Sealroot


Sealroot

A genus of about 50 species of rhizomatous perennials, found in Europe, Asia, and N USA. Polygonatum odoratum (Solomon's Seal) is one of several rather similar species, grown as an ornamental for its arching stems and pendent, tubular flowers. Care should be taken not to confuse the names Polygonatum multiflorum and Polygonum multiflorum; for the latter is a synonym for Fallopia multiflora (See, Flowery Knotweed). Several sources list the P. multiflorum, rather than the P. odoratum as the species used medicinally. Both are quite rare in the wild. Most plants in cultivation are hybrids between P. multiflorum and P. odoratum, and there is probably little difference in their constituents. Solomon's seal was described as a medicinal herb in Classical times, and in China its uses go back to the 1st century CE. In N America, the native Solomon's seals, P. biflorum and P. pubescens, were used. In parts of the S USA, the roots are known as John-the-Conqueror, and are important in Voodoo. Polygonatum is from the Greek polys, "many", and gonu, "knee joint", referring to the jointed rhizomes.

Native to Europe, eastern Asia, and North America, Solomon's Seal is a common ornamental plant that has been used for thousands of years in herbal medicine. Some say its name came from markings on the rootstock that look like the Star of David, also known as the Seal of Solomon. Others say the the wise King Solomon put his seal of approval on the plant. Still others say it was so named because the root of the plant has the ability to seal up and heal wounds. Often used in the form of a poultice to seal up and heal wounds. Often used in the form of a poultice to prevent excessive bruising and to stimulate tissue repair, it is said that Solomon's seal can make bruises or black eyes vanish in one or two nights.

Rhizomatous perennial with angled, arching stems and stalkless, ovate, pointed leaves, to 10cm (4in) long. Fragrant, white, green-tipped flowers, about 2cm (¾in) long, appear in early summer, followed by blue-black berries, 6mm (¼in) long.


Common Name:
Sealroot
Other Names:
Angled Solomon's Seal, Dropberry, Lady's Seals, Sealwort, Solomon's Seal, St. Mary's Seal
Botanical Name:
Polygonatum odoratum syn. P. officinale, P. multiflorum
Genus:
Polygonatum
Family:
Convallariaceae
Native Location:
Europe and Asia
Cultivation:
Well-drained, moist, rich soil in part shade, or in sun with a cool root run. Leaves may be damaged by sawfly caterpillars.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn; by division in early spring.
Harvest:
Rhizomes are lifted in autumn and used fresh in tinctures and ointments, or dried for use in decoctions and powders.
Warning:
All parts, especially the berries are harmful if eaten.
Varieties:
Flore Pleno
Has double flowers.
Gilt Edge
Has yellow-margined leaves.
Variegatum
Has white-margined leaves.
Height:
85cm (34in)
Width:
45cm (18in)
Hardiness:
Z3-9
Parts Used:
Rhizomes (yu zhu), Roots
Properties:
A bitter-sweet, astringent, tonic herb that acts as an expectorant, soothes irritated or damaged tissues, reduces inflammation, and clears toxins.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally, in Chinese medicine, for heart disease, tuberculosis, dry cough, dry throat in diabetes, and to encourage the secretion of body fluids. In Western herbalism, internally for coughs and gastric irritation; externally for bruises, broken nose, hemorrhoids, rupture, and dislocations. Internally, in Ayurvedic medicine, as a rejuvenative and aphrodisiac; one of eight root herbs (mostly belonging to the lily family) known as ashtavarga, used for infertility, insufficient lactation, chronic wasting diseases, or bleeding disorders related to kidney weakness. Given with warm milk and ghee as a tonic.
To treat respiratory and lung disorders, bruises, hemorrhoids, redness of the skin, finger ulcers, or boils.
Possible Side Effects:
Solomon's seal's side effects include gastrointestinal irritation.
Drug Interactions:
Taking Solomon's seal with these drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):
Acarbose, (Prandase, Precose)
Acetohexamide, (Acetohexamide)
Chlorpropamide, (Diabinese, Novo-Propamide)
Gliclazide, (Diamicron, Novo-Gliclazide)
Glimepiride, (Amaryl)
Glipizide, (Glucotrol)
Glipizide and Metformin, (Metaglip)
Gliquidone, (Beglynor, Glurenorm)
Glyburide, (DiaBeta, Micronase)
Glyburide and Metformin, (Glucovance)
Insulin, (Humulin, Novolin R)
Metformin, (Glucophage, Riomet)
Miglitol, (Glyset)
Nateglinide, (Starlix)
Pioglitazone, (Actos)
Repaglinide, (GlucoNorm, Prandin)
Rosiglitazone, (Avandia)
Rosiglitazone and Metformin, (Avandamet)
Tolazamide, (Tolinase)
Tolbutamide, (Apo-Tolbutamide, Tol-Tab)
Supplement Interactions:
May increase blood glucose-lowering effects and risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with herbs and supplements that lower glucose levels, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, Devil's Claw, Panax Ginseng, and Psyllium.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 326-327.
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interactions Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp. 424-425