Institutes of Health is presently researching the benefits of Solomon’s Seal for heart health.

Please view the videos below to learn more about the use of Solomon’s Seal among North American native cultures.

Solomon’s Seal is a lovely woodland perennial with native varieties in North America, Asia and Europe. True Solomon’s Seal (the variety used for its restorative qualities) is native to most of the eastern and mid-western United States. The false version is more native west of the Rockies.

As a member of the vast Lily family (Ruscaceae; Liliaceae), it can grow up to two feet tall. It prefers a light soil, good mulch and a shady location. It can be grown by division or by seed. It will return year after year and spread itself. It is a lovely, delicate addition to a shade garden.

Solomon’s Seal was well-known by early botanists in Europe and North America.

The plant is visually attractive, and was often illustrated in the 19th & 20th centuries in botanical studies. It is commonly depicted in tapestries throughout history.

Solomon's Seal Diagram 2
Solomon's Seal in woodland
Solomon's Seal naturalized woodland
Solomon's Seal Diagram 10
Solomon's Seal vintage illustration
Solomon's Seal Diagram 11
Solomon's Seal vintage print
Solomon's Seal Tapestry
Solomon's Seal tapestry
Solomon's Seal Diagram 12
Early 20th century botanical illustration
Solomon's Seal shoot
Solomon's Seal shoot
Solomon's Seal Diagram 7
Solomon's Seal Diagram 3
Solomon's Seal Diagram 2
Solomon's Seal in woodland
Solomon's Seal naturalized woodland
How to Grow Solomon's Seal
As gardeners we have enjoyed integrating the striking characteristics of Solomon's Seal into our woodland gardens at Cortesia Sactuary.
We've assembled a FREE guide (pdf) detailing all the botanical qualities, and how to grow it yourself.
FREE GROW GUIDE

RESTORATIVE USE
By looking at the phytochemical composition of an herb, through science and/or observation, a cause and effect relationship can be made. Many of the components of plants have been so well analyzed that they form the basis for laboratory research and the creation of drugs and treatments. Most pharmaceutical drugs begin their creation by integrating knowledge about the known researched or observed effects of phytochemical nutrients in plants.

Medicines, when prescribed by a doctor, can be characterized by their general and specific effects. Herbs can be seen in a similar way. Herbs, however, when well-prepared, can be more benign overall toward health disharmony, with fewer side effects. Herbal remedies can catalyze a deep healing response, moving to rally the body’s resources.

Laboratory analysis of the herb yields the following chemical properties: steroidal saponins, glycosides, polysaccharides, alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, asparagine, allantoin, convallarin, Vitamin A, pectin, starch. Some of these properties can also be found in other herbs. Below are seven historical and restorative qualities of Solomon’s Seal, according to well-known categories recognized in medicine and herbalism.

For a more detailed description of these components, download this document: RESTORATIVE QUALITIES OF SOLOMON’S SEAL
Mild Sedative
Vulnerary
Demulcent
Tonic
Adaptogenic
Anti-inflammatory
Expectorant