Solomon's seal

Polygonatum biflorum

Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, astringent, relaxing; strengthens and lubricates tendons, ligaments and joints, helps with prolapse of the uterus and bladder, calms the heart rhythm, moistens dry conditions (dry skin, stool, airways).

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Decoction of the rhizome: 1–3 tsp per cup, 10 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 1–3 dropperfuls a day; compress (4 tbsp per half litre, steep 4 hours); do not eat the berries.

Use in traditions

Indigenous peoples ate the starchy rhizome as a vegetable and used it for bruises, sores and women's complaints. The scars left by dead stems on the rhizome resemble seals, which the name recalls. Related species are used in Chinese medicine (yu zhu, huang jing) as nourishing yin remedies.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Western herbalism

Attributed effects

Tonic, astringent, relaxing; strengthens and lubricates tendons, ligaments and joints, helps with prolapse of the uterus and bladder, calms the heart rhythm, moistens dry conditions (dry skin, stool, airways).

Preparation and amount

Decoction of the rhizome: 1–3 tsp per cup, 10 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 1–3 dropperfuls a day; compress (4 tbsp per half litre, steep 4 hours); do not eat the berries.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Tincture Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

All herbs from North America →