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Contraceptive

False Solomon's Seal

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 19:15 — DawnBlack
Botanical Name:

Smilacina spp

Zones:
3-9
Other Names:
Solomon's Seal, False Solomon's Seal, Bog False Solomon's Seal, Star-Flowered Solomon's Seal, Starry Solomon Plume, Starry Smilac, Spikenard, Scurvey berry

As its name would imply, False Solomon's Seal looks quite a bit like True Solomon's Seal.

Propagation:

False Solomon's Seal enjoys a moist shady location with well-drained soil, neutral to slightly acidic. It will do well alongside a stream or pond and will tolerate some sun, but not full sun. It prefers a cooler situation and will benefit from mulching to keep the roots cool during hot summers. It can be grown from rhizomes or from seed, though the seed may take as much as 18 months to germinate. Plants can be divided in spring or early autumn.

History and Folklore:
Harvesting & Storage:
Household Use:
Magical Attributes:

This plant is a true survivor and often the first to return after a forest fire. Use it to help you get through hard times and to rebuild after your world has come crashing down.

Healing Attributes:

The smoke of the root has been used to calm hysterics.

An infusioni of the root has been used for constipation, rheumatism, as a general stomach tonic, and to regular women's cycles. An infusion of the leaf has been used as birth control- 1/2 cup per day for no more than a week is said to prevent conception. A decoction of the leaf is said to be useful for colds and rheumatism, 1 cup 2-3 times per day.

Externally, the root relieves pain, has antiseptic qualities and stops bleeding. The dried powdered root is a useful thing to have on hand for first aid. The crushed, fresh root makes a soothing poultice for strains, sprains, boils, arthritis and swellings.

An infusion of the root has been used for inflamed eyes.

Culinary Use:

The berries are edible and bittersweet but large quantities have a laxitive affect. This is removed by cooking. Young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked and the young shoots may be eaten like asparagus. The root should be soaked in a bowl of water with a few teaspoons of baking soda added for several hours before cooking.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

This plant is fabulous in the garden, just its presence is calming. Plant it a a quiet area where you go to relax when things get to be just too much.

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