Note: Much of the content of this article was carefully researched and formulated by the creator of the line of Cortesia Solomon’s Seal tinctures, Tricia Clark-McDowell
We’ve written extensively about the effectiveness of Solomon’s Seal in connection with damaged tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, inflammation, and more. It is possible, however, to hone in on very specific physical conditions with advanced Solomons’s Seal formulas that work synergistically to foster even deeper healing.
Consequently, the powerful healing properties are enhanced when Solomon’s Seal is carefully combined with one or more seven key herbs to address specific issues, such as arthritis, bone repair and bone building, cartilage and tissue damage, deep pain and tension, and women’s issues related to menopause and PMS.
This article guides you specifically about how we have combined Solomon’s Seal with one or more of the following powerful seven herbs to create specific formulas:
- Agrimony
- Blue Vervain
- Boneset
- Gravel Root
- Horsetail
- Mullein
- Pleurisy Root
First, let’s review the numerous healing benefits and suggested uses for regular Solomon’s Seal itself:
Cortesia Solomon’s Seal Tincture
Rebuilds damaged cartilage & connective tissue • As needed, lubricates, tightens, or loosens tendons, ligaments, attachments & joints damaged by repetitive stress, injury & inflammation • Hastens recovery from arthritis, bone injuries (broken, stressed, osteoarthritis) & connective tissue damage • Soothes & repairs gastrointestinal inflammation/injuries • loosens mucous in lungs • lowers blood pressure • calcifies & strengthens bones • aids in female discomfort (cramps, bleeding, PMS, etc.) • and more!
Initial Use: 5-7 drops, 3x daily, placed under the tongue. You may find improvement in as little as 1-7 days; if healing is possible, look for it within 2-4 weeks. Be regular with your initial use! We suggest that you commit to taking the tincture for up to 3 months, as this is the critical window of time for most body healing to be observed, no matter what medication or intervention is used. You can experiment with dosage amounts up to 10-15 drops each administration. The nature of Solomon’s Seal is very benign, so it is difficult to overdose. However, larger doses do not mean faster healing, and is not recommended.
Maintenance Use: We suggest initially using a full bottle. After noticeable improvement, you may reduce dosage to a few drops daily, or discontinue.
Emergency Use: The quick-acting results of Solomon’s Seal suggest having a bottle on hand in your medicine cabinet or as part of an emergency kit when traveling or engaging in recreational activities. Use the Initial Use dosage.
Cortesia Solomon’s Seal Tincture – Formula #1
ARTHRITIS & JOINT REPAIR
INGREDIENTS: Solomon’s Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum), Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum), Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted
Dosage: 10-15 drops, 3x daily for at least 3-4 weeks. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, may be taken for longer periods at the lower dose.
Benefits: Useful for symptoms of osteoarthritis, lubrication and repair of inflamed or painful joints (such as knees, ankles, shoulders, neck, etc.), repair of damaged tendons, ligaments, & connective tissue, dissolving of deposits in joints. Excellent for old injuries (sprains, whiplash, etc.), bursitis, weak nails and brittle hair. Has been reported to hasten post-surgery recovery, or even to prevent the need for surgery.
Gravel Root is specifically indicated for arthritis. It is known for its ability to bring minerals into and out of solution, hence its use as a remedy to dissolve and remove deposits in joints. It is also useful for weak hair and nails, to keep solids and liquids in balance in the body (kidney functioning), and as a tonic for the uterus.
Pleurisy Root is indicated in cases of acute inflammation, arthritis, bursitis, lack of lubrication, or clicking in the joints.
Solomon’s Seal works to harmonize, feed, lubricate, and tighten or loosen (as needed) tendons, ligaments, attachments, and joints. It is a valuable connective tissue anti-inflammatory, and is known to help moderate the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Cortesia Solomon’s Seal Tincture – Formula #2
BONE BUILDING & REPAIR
INGREDIENTS: Solomon’s Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted
Dosage: 10-15 drops, 3x daily, for 3-4 weeks or longer, as needed
Benefits: This formula is helpful for those who are dealing with broken bones, crushed bones, stress or compression fractures, or any break that is not healing well or cannot be set (such as broken ribs or toes).
Boneset helps bones to heal strongly and well. Compression fractures of disks have sometimes been healed through its use. It also aids in bone recalcification, which is important in conditons such as osteoporosis.
Mullein, among many other uses, helps set bones in the right place (such as broken ribs and broken fingers or toes), and can help in straightening the spine. It is also useful for osteoporosis because of its promotion of bone recalcification. It will help strengthen the entire muscular-skeletal system.
Solomon’s Seal works to harmonize, feed, lubricate, and tighten or loosen (as needed) tendons, ligaments, attachments, and joints. It is a valuable connective tissue anti-inflammatory, and is known to help moderate the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Cortesia Solomon’s Seal Tincture – Formula #3
CARTILAGE & TISSUE REPAIR
INGREDIENTS: Solomon’s Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum), Horsetail Leaf (Equisetum arvense) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted
Dosage: 10-15 drops, 3x daily for at least 3-4 weeks. Start with lower dose and increase only as needed.
Benefits: Rebuilds damaged cartilage, often indicated by misaligned joints restricted in their movement. Adjusts connective tissue tension on joints. Helps heal tissues and joints injured by torn ligaments and deteriorated cartilage. Strengthens tissue, bones, mucous membranes, arteries, skin and weak hair and nails. Helps heals conditions associated with bursitis. Useful for early stages of arthritis.
Horsetail’s high silica content helps to rebuild damaged cartilage and structures. It strengthens connective tissue, bones, cartilage, mucous membranes, arteries, skin, and other tissue.
Solomon’s Seal produces what is called a “plastic response”, wherein diseased or injured tissues return to near or original quality. It is a valuable connective tissue anti-inflammatory. It is known to regenerate cartilage through adjusting the connective tissue tensions on joints. Finally, it stimulates or adjusts necessary synovial fluid in bursae and joints.
Cortesia Solomon’s Seal Tincture – Formula #4
DEEP PAIN & TENSION RELIEF
INGREDIENTS: Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted
Dosage: 7-10 drops, 3x daily, for 2-4 weeks or as needed
Benefits: Deep stress and tension release, relief from the inflammation and pain of arthritis, pinched tissues in injured joints and spine, kidney stones, liver pain and damage, burn pain, some migraines, and circulation problems due to tension. Also very useful in case of urinary tract infections, incontinence, and for prostate health, reproductive health, and PMS.
Agrimony is a highly beneficial herb that has been used for centuries as a “vulnerary”, i.e. pain reliever. It has been known to heal the severe pain associated with muscular/skeletal injuries, joint injuries, rheumatism, serious burns, certain types of migraine headaches, and more.
Solomon’s Seal has also been known for centuries as an important vulnerary (pain reliever). It has strong nutritive, lubricating, and cooling properties and is an excellent regulator of the tension of tendons, ligaments, attachments and joints. It is useful for prostate health and various female problems, such as vaginitis, pelvis weakness, prolapse, painful menstruation and menstrual cramps (PMS).
Cortesia Solomon’s Seal Tincture – Formula #5
MENOPAUSE & PMS
INGREDIENTS: Solomon’s Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastate) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted
Dosage: 10-15 drops, 2-3 times daily, for 4-8 weeks for more serious or long-term cases, or as needed
Benefits and Uses: Helps relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and remove flu-like symptoms prior to or during menstruation. Can aid in restoring suppressed menses and establishing normal menstrual function in cases of heavy bleeding. Promotes release of physical, nervous, and emotional tension, an important factor in both menopause and PMS. Has a cooling and calming effect on hot flashes. Supports the entire reproductive system. Can also have a favorable influence through reducing high blood pressure. This formula can also be useful for a variety of women’s complaints, including urinary tract infections, bladder irritation, incontinence, vaginitis, pelvic weakness, prolapse, and uterine or ovarian congestion.
Agrimony is well known for its use in pain and tension relief, cramps, regulation of ovulation, normalization of menstrual bleeding, and the menstrual cycle in general. It too is useful for a number of other female complaints. It’s strong calming and grounding influence helps lay the groundwork for deeper healing and well being to take root.
Blue Vervain according to master herbalist Matthew Wood, “is an important remedy in menstrual and menopausal problems.” It moderates bleeding or irregular bleeding, hot flashes and headaches.
Solomon’s Seal is useful for prostate health and various female problems, such as vaginitis, pelvis weakness, prolapse, painful menstruation and menstrual cramps (PMS).
Cortesia Solomon’s Seal Tincture – Formula #6
ALL-IN-ONE DEEP HEALING
INGREDIENTS: Solomon’s Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum), Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum), Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted
The ingredients are specifically selected from our other formulas to create this holistic blend. You can read about the specific herbs in other parts of this article.
Dosage: 25 to 30 drops of tincture under the tongue, 3x daily for 1 to 2 months
Benefits: A powerful, high-dosage, all-in-one formula that aids in deep healing of complex injuries related to several or all of the following: joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, cartilage, & connective tissue. Lubricates, tightens or loosens (as needed) tendons, ligaments, attachments and joints damaged by repetitive stress, injury, or inflammation • Rebuilds damaged cartilage and connective tissue • Helps bones to set strongly and well • Useful for symptoms of arthritis in hands, knees, ankles, shoulders, neck, etc. • Excellent for old injuries such as whiplash, strains, sports injuries, etc. • May aid in straightening the spine or misaligned joints restricted in their movement • Helpful in cases of osteoporosis because of its promotion of bone recalcification • Strengthens the entire muscular-skeletal system • Can hasten post-surgery recovery or, in some cases, prevent the need for surgery • And more!
Cortesia Solomon’s Seal Blend
ACUTE & CHRONIC INJURY SALVE
INGREDIENTS: Solomon’s Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum), Arnica flowers (Arnica Montana), Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis), Comfrey leaf and root (Symphytum officinale), St. John’s Wort flowers (Hypericum perforatum), Mullein leaf (Verbascum thapsus), and Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) in a base of extra virgin organic olive oil and beeswax.
Dosage: Apply directly as needed (no open wounds). You may wish to bandage, wrap, or cover the area of application to protect your clothing from the oils.
Benefits & Uses: For injured, sore, arthritic, painful or inflamed tendons, ligaments, muscles, attachments, and joints. Also excellent for strains, sprains, bruises, and burns. Not suitable for open wounds.
NOTE: This salve can be highly effective when used in combination with regular Solomon’s Seal tincture or any of the six formulas.
Arnica is highly effective for bruises and sprains, as it promotes healing and causes a reabsorption of internal bleeding. Arnica stimulates blood circulation and is also excellent for injuries to joints and muscles, including back strains.
Calendula is very soothing for inflammation, dry skin, burns and sunburn.
Comfrey is cooling and lubricating to sprains, strains, inflamed or arthritic joints, and other injuries to joints and muscles. The allantoin in comfrey is absorbed through the skin and speeds healing. Comfrey also encourages cell re-growth in connective tissues and broken bones and breaks down red blood cells in bruising.
Horsetail is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, good for bones, muscles, and joints. Can help soothe and gradually eliminate varicose veins (though best in this case if used with Solomon’s Seal Tincture – Formula #3: Cartilage & Tissue Repair). Can help ease the pain of rheumatism, arthritis, etc.
Mullein is an external application to soothe nerve pain and to promote setting and healing of broken bones, fractures, sprains, and strains. Good for pain relief in major burns.
Solomon’s Seal is effective on inflamed, painful, or injured tendons, ligaments, attachments, and joints. Speeds healing of bruises from blows or falls.
For further information about Solomon’s Seal and any of our products, and to order, please visit our website: http://www.solomonsseal.net
Hi – I am 27 weeks pregnant (4th pregnancy) and have been experiencing a lot of strong Braxton Hicks contractions lately. I had a dream that Solomon’s Seal would help, and after reading the above uses for the herb – ie the way it aids in ligament/tendon tension control, and mentrual cramps, think I may be right!
I just wanted to check whether you had any more specific thoughts.
Thanks for you time
Josie
Josie:
Historically, Solomon’s Seal has been used for a wide variety of women’s issues or concerns. That you dreamed about Solomon’s Seal perhaps taps into that archetypal power of the herb related to womens’ interests over many centuries.
Straight Solomon’s Seal may provide relief for your condition. We also combined it with Agrimony because the resulting synergism between these herbs gives added pain and tension relief. In your situtation, you should engage in strategies for tension release, i.e. relaxation.
Here are some additional strategies, besides herbal intervention:
1. Walking is very relaxing, gentle, and toning for the body. It will relax your joints and muscles.
2. Take a warm baths and showers to help your body relax.
3. Increase your water intake, since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.
4. Try relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing, perhaps easy yoga positions, and definitely meditation or mind-calming exercises. This won’t stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort.
5. Write in your journal. Write poetry and beautiful thoughts – things that beautify your pregnancy and make you feel good mentally.
6. Read inspirational literature – things that inspire you and make you feel good about life.
7. Create a sanctuary space to call your own. It could be a special room, a corner of a room, even a special chair; it could be a spot in the yard or garden. Infuse this place with your spirit and that of your child. This is where you can be more yourself than any other place, just for a while. A place where you can sit and just be – a witness to nature, your thoughts or things around you; where you can read and write and meditate and contemplate. A place where you can relax and be one with your body.
8. Listen to gentle, inspiring music.
9. Express the need for loving support from your partner, or a dear friend, where you can be held or listened to or gently converse with.
The main point I make is that you should strive to create your life around relaxation. You are blessed to be part of a beautiful act of creation. To try to mask any discomfort or try to make it all go away is counter to the “dance of creation.” The message of your dream is to tap into those deep harmonic relationships women have to nature, creation and spirit. If Solomon’s Seal can help in some way, great. Ultimately, however, your relief is by your own means of being mindful of your body-mind-spirit throughout your entire pregnancy.
I wish you many health blessings,
Forrest
Forrest – what a lovely, thoughtful reply. Thank you so very much.
Despite juggling two lively boys and the myriad projects of my life, a husband who is at university, the general running of the household, and a ‘must get as much done as possible before the baby comes’ attitude of late, I have now been trying to slow down, listen to my body and take things easier. And actually -it all feels much nicer! Of course!
And so, I am saying ‘no’ more; doing less and enjoying this growing life within me that much more.
Thank you again for your kind support
Josie
Greetings Dr. Forest,
Is Solomon seal good for hair loss? and if so can it be applied to the scalp or is it best to drink as a tea?
I would not make any claim that Solomon’s Seal is effective for hair loss, taken in any form. Perhaps there are some folk loric or anecdotal claims, but I am not familiar with any. I would not rule out, however, the peculiar and unique effects on each individual when taking herbs. Personal body chemistry and health may help a natural plant-based intervention have a synergistic effect with various systems of the body. This because our body is a soupy mix of natural occurring chemicals, enzymes, etc., i.e. “drugs,” that always have the potential of interacting with each other, given the proper conditions or stimulation. So, some people experience responses different than others; therefore, it could be possible that a plant like Solomon’s Seal, what with it diverse therapeutic properties, could have an effect on hair, specific to an individual. In that case, it would be a nonharmful experiment to message the scalp with Solomon’s Seal!
Dear Forrest,
Some years ago I injured my shoulder rock climbing. My shoulder has never recovered and I still use a Devils Claw gel twice a day to calm the inflammation – this works really well but without the gel the pain comes back. I had an MRI scan and the doctor said there might be tendon damage (connecting my bicep muscle to my shoulder). Maybe its frayed, torn, inflamed, but the doctor said that surgery wouldn’t be worth the risk as it may make it worse – which sounds sensible. What I would like to know is do you think that soloman seal (maybe in combination with something else) would help repair and heal my shoulder? I definitely won’t be climbing again but I would love to be able to reduce the pain and maybe build up some strength in that arm again….one day!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Yours sincerely Ben Dunne
Hello Ben:
Shoulder injuries are notoriously slow for repair and recovery. I had a severe shoulder injury for decades that prevented adequate sleep at night because of discomfort. It also clicked and rode high.
I took straight Solomon’s Seal tincture that we had created, and within 2 days all symptoms were gone, and I slept a full night sleep! Others have had similar experiences. Most certainly, these may be extreme positive examples of results, but my healing of chronic injuries using SS has been thorough and long-lasting. In contrast, a chronic ankle injury took about 5-7 months to “heal” using SS, after years of discomfort.
For your shoulder injury, Solomon’s Seal can aid in reducing inflammation (critical strategy), adjusting the tensions of connective tissues, and regenerating important fluids and moisture in the tissues and joints and bursae. Long-term injuries will require longer and regular intervention, but relief is possible to some degree.
We have suggested in our blog articles and on our website, a 1-2-3 Method for intervention. This would be especially effective for your shoulder injury. The method uses our liniment, salve and tincture. It is important to move the herbal therapeutic constituents into the dermal and deeper tissue, and the liniment and salve do this. Rubbing in the liniment creates the necessary heat to transport. Then, rub in the salve. In both instances, rub for several minutes to create skin heat. I call this process “making love to your shoulder (or hand, foot, etc)”. The third strategy is to take the tincture several times daily.
Accordingly, diet adjustment is necessary with such important healing. This includes reducing processed sugars, salt, soft drinks, alcohol, and gluten foods. These foods feed inflammation; they also leach important building minerals out of tissues and bones and joints.
Always, with any healing work, increase water intake. This is especially invaluable with primary therapeutic herbs like Solomon’s Seal that are “moisturizing” agents for the body’s tissues and organs and joints. For them to work the best, increased water is important for flushing out toxins, moisturizing, and joint and connective tissue fluidity and elasticity.
In summary, straight Solomon’s Seal tincture would be a good start to your healing strategy. I also encourage the use of an external topical agent, for both short-term relief and long-term healing, such as our Acute & Chronic Injury Salve and our Cortesia Quick Relief Liniment.
Our body is a marvelous instrument that can heal itself with our loving care and knowledge. We must also accept the inevitability of injuries, not all of which can be fully restored to optimal functionality, but the discomfort reduced, nevertheless.
I wish you the best in your healing journey,
Forrest
Hello Forrest,
Thanks for such a considered reply. I was interesting to hear that your sore shoulder benefited from the tincture. I hope that my shoulder has a similar response, but rest assured, my expectations are realistic, especially as i have felt the disappointment of other treatments. Can I buy Soloman Seal in the UK or is it only available in the US – can you send it over?
Looking forward to hearing from you – Ben