SOLOMON’S SEAL
Polygonatum commutatum, P. multiflorum
COMMON NAMES: Drop berry, sealwort, seal root.
FEATURES: Solomon’s seal consists of about thirty species of usually hardy perennial herbs of the
Liliaceae family. Native to moist, shady woods in the north temperate zone. They grow in colonies, each
simple (in some species branched) arching stem 12–18 inches, arising in the spring from a thick, fleshy,
many-jointed white rhizome on which, when the stem dies away in the winter, a round scar is left, the
“seal” (though this name may derive from the pattern of a cross-section of the stem). The leaves are
simple, linear to ovate, sometimes in whorls but mostly alternate, opposite, and in two close ranks. The
small white or greenish bell-shaped, three-partite flowers are seen in May and June; later the globular
bluish black berries. Taste is mucilaginous, sweet, then acrid.
MEDICINAL PART: Rhizome.
SOLVENT: Boiling water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Astringent, demulcent, tonic.
USES: From herbalists of the past: “If any of what age or sex so ever chance to have any bones broken in
what part of their bodies so ever their refuse is to stamp the root here of and give it unto the patient, in ale
to drink, which sodereth and glues together the bones in very short space and very strongly, yea though the
bones be but slenderly and unhandsomely placed and wrapped up.”
As a successful decoction used for pectoral affections, menorrhagia, female debilities, whites,
inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Will relieve pain and heal hemorrhoids if a tea solution is
injected three or four times a day. An agent for obvious conditions such as erysipelas, itch, etc.; also of
use in neuralgia and ruptures when taken internally, and as an external poultice applied to painful area.
DOSE: 1 ounce of the root to 1 pint of boiling water, taken in wineglassful amounts.
EXTERNALLY: The extract from the root is used to diminish freckles and discoloration of the skin. If the
fresh root is used, proceed with caution and dilute with water until you find individual acceptance. Used
for congested blood caused from bruises, and will close fresh and bleeding wounds.