False Solomon's Seal

Smilacina racemosa

MEDICINAL USES:

False Solomon's Seal root works best for coughs and respiratory tract inflammations, where its demulcent and expectorant properties reduce the inflammation and loosen mucus. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also be useful in treating a sore throat or upset stomach. Topically, you can apply the fresh root externally as an anti-inflammatory for swellings, bites and stings. It also has a history of use in easing Poison Ivy/ Poison Oak inflammation.

Like Comfrey, the root contains allantoin, a compound that stimulates tissue regeneration, and so can be used to help heal burns, cuts and scrapes

First Nation Peoples made a tea from the leaves that they used, taken daily, as a contraceptive.

OTHER USES: False Solomon’s Seal makes tasty salad greens when young, being very tender and rather sweet. The older plants, however, are coarse, fibrous and unpalatable. When young, False Solomon's Seal is easily confused with the highly toxic False Hellebore (Veratrum veride). Hellebore, however, is extremely bitter instead of sweet, and will make your mouth go numb immediately if you chew it. Should such a thing happen to you, spit it out and rinse your mouth immediately, with water or more saliva. The berries are also edible, though they can act as a purgative to some people.