| SOLOMON'S SEAL  |
POLYGONATUM MULTIFLORUM It dispels congealed blood that comes of blows and bruises. An attractive plant resembling Lily of the Valley. It grows to about 18 inches (46 cm) and bears white tubular flowers which droop from the stems in clusters. Where to find it: A common garden plant, but found wild in woodland. Flowering time: Late spring. Astrology: Saturn owns this plant. Medicinal virtues: The root heals wounds, sores and other injuries, if they are new, and restrains the flux of the old ones. It stays vomitings, bleedings and fluxes in man or woman. The roots bruised and applied fix joints that do not remain firm when set, and broken bones in any part of the body. The decoction of the roots allowed to infuse overnight, strained and drank helps the broken bones of both men and beast. It also helps ruptures, if drank or applied outwardly to the place affected. The powdered root in broth does the same. It also takes away black and blue marks of bruises. Modern uses: The root is a soothing, healing herbal medicine, with astrin- gent and tonic properties. It is an excellent remedy for painful piles. A decoction of the root is made - 1 oz (30 g) to 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water - and four or five tablespoonfuls injected into the rectum, several times a day. Taken internally it gives relief from neuralgia, and is useful for inflammation of the stomach and bowel and for diarrhoea. It is taken internally and used as a wash for erysipelas. The powdered roots are used in poultices for bruises. |