Solomon's Seal: A Natural Remedy for Muscles and Bones

the many benefits of Solomon's Seal

By Dr. Tiffany Wyse, ND, RH, 06 April, 2022

Although my naturopathic and early herbal training occurred over fifteen years ago, it is only in the last seven years that I have learned about and begun using Polygonatum multiflorum or Solomon’s seal in my practice, where it has quickly become one of my favourite herbs for musculoskeletal concerns.

What is Solomon's seal?

Solomon's seal is a hardy woodland plant with arching, elegant stems that gracefully bow to create a stunning mass that undulates in the breeze, Polygonatum multiflorum has long been prized for the healing capabilities found in its roots.

Its name comes from the Greek for “many knees” and is believed to have derived from the numerous knots or swellings of its roots and the numerous joints of the stem; while its common name, Solomon’s seal, or sigilum Salomanis, is said to have originated from depressions in the roots that resemble royal seals, although there is also indication that it was so named because of the root’s virtue in sealing and healing up wounds and broken bones.

Native to China, Solomon’s seal blooms in late spring to early summer, with small-but-showy clusters of sweet-scented, tubular, creamy white flowers, followed by dark blue-purple berries in September or October. While the berries are toxic, the roots are not, and can be safely ingested.

What is Solomon's Seal Good For?

Solomon's seal is generally used to treat lung disorders and reduce swelling (inflammation), and to dry out tissue and draw it together as an astringent. Some people apply Solomon's seal directly to the skin for bruises, ulcers, or boils on the fingers, hemorrhoids, skin redness, and water retention (edema).

I was first introduced to the herb as a medicine by American herbalist Matthew Wood at a summer gathering of herbal-oriented practitioners, which included Canadian herbalist John Redden, at Christine Dennis’ herbal farm in Port Burwell, Ontario.

Solomon’s Seal as Herbal Medicine

Family: Asparagaceae
Common name: Solomon’s seal, Eurasian Solomon’s seal, sealwort, lady’s seal, St. Mary’s seal
Parts used: Roots and rhizomes
Taste: Sweet, cool, moist
Energy: Moist, cool, sweet neutral yin tonic
Active constituents: Steroidal saponins, glycosides, polysaccharides, alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, asparagine, allantoin, convallarin, vitamin A, gum, sugar, starch, and pectin
Herbal actions: Astringent, demulcent, tonic, anti-inflammatory, musculoskeletal trophorestorative
System tropism: Musculoskeletal, kidneys
Medicinal actions: Anti-inflammatory, amphoteric, sedative, immune support, cardiotonic, diuretic, antitussive
Indications: Adjunct cancer care in addition to mitochondrial repair

Solomon's Seal Dosage

Tincture: (1:5) 3-5 ml 3x daily
Tea (Infusion): 1 tsp shredded Polygonatum multiflorum with 1 c cold water. Let stand for 8-10 hours.
To drink: Heat up and take very hot 3x daily.

Best if used as a tonic herb over a period of more than 6 weeks.

Healing Bones with Solomon's Seal

Known for its musculoskeletal supportive properties, Solomon’s seal reduces inflammation which makes it useful in treating pain from tendonitis, carpel tunnel, arthritis, bursitis, joint pain, bruising and other injuries.

BONE BENEFIT
According to Matthew Woods, Solomon’s seal has “the intelligence to set bones,”¹ and aids in the balancing of calcium, making it an excellent support for breaking up bone spurs and potentially helping with osteoarthritis.
AMPHOTERIC ABILITY
Thanks to its lubricating properties, Solomon’s seal can aid in proper functioning of joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
WOUND HEALING
Solomon's seal can help with sprains/strains, inflamed tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, and repetitive stress injuries. It can also be used topically to heal minor wounds and bruising.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AID
Eases joint injury, weak joints, arthritis (especially arthritis associated with older injuries), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow. Also provides support for to stiffness, injury, and overuse of connective tissue, and hemorrhoids. Immunity booster Solomon’s seal can give the immune system the boost it needs to it help fight infection. Studies have also shown its ability to induce autophagy (removing dysfunctional cells) in cancer cells, induce cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells, and block epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR.²
FEMALE CURATIVE
Considered to be a yin tonic, Solomon’s seal strengthens estrogen, tonifies the ovaries, and reduces ovarian and vaginal pain and irritation.
BREATHE EASY
Polygonatum multiflorum is a demulcent, making it soothing to respiratory mucosa, moistening and nutritive for throat and lungs, and helping with dry coughs and tuberculosis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS AND SAFETY
May lower blood sugar in diabetics. Berries are considered toxic. As always, consult your healthcare provider before embarking on any new supplement routine to make sure that it is right for you and your specific condition.

Prairie Doctor, a Vancouver based apothecary sells Solomon's Seal tincture in 50ml amber bottles which are available in larger health food stores and can be purchased in Toronto at The Big Carrot on Danforth Ave. The tincture can be added to water and ingested as directed by your healthcare practitioner, or used topically as a liniment, applied to sore joints and brittle bones.

How to Make Polygonatum Multiflorum Infused Oil*

*Adapted from the recipe of the same name by herbalist Matthew Woods, as featured in The Herbal Handbook for Home and Health by Pip Waller.

This oil can be used topically as is, or integrated into the following salve recipe.

INGREDIENTS

½ lb dried Polygonatum multiflorum root.
1 cup safflower or olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Place dried root in a 500mL mason jar and cover with olive oil.
Screw on lid and let sit, out of direct sunlight for 6 weeks. Alternately, gently heat ingredients over low temperature (do not boil) for 4 hours to infuse the oil.

Use topically over sore joints and tendons.