{"id":316588,"date":"2026-03-12T14:43:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T14:43:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=316588"},"modified":"2026-03-12T14:47:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T14:47:23","slug":"solomons-seal","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/solomons-seal\/","title":{"rendered":"Solomon\u2019s seal"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":316628,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"ed751413-9423-489b-b098-fc0a1ec516a7","beyondwords_preview_token":"0d1cb441-c7a7-433f-bee1-b5c622672358","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,685,699,698,695,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[31,786,28,2090,527,27],"western_action":[992,1000,1005,2066,2069],"chinese_action":[1038,1049],"ayurvedic_action":[1109,1091],"energetics_action":[1499,1557,1561,1505,1382,1533,1559,1553,1518,1523,1488,1558,1560,1507,1556,1562,1522,1529,1511,1494,1536,1492],"writer":[],"region":[1898,1893],"class_list":["post-316588","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-astringent-taste","sense-cooling","sense-mucilaginous","sense-neutral","sense-salty","sense-sweet","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-astringent","western_action-demulcent","western_action-nutritive","western_action-venotonic","chinese_action-tonify-the-qi","chinese_action-tonify-yin","ayurvedic_action-aphrodisiac-vajikarana","ayurvedic_action-rejuvenating-rasayani","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-blood-tissue","energetics_action-bones-tissue","energetics_action-cold-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-fat-tissue","energetics_action-kapha-plus","energetics_action-kidney","energetics_action-lung-channel-chinese","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-muscle-tissue","energetics_action-nervous-tissue","energetics_action-neutral-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-plasma-tissue","energetics_action-reproductive-tissue","energetics_action-spleen-channel-chinese","energetics_action-stomach-channel-chinese","energetics_action-sweet-taste-chinese","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-sweet-madhura","energetics_action-toning","region-traditional-chinese-herbs","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250310","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Solomon\u2019s seal moistens and supports connective tissue and mucus membranes","latin_name":"Polygonatum<\/span><\/i> spp.<\/span>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Liliaceae","herb_summary":"The nourishing, moistening rhizome of a woodland spring ephemeral is supportive of mucus membranes and connective tissue, helpful for injuries, wear and systemic dryness.","key_benefits":"","how_does_it_feel":"Sweet, chewy and substantive, it is unsurprising that it has long straddled the boundaries between medicine and food. Soloman\u2019s seal is reminiscent of other nourishing roots like <\/span>codonopsis<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Codonopsis pilosula<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>astragalus<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Astragalus membranaceus<\/span><\/i>). This is a <\/span>juicy<\/span><\/i> plant! The bright, slightly-earthy flavour can be calming, especially if for those with a constitution that tends towards a dry and atrophied state. Moistening and reduced inflammation in the GI and respiratory tracts are felt almost immediately as the roots soften in the mouth.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":316623,"hdif_image_2":316617,"hdif_image_3":316626,"hdif_video":"","sense":[31,786,28,2090,527,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Solomon\u2019s seal stands out as one of the best herbal tonics and <\/span>anti-inflammatories<\/span><\/a> for connective tissue, including joints, tendons, ligaments and bones. It has the potential to help in recovery from nearly any kind of injury, and particularly applicable for any kind of dry condition, such as creaking, worn out joints.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe moistening properties of Solomon\u2019s seal make it a highly useful support for mucus membranes throughout the body, including as a GI tonic for dry, inflamed digestive conditions; a moistening respiratory <\/span>expectorant<\/span><\/a> and tonic; and a therapeutic for urinary and pelvic inflammation stemming from dryness and atrophy.<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_316622\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"519\"]\"Solomon's Solomon's seal (Polygonatum<\/em> spp.)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe moistening, <\/span>nourishing<\/span><\/a>, and toning qualities of soloman\u2019s seal are its essence<\/span>.<\/span><\/i> It\u2019s the ideal herb for those who are systemically afflicted by dryness and deficiency, including those who run hot and have burned off their body\u2019s protective layers; those who are constitutionally dry and windy; and those who are listing towards a dry state from <\/span>menopause<\/span><\/a>, COVID or chronic dehydration. Anytime you see pain in combination with dryness, consider Solomon\u2019s seal as a first remedy.<\/span>\r\n\r\nMost contemporary accounts of the species of Solomon\u2019s seal, which grow across wetter parts of Europe and North America, focus on its application in toning and repairing connective tissue, particularly joints, tendons and ligaments. Stories are told about its efficacy in supporting recovery from traumatic injuries, as well as relief from chronic alignment issues (such as herniated discs) or repetitive stress injuries. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIt seems Solomon\u2019s seal has a nourishing effect on tendons and ligaments, moistening dry and atrophied fibres and allowing them to hold proper tension, which is helpful whether they\u2019re too tight or too lax, and the moistening effects extend to the joints, benefiting those with arthritic conditions which have depleted the synovial fluids. Solomon\u2019s seal has also been long attested for bruising of all kinds.<\/span>\r\n\r\nBeyond joints, connective tissue and bones, the moistening, tonifying, anti-inflammatory actions of Solomon\u2019s seal can be applied to other systems of the body, including the respiratory tract and lungs; the GI tract; uterus and testes; and the venous system. Solomon\u2019s seal has long been used for inflammation in the intestines, and it can be of benefit in any GI condition where dryness and atrophy are part of the picture. <\/span>\r\n\r\nLike other moistening herbs, it is beneficial for dryness and sticky mucus anywhere in the respiratory tract (though it\u2019s not much of an expectorant on its own). It is also specifically indicated for uterine or anal prolapse. As a tonic, Soloman\u2019s seal is also helpful for infertility where debility factors into the equation.<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"In Europe, use of Solomon\u2019s seal is documented going back to at least 70 AD. Dioscorides writes it is \u201cgood when it is laid on for wounds, & it takes away<\/span>\r\n\r\nalso ye spots which are in the face\u201d(1). Later European texts describe Solomon\u2019s seal poultice, plaster or infused wine in common use for broken bones, dislocated joints, bruising and inflammation, both for humans and livestock (2). Late 19<\/span>th<\/span> and early 20<\/span>th<\/span> century homeopathic and eclectic texts focus on more internal applications, as a mucus membrane tonic, for leukorrhoea and menorrhagia, as a GI anti-inflammatory and a venous tonic (3,4).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"MusculoskeletalMusculoskeletal system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nContemporary Western herbalists laud <\/span>P. biflorum<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i> as an unparalleled support for repairing damaged connective tissue, bones and joints. The root is recommended for both acute injuries and slow, chronic wear, including <\/span>osteoarthritis<\/span><\/a> and repetitive stress injuries. Solomon\u2019s seal is considered highly moistening, and this action is hypothesised to stimulate production of synovial fluid in joints(5) and increase pliability of tendons and ligaments (5,6). A specific indication is inflammation associated with dryness, and especially if there\u2019s ever a sense of friction in the joint, such as a grinding sensation or an audible crunch when moving (7,8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPractitioners have observed is that Solomon seal\u2019s penchant for supporting tendons and ligaments regardless of whether they are too tight or too loose. This may be helpful for hypermobility conditions, as well as for those who suffer from pain related to lack of flexibility.<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor injuries, herbalist Jim McDonald puts it well: \u201cTopical and internal use delivers \u2018marked and even drastic recoveries\u2019 from injuries\u2026 the most useful remedy I know of for treating injuries to the musculoskeletal system\u2026 broken bones, sprains, injured tendons and ligaments, tendonitis, arthritis, dryness in joints and \"slipped\"\/herniated discs.\u201d(7) <\/span>\r\n\r\nSolomon\u2019s seal combines well with <\/span>gotu kola<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Centella asiatica<\/span><\/i>), which offers complementary support for connective tissue, as well as <\/span>prickly ash bark<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zanthoxylum <\/span><\/i>spp.), and <\/span>cayenne<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Capsicum <\/span><\/i>spp.) to increase bioavailability; with <\/span>St John\u2019s wort<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Hypericum perforatum<\/span><\/i>) when there\u2019s pain related to nerve impingement, as with <\/span>sciatica<\/span><\/a> or carpel tunnel syndrome; with <\/span>horsetail<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Equisetum arvensis<\/span><\/i>) when bones or cartilage are healing; with <\/span>mullein root<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Verbascum <\/span><\/i>spp.) for low back issues; or generally with anti-inflammatory herbs like <\/span>arnica<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Arnica montana<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>willow<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Salix alba<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>black birch<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Betula lenta<\/span><\/i>) for a variety of injuries (7,9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a support for joint function, any type of arthritis may call for use of Solomon\u2019s seal. Jill Stansbury specifically recommends it for pain relief for joints that get stiff after sitting (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nP. odoratum<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>yu zhu<\/span><\/i>) is recommended for \u201cpain and spasms in the sinews due to lack of Fluids\u201d, as well as back pain. <\/span>P. sibericum<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>huang jing<\/span><\/i>) is indicated for kidney <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> deficiency with back pain, lower body weakness and fatigue (11).<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nSolomon\u2019s seal has numerous, disparate uses in supporting generative health, all related to addressing dryness and atrophy and supporting connective tissue. A common application is in cases of uterine, bladder or rectal prolapse, where Solomon\u2019s seal can help restore tension in the ligaments that support these organs (12). Solomon\u2019s seal is used in instances of <\/span>testicular infertility<\/span><\/a>, when atrophied tissues are a contributing factor (7). <\/span>\r\n\r\nHistorical herbal texts recommend Solomon\u2019s seal for leukorrhea or menorrhagia (3). It may be beneficial for ovarian support, and may strengthen the estrogenic side of the menstrual cycle (4). Generally, Solomon\u2019s seal is moistening to mucus membranes, and thereby supportive in a range of conditions affecting both the urinary tract and vaginal mucosa (13).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nThere\u2019s a rich history and contemporary use of Solomon\u2019s seal in supporting digestive function. Fyfe recommends it for \u201c<\/span>irritable conditions of the intestines<\/span><\/a>, especially when attended with burning sensations; congestion of the liver, spleen or intestines; inactive portal circulation; hemorrhoids\u201d (3). <\/span>\r\n\r\nI<\/span>t is highly <\/span>demulcent<\/span><\/a> and rich in soluble fibre, a combination which is potentially helpful for various inflammatory bowel diseases, such as <\/span>Crohn\u2019s<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/a> (13). Polysaccharides in Solomon\u2019s seal can be supportive of the gut microbiome (14). Solomon\u2019s seal stimulates gallbladder contractions, helping increase bile secretion and digestion and absorption of fats (15). General moistening benefits may help with <\/span>constipation<\/span><\/a> and dry stools (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nYu zhu<\/span><\/i> is used deficient <\/span>yin<\/span><\/i> patterns which present with constipation.(11)<\/span>\r\n

\"RespiratoryRespiratory system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nAs with many mucilaginous and saponin-containing plants, Solomon\u2019s seal is helpful for dry, congested respiratory conditions, helping to soften and expectorate dry and sticky mucus (15,16).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHuang jing <\/span><\/i>and <\/span>yu zhu<\/span><\/i> are used similarly for <\/span>dry cough<\/span><\/a> and dryness in the lungs and throat (11).<\/span>\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nAs members of the Lily family, Solomon\u2019s seal species contain some quantity of convallarin, a cardiac glycoside which affects heart muscle regulation. The amounts present in <\/span>P. biflorum<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i> are insufficient to have a dangerous effect on heart rate or interact with cardiac medications. Some feel that Solomon\u2019s seal may have a \u201cbalancing\u201d effect on heart rhythm by promoting calm (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nJim McDonald suggests benefits for those taking statin drugs to manage cholesterol, who are experiencing sore and achy symptoms (8).<\/span>\r\n

Immune system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nMany conditions of immune system reactivity cause considerable pain from joint inflammation, most particularly rheumatoid <\/span>arthritis<\/span><\/a> and lupus. Solomon\u2019s seal may be useful in alleviating pain and slowing long term damage from these conditions (8). It may also be helpful in addressing structural inflammation and pain caused by infectious diseases such as <\/span>Lyme<\/span><\/a> disease (17).<\/span>\r\n

Integumentary system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nSolomon\u2019s seal is beneficial as an emollient connective-tissue tonic for a range of skin issues where moistening, softening and repair are required. These can include dry conditions with rash \u2014 such as <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>psoriasis<\/span><\/a>. Soloman\u2019s seal may also be used to soften scar tissue (12,18).<\/span>\r\n

Endocrine system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nHuang jing<\/span><\/i> is recommended for various wasting conditions including tuberculosis, AIDS, and diabetes, particularly marked by loss of appetite, extreme thirst and fatigue. It can help in management of blood sugar (11).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_316627\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"Solomon's Solomon's seal (Polygonatum<\/em> spp.)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nVery little research exists on the medicinal properties or phytochemistry of <\/span>P. biflorum<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i>, especially contrasted with species used in TCM.<\/span>\r\n

Isolation and structural characterization of a novel \u03b2-fructan with potent \u03b1-amylase inhibitory activity from Polygonatum multiflorum<\/i><\/h3>\r\nThis study isolates and evaluates potential medicinal properties of PMP2, a polysaccharide extracted from <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i>. Based on <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> testing, researchers hypothesise this constituent may exhibit hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, which could indicate or highlight uses of this species of Solomon\u2019s seal for blood sugar management (19).<\/span>\r\n

New furostanol glycosides from Polygonatum multiflorum<\/i> (L.) All.<\/h3>\r\nA chemical study identifying five types of diosgenin molecules in <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i> (20). Diosgenin is a steroidal saponin present in <\/span>wild yam<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Dioscorea villosa<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>fenugreek<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Trigonella foenum-graecum<\/span><\/i>), which appears to have benefits in menopause, diabetes, and various ailments of aging, including osteoporosis, cancer and cardiovascular diseases (21).<\/span>\r\n

Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside extends mouse life span via upregulating neural klotho and downregulating neural insulin or insulin-like growth factor 1<\/h3>\r\nAn animal study demonstrating effects of TSG (Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside, a constituent of <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i>) on a test group of mice. In the study, mice demonstrated increased lifespan, improved memory, and reduced changes in brain chemistry associated with aging (22).<\/span>\r\n

Ameliorating effect of emodin, a constitute of Polygonatum multiflorum<\/i>, on cycloheximide-induced impairment of memory consolidation in rats<\/h3>\r\nAnother animal study showing beneficial effects of emodin, a constituent in <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i>, for counteracting induced memory impairment in a test group of rats (23). Emodin is an anthraquinone with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer as well as likely antiviral effects (24).<\/span>\r\n

Comparative analysis of biochemical attributes of genus polygonatum in Western Himalaya<\/h3>\r\nAn <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> analysis of flavonoids, tannins, and other polyphenols in <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i> alongside two other species. Researchers conclude that <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i> is high in constituents demonstrating antioxidant potential (25).<\/span>\r\n

C<\/i>-galactosylflavones from Polygonatum multiflorum<\/i><\/h3>\r\nResearchers isolate apigenin-like flavonoids from <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i>.(26)<\/span>\r\n

A review of Polygonatum<\/i> Mill. Genus: Its taxonomy, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effect due to processing changes<\/h3>\r\nA helpful metareview of chemical constituents identified in a range of <\/span>Polygonatum<\/span><\/i> species (27).<\/span>\r\n

Review on the genus Polygonatum<\/i> polysaccharides: Extraction, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities<\/h3>\r\nAnother metareview focusing specifically on polysaccharide content of commonly used species of Polygonatum, which the authors consider to be one of the primary functional components of Solomon\u2019s seal (28).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Solomon\u2019s seal is named for the distinctive depressions in the rhizome\u2019s knuckles, which are described as resembling a royal seal, or perhaps Hebrew lettering. The fabled King Solomon is said to have studied witchcraft and herbal medicine and \u201cwho knew the diversities of plants and the virtues of roots\u201d; the appearance of a seal associated with his name may be indicative of the reverence with which Solomon\u2019s seal is held for its health benefits (29). It has been suggested, though, that this etymology may be apocryphal, and that the name refers not to the \u201cseals\u201d on the rhizome, but the plant\u2019s virtue in \u201csealing\u201d wounds (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe taxonomical generic <\/span>Polygonatum<\/span><\/i> comes from Greek and means \u201cmany knees\u201d (30).<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhen unearthing a Solomon\u2019s seal rhizome, the age of the plant can be determined by counting the seals \u2014 the annual stem scars that appear along its length (31).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":316629},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Rhizome grows horizontally beneath the ground, roughly the width of a stout finger. Each year, the active growth end of the rhizome puts up a flower stalk, while underground preparing the following year\u2019s bud. The above-ground parts consist of a single sturdy, unbranched, bowing stalk, as tall as 1m or more, clasped by many often sizable simple, acuminate leaves. Leaves nearly clasp the stem, and grow to 3\u20134\u201d in length with strongly visible parallel venation typical of the lily family. <\/span>\r\n\r\nBeneath the stalk and hidden by the leaves grow slightly-belled tubular white flowers, with hints of green at the ends. On <\/span>P. biflorum<\/span><\/i> the flowers grow in pairs, more numerous in <\/span>P. multiflorum<\/span><\/i>. Solomon\u2019s seal is a spring ephemeral, blooming in the later half of the spring. Flowers mature into attractive blue-black berries with an otherworldly purple haze, but berries are popular with smaller mammals and birds and sometimes hard to catch before they\u2019re gone. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe overall plant can range in hue from yellowish-green to a lush granny-smith to almost blueish. Woodland Solomon\u2019s seal plants tend to be smaller and more tender, while the varieties commonly grown in shade gardens and landscaping are hardy, bushy and grow in large, dense communities.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSolomon\u2019s seal enjoys the same habit as <\/span>Maianthemum racemosum<\/span><\/i>, sometimes called Solomon\u2019s plume or false Solomon\u2019s seal. <\/span>M. racemosum<\/span><\/i> distinguishes itself by producing a fluffy panicle of many small off-white flowers, which mature to small, orange-ish berries; some also describe the foliage as coarser and more likely to tend to yellow. The rhizome of Solomon\u2019s plume tends to be thinner and more yellow, as contrasted with the white colour of Solomon\u2019s seal\u2019s.<\/span>","common_names":"