Plants and People Project

Solomon's-Seal - Polygonatum

In folk medicine "The root of Solomon's seal stamped while it is fresh and greene, and applied, taketh away in one night, or two at the most, any bruise, black or blew spots gotten by falls or womens wilfulnesse, in stumbling upon their hasty husbands fists, or such like." Gerarde's Manual

Native Americans used a root tea made from Solomon's Seal for many medicinal purposes. They used the root to make a skin wash. Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants

The name of the plant has been credited with a variety of origins. Botanical.com

It gets its name from the shape of the leaf scar which is said to resemble the seal of King Solomon (Audubon Field Guide to Wildflowers, p. 611)

"Normally only used in times of famine, the root was powdered and then made into a bread by the North American Indians" Plants for a Future

"Also called Drop berry, Sealwort and Seal Root. It was once used to make a medicine that was thought to speed the healing of bone fractures." Indian Herbology of North America

The flowers provide nectar to many insects including the Karner Blue Butterfly.

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past. Be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

Identification and other facts / PLANTS database

Solomon's Seal

Solomon's-Seal colony emerging in the spring