Solomon’s Seal

Polygonatum multiflorum (a relative of Himalayan ར་མཉེ་) is a beautiful woodland herb used widely in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes. It’s known by the common name of Solomon’s Seal, due to a seal-like marking that appears in the rhizome, believed to represent the seal of King Solomon (which is a six-sided triangle in a circle - equivalent to a chöjung/dharmodaya in the tantric Buddhist tradition). According to Culpeper, Solomon’s Seal was traditionally used in the west for “the scurvy, they provoke urine, and break the stone, and excellently warm a cold and weak stomach, restoring lost appetite, and help digestion.” It’s also shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar.
In Tibetan Medicine, we identify Ra mNye as one of the “five roots” used for rejuvenation therapies. Its root gently improves metabolism and restores the bodily constituents, improves sexual function, and is used to counteract aging in the body and mind.
It is a popular herb in the western magickal tradition, associated both with Saturn (indicating its therapeutic affinity for the joints and skeletal system) and the Moon (representing its cooling and rejuvenating lunar qualities and affinity for the digestive system). As with many powerful healing herbs, most parts of the plant are toxic. Only the rhizome and young sprouts can be ingested.
Our handsome Polygonatum sprung up phenomenally quickly, with only its namesake rhizome peeking above the ground 6 weeks ago. It’s been a joy to watch in our garden, and it will hopefully go on to make excellent medicine in its future.