Solomon's seal

Uses

What is Solomon’s seal used for?

Solomon’s seal is an herb. It is used to make medicine.

Solomon’s seal is used to treat lung disorders, reduce swelling (inflammation), and to dry out tissue and draw it together (as an astringent).

Some people apply Solomon’s seal directly to the skin for bruises, ulcers, or boils on the fingers, hemorrhoids, skin redness, and water retention (edema).

How does it work?

There are not enough studies about how Solomon’s seal works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, it is known that Solomon’s seal contains chemicals that might decrease blood sugar levels.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Solomon’s seal?

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist or herbalist, if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription.
• You have allergy with any substances of Solomon’s seal or other medications or other herbs.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
• You have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

The regulations for an herb are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking this herb must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is Solomon’s seal?

Solomon’s seal is safe for most adults when taken for short time periods.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: not enough is known about the use of solomon’s seal during pregnancy and breast-feeding. stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Solomon’s seal might decrease blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control. If you use Solomon’s seal and take diabetesmedications, monitor your blood sugar closely.

Surgery: Solomon’s seal might lower blood sugar levels. There s a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using Solomon’s seal at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Side effects

What kind of side effects may I have from Solomon’s seal?

Solomon’s seal can cause some side effects such as diarrhea, stomach complaints, and nausea when taken for long time periods or in large doses.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Interactions

What interactions may I have with Solomon’s seal?

Solomon’s seal may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbalist or doctor before using.

Products that may interact with Solomon’s seal include:

• Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)

Chlorpropamide (Diabinese) is used to decrease blood sugar in people with diabetes. Solomon’s seal might also decrease blood sugar. Taking Solomon’s seal along with chlorpropamide (Diabinese) might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your chlorpropamide (Diabinese) might need to be changed.

• Insulin interacts

Solomon’s seal might decrease blood sugar. Insulin is also used to decrease blood sugar. Taking Solomon’s seal along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your insulin might need to be changed.

• Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Solomon’s seal might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Solomon’s seal along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.

What is the usual dose for Solomon’s seal?

The dose for Solomon’s seal may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbs are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.

What form does Solomon’s seal come in?

Solomon’s seal may be available in the following forms:

• Raw Solomon’s seal
• Solomon’s seal liquid extract
• Solomon seal root capsules