Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)
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- Skeletal
- 1 condition
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Overview
Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) is a perennial up to about 20 in (50 cm), with arching stems, elliptical leaves, and bell-shaped greenish-white flowers, followed by blue-black berries. Valued for its anti-inflammatory effects, especially on ligaments and tendons, it’s considered a top remedy for connective tissue ailments like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Traditional uses & properties
Demulcent & Emollient: Soothes inflamed tissues, excellent for healing injuries, sprains, or connective tissue issues. Anti-Inflammatory: Eases arthritis pain and tendon swelling, applied as a poultice or taken internally under supervision. Traditional Yin Tonic (Chinese Medicine): Reputed to support respiratory system dryness, though less common in Western usage.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Fresh root (1:3, 95% alcohol); dried root (1:5, 50% alcohol); 5 drops to 3 ml (0.6 tsp.) 3 times daily
A salve made from the oil extract (1:4) works amazingly well. You can apply the tincture or decoction as a compress, or use the decoction as a soak or in a bath. Try combining kava-kava and Solomon’s seal decoction in a bath together.
2-4 ounces up to 3 times daily
Safety & precautions
Berries: Potentially harmful if ingested. Internal Use: Usually safe in moderate amounts, but best with professional guidance. General: Often recommended topically or for short therapeutic courses.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, Solomon’s seal is relatively rare in the wild but often grown ornamentally. Harvest the rhizome in autumn.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) as follows: Demulcent & Emollient: Soothes inflamed tissues, excellent for healing injuries, sprains, or connective tissue issues. Anti-Inflammatory: Eases arthritis pain and tendon swelling, applied as a poultice or taken internally under supervision. Traditional Yin Tonic (Chinese Medicine): Reputed to support respiratory system dryness, though less common in Western usage.
How is Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. TINCTURE: Fresh root (1:3, 95% alcohol); dried root (1:5, 50% alcohol); 5 drops to 3 ml (0.6 tsp.) 3 times daily TOPICAL USE: A salve made from the oil extract (1:4) works amazingly well. You can apply the tincture or decoction as a compress, or use the decoction as a soak or in a bath. Try combining kava-kava and Solomon’s seal decoction in a bath together. STANDARD DECOCTION: 2-4 ounces up to 3 times daily
What safety cautions apply to Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)?
Berries: Potentially harmful if ingested. Internal Use: Usually safe in moderate amounts, but best with professional guidance. General: Often recommended topically or for short therapeutic courses.
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