Solomon’s Seal Rhizome
Solomon’s Seal Rhizome (Botanical name: Polygonatum cyrtonema, wild product from Guizhou)
Yunnan Solomon’s Seal Rhizome (Fleshy nodules, light yellow, internodes with rings, wrinkled fibrous roots, stem scars, “chicken eyes”)
Solomon’s Seal Rhizome (Long strips)
Solomon’s Seal Rhizome Slices (Unsteamed)
Ginger-prepared Solomon’s Seal Rhizome (Round granules, “chicken eyes”)
Solomon’s Seal Rhizome Slices (Black, caramel aroma)
【Naming】
【Source】
Recorded in 別錄 (Bielu) as a top-grade medicine
【Frequency of Use】
C
【Botanical Origin】
The rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum Red. or Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, belonging to the Liliaceae family.
【Characteristics】
This product presents as irregular, elongated pieces, sometimes lumpy, with thick, fleshy nodules, measuring approximately 6-18 cm in length and 1-3 cm in diameter. The surface is light yellow to yellowish-brown, semi-transparent, with longitudinal wrinkles and raised rings, as well as traces of the fallen aerial stems (commonly known as “chicken eyes”) and rootlet scars. The cross-section is yellowish-brown, with a slight odor, a slightly sweet taste, and a sticky texture when chewed. After steaming, the exterior is black, the cut surface is brownish-black, and the texture is soft and sweet.
【Processing】
Nine steamings and nine sun-dryings.
【Identification】
Yi Xin Fang: “Harvest Solomon’s Seal Rhizome on the seventh day of the third month for the best quality, or on the second day of the eighth month.” Taiping Shenghui Fang: “Collect the roots eight to nine inches deep in the second month for the best quality.” Zheng Lei Ben Cao: “Eight or nine inches deep in the ground is best,” “Nine steamings and nine sun-dryings are superior.” Pu Ji Fang: “Solomon’s Seal Rhizome is the essence of the sesame plant. Always collect the roots eight or nine inches deep in the second or third month for the best quality.” Liang Lie Jian Bie: “Those with tall nodes, fleshy and large, and without branching are superior.” The best quality is when the pieces are large, the color is yellowish-white and bright, the texture is glutinous, and the taste is sweet.
【Identification Terminology】
1. Rock Candy Gristle: Large pieces of Solomon’s Seal Rhizome with a yellow color and moist texture, and a yellow and transparent cross-section, are called “Rock Candy Gristle.”
2. Internode: One of the identification characteristics of Solomon’s Seal Rhizome medicinal material, referring to the distance between the rings on the surface of the rhizome.
3. Ginger-shaped Solomon’s Seal Rhizome: The rhizome of Solomon’s Seal Rhizome is nodular, with short branches, relatively thin, and shaped like ginger.
4. Chicken Eye: The round, disc-shaped scar on the root of Solomon’s Seal Rhizome, which is the circular indentation left after the aerial stem falls off.
5. Chicken Head Solomon’s Seal Rhizome: The Solomon’s Seal Rhizome is conical, with one end enlarged, often with one to several thick, short protrusions or branches, resembling a chicken head. It has a disc-shaped stem scar on it, resembling a chicken eye.
6. Waxy: Generally refers to medicinal materials with a high mucilage content that exhibit a waxy luster after processing and drying, such as Solomon’s Seal Rhizome.
【Chapter】
Rhizomes