62. Polygonatum.—Solomon's Seal.
Botanical name:
62. POLYGONATUM.—SOLOMON'S SEAL. The rhizome of Polygona'tum biflo'rum Elliott, and of P. gigante'um Dietrich. Habitat: North America. A pale brownish-yellow or whitish root, annulate and jointed, each joint being surmounted by an obscurely seal-like stem-sear, which gives to the plant its name; internally whitish, spongy; inodorous; taste sweetish, mucilaginous, with an acrid, bitterish after-taste. Tonic, mucilaginous and mildly astringent; formerly much used in skin diseases and as a vulnerary, and has been recommended in gout and rheumatism. Dose: 1 to 2 dr. (4 to 8 Gm.), in fl'ext.
