Solomon's Seal Root Whole

Botanical Name:  Polygonatum odoratum

Common Name:

• English:  Drop Berry, Seal wort, Seal Root, Angelica flat,, polygonatum
• Also, known as:  True Solomon’s seal, Lady’s seal, Scean de Solomon, Weusswurz, 玉竹, Yù Zhú, Scented Solomon's seal, Jade bamboo

Habitat: Asia

Origin:  China 

Harvested:  Cultivated

Parts Used:  The root dug in autumn and dried                                                             

General Information:

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 in., 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 on across-section of the stem. The leaves are simple, linear to ovate, sometimes in whorls but mostly alternate, opposite and in two closes 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.

The flowers are in little drooping clusters of from two to seven, springing from the axils of the leaves, but hanging in an opposite direction to the foliage. They are tubular in shape, of a creamy or waxy white, topped with a yellowish-green, and sweet-scented.

Solomon’s Seal is a very hardy plant. It prefers a light soil and a shady situation, being a native of woods. If in a suitable soil and situation and not crowded by shrubs, it will thrive and multiply very rapidly by the creeping rootstocks. It will be better for occasional liberal dressings of leaf-mold, or an annual top dressing of decayed manure in March.

How to use:   

Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.