Want More Effective Healing?
In many cases you can combine a tincture with use of a salve, tea and/or liniment. This creates a synergiy between the herbs and products that speeds their effects.

Cortesia Solomon's Seal Tincture

Now GLUTEN-FREE — steeped only with Organic Neutral Grain Alcohol.
SAFE for use by those with gluten intolerance and/or Celiac Disease

Ingredients: Solomon's Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum)

Dosage: 5-7 drops, 3x daily, placed under the tongue. You may find improvement within 1-7 days; additional healing often occurs within 2-4 weeks. Be regular with your initial use, and increase water intake!

Maintenance Use: We sugest initially using the full bottle (1oz bottle lasts about a month; 2 oz, up to two months). After noticeable improvement, you may reduce dosage to a few drop daily, or discontinue.

Emergency Use:  The quick-acting results of Solomon's Seal suggests having a bottle at hand in your medicine cabinet or as part of an emergency kit when traveling or engaging in recreational activities. Use the suggested dosage.

Benefits: Rebuilds damaged cartilage & connective tissues. As needed, lubricates, tightens, or loosens tendons, ligaments, attachments, and joints damaged by repetitive stress, injury and inflammation. Hastens recovery from arthritis, bone injuries (broken, stressed, osteoarthritis) and connective tissue damage. Soothes and repairs gastrointestinal inflammation and injuries. Loosens mucous in lungs. Moderates blood pressure. Calcifies and strengthens bones. Regulates synovial fluid in bursae and joints. Aids in female discomfort (cramps, excessive bleeding, PMS, menopausal issues, etc). And more!

BUY NOW AT OUR STORE

1 oz bottle  -  $15
2 oz bottle  -  $28

Cortesia Solomon's Seal Tincture
Formula #1:
ARTHRITIS & JOINT REPAIR

Ingredients: Solomon's Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum), Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum), Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted.

Dosage: 10-15 drops, 3x daily for at least 3-4 weeks. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Formula #1 may be taken for longer periods at the lower dose.

Benefits: useful for symptoms of osteoarthritis, lubrication and repair of inflamed or painful joints (such as knees, ankles, shoulders, neck, etc.), repair of damaged tendons, ligaments, & connective tissue, and dissolving of deposits in joints.

This formula is appropriate for those who suffer from the various symptoms of arthritis and joint deterioration. Such issues may well have their root in injuries from years ago, such as whiplash suffered in a car accident, or a badly sprained ankle that never quite healed, but they may also stem from the general wear and tear of an active life. Arthritis tends to develop slowly over a period of years. We may not feel it for a long time until the symptoms become more serious, painful, or limiting. It is not uncommon that the use of Solomon's Seal will make a big enough difference that it even stems the need for surgery. If you've already undergone a surgical procedure, it can speed the recovery process.

*Note: Keep in mind that it is well known that diet and weight issues also play critical roles in the progression of arthritis and in problems involving inflammation. Becoming well-informed nutritionally and acting on this information can also play an important role in the moderation or cessation of your symptoms.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Gravel Root is specifically indicated for arthritis. It is known for its ability to bring minerals into and out of solution, hence its use as a remedy to dissolve and remove deposits in joints. It is also useful for weak hair and nails, to keep solids and liquids in balance in the body (kidney functioning), and as a tonic for the uterus.

Pleurisy Root is indicated in cases of acute inflammation, arthritis, bursitis, lack of lubrication, or clicking in the joints.

Solomon's Seal, as you may know by now, works to harmonize, feed, lubricate, and tighten or loosen (as needed) tendons, ligaments, attachments, and joints. It is a valuable connective tissue anti-inflammatory, and is known to help moderate the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

BUY NOW AT OUR STORE

1 oz bottle  -  $16
2 oz bottle  -  $30

Cortesia Solomon's Seal Tincture
Formula #2:
BONE BUILDING & REPAIR

Ingredients: Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Mullein leaf (Verbascum thapsus) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted.

Dosage: 10-15 drops, 3x daily, for 3-4 weeks or longer, as needed

Benefits: This formula is helpful for those who are dealing with broken bones, crushed bones, stress or compression fractures, or any break that is not healing well or cannot be set (such as broken ribs). It is also useful for osteoporosis because of its promotion of bone recalcification. It will help strengthen the entire muscular-skeletal system.

Important Note: Please keep in mind that such a formula does not replace the need for appropriate medical care, the setting of broken bones, and the possible need for a protective cast, but it will speed and strengthen the healing once the bone has been properly set.

This formula also works well in tandem with our Cortesia Solomon's Seal Acute & Chronic Injury Salve (see below for description), which is applied externally, if possible, to the area of concern.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Boneset, as the name suggests, helps bones to heal strongly and well. Compression fractures of disks have sometimes been healed through its use. It also aids in bone recalcification, which is important in conditons such as osteoporosis.

Mullein, among many other uses, helps set bones in the right place (such as broken ribs and broken fingers or toes), and can help in straightening the spine. It also happens to be an excellent remedy for the respiratory system - useful for dry coughs, infections, excess phlegm, asthma, and to tone the mucous membranes.

Solomon's Seal helps to calcify and strengthen bones and decalcify unhealthy deposits. It also joins and seals broken bones, harmonizing and strengthening the entire muscular-skeletal system. It will speed the healing of bruises from blows and falls and the recovery following surgical procedures.

BUY NOW AT OUR STORE

1 oz bottle  -  $16
2 oz bottle  -  $30

Cortesia Solomon's Seal Tincture
Formula #3:
CARTILAGE & TISSUE REPAIR

Ingredients: Solomon's Seal Root (Polygonatum biflorum), Horsetail Leaf (Equisetum arvense) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted.

Dosage: 10-15 drops, 3x daily for at least 3-4 weeks. Start with lower dose and increase only as needed.

Benefits: This formula rebuilds damaged cartilage, adjusts connective tissue tensions on the joints, and also strengthens tissue, bones, mucous membranes, arteries, skin, and weak hair and nails. It can help heal joints damaged by torn ligaments and deteriorated cartilage.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Horsetail's high silica content helps to rebuild damaged cartilage and structures. It strengthens connective tissue, bones, cartilage, mucous membranes, arteries, skin, and other tissue. It is also a remedy for what herbalist Matthew Wood calls "low silica content in the body and weakness in the hard structures of the body" – for example, thin hair with split ends, nails that break easily, and persistent hangnails.

Solomon's Seal produces what is called a "plastic response", wherein diseased or injured tissues return to their original quality. It is a valuable connective tissue anti-inflammatory. It is known to regenerate cartilage through adjusting the connective tissue tensions on joints.

BUY NOW AT OUR STORE

1 oz bottle  -  $16
2 oz bottle  -  $30

Cortesia Solomon's Seal Tincture
Formula #4:
DEEP PAIN & TENSION RELIEF

Ingredients: Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) – all organically grown or respectfully wildcrafted.

Dosage: 7-10 drops, 3x daily, for 2-4 weeks or as needed

Benefits: Deep stress and tension release, relief from the inflammation and pain of arthritis, pinched tissues in injured joints and spine, kidney stones, liver pain and damage, burn pain, some migraines, and circulation problems due to tension. Also very useful in case of urinary tract infections, incontinence, and for prostate health, reproductive health, and PMS.

We sometimes fail to realize how connected our body/mind is. Tension held over time within the body and mind is one of the single greatest causes of illness and pain. Long-term mental stress inevitably has its physical manifestations. Herbalist Matthew Wood considers this blend to be the Solomon's Seal formula of which he is most proud. He details case after case where Agrimony or Agrimony with Solomon's Seal has helped clients under serious duress. When we are tense, no matter the cause, healing of any condition is far more difficult. This formula can be like a calming breath of fresh air.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Agrimony is another of those highly beneficial herbs that has been used for centuries as a "vulnerary", ie. for pain relief. It has been known to heal the severe pain associated with muscular/skeletal injuries, joint injuries, rheumatism, serious burns, certain types of migraine headaches, and more. Matthew Wood considers Agrimony to be one of the top three or four herbs in his practice. In The Book of Herbal Wisdom, he says "holding the breath to stop pain is a characteristic symptom for Agrimony." And "It is a great remedy for tension on any level" and in cases "where the patient is more cheerful than appropriate, hiding his true feelings behind a facade." 

Solomon's Seal has also been known for centuries as an important vulnerary (pain reliever). It has strong nutritive, lubricating, and cooling properties and is an excellent regulator of the tension of tendons, ligaments, attachments and joints. It is useful for prostate health and various female problems, such as vaginitis, pelvis weakness, prolapse, painful menstruation and menstrual cramps (PMS).

BUY NOW AT OUR STORE

1 oz bottle  -  $16
2 oz bottle  -  $30

Cortesia ACUTE & CHRONIC INJURY SALVE
NO OPEN WOUNDS!

This is a powerful workhorse of a salve in which every ingredient is highly beneficial. At Cortesia Sanctuary, we have been making healing herbal salves for many years, but we are especially proud of this unique formulation.

Remember, topical applications of the Acute & Chronic Injury Salve work synergistically well with one of the Solomon's Seal Tinctures (taken internally).

Ingredients: Solomon's Seal Root, Arnica flowers, Calendula flowers, Comfrey leaf and root, St. John's Wort flowers, Mullein leaf, and Horsetail in a base of extra virgin organic olive oil, and beeswax.

Dosage: Apply directly as needed (no open wounds). You may wish to bandage, wrap, or cover the area of application to protect your clothing from any oil residue.

Benefits and uses: For injured, sore, arthritic, painful or inflamed tendons, ligaments, muscles, attachments, and joints. Also excellent for strains, sprains, bruises, and burns. Not suitable for open wounds.

NOTE: In specific cases, this salve can be highly effective when used in combination with one of the Solomon's Seal Tinctures, especially Formula #1 for Arthritis & Joint Repair or Formula #2 for Bone Building and Repair.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Arnica – Highly effective for bruises and sprains, as it promotes healing and causes a reabsorption of internal bleeding. Arnica stimulates blood circulation and is also excellent for injuries to joints and muscles, including back strains.

Calendula – Very soothing for inflammation, dry skin, burns and sunburn.

Comfrey – Cooling and lubricating to sprains, strains, inflamed or arthritic joints, and other injuries to joints and muscles. The allantoin in comfrey is absorbed through the skin and speeds healing. Comfrey also encourages cell regrowth in connective tissues and broken bones and breaks down red blood cells in bruising.

Horsetail – Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, good for bones, muscles, and joints. Can help soothe and gradually eliminate varicose veins (though best in this case if used with the Solomon's Seal Tincture Formula #3: Cartilage & Tissue Repair). Can help ease the pain of rheumatism, arthritis, etc.

Mullein – External application to soothe nerve pain and to promote setting and healing of broken bones, fractures, sprains, and strains. Good for pain relief in major burns.

Solomon's Seal – For use on inflamed, painful, or injured tendons, ligaments, attachments, and joints. Speeds healing of bruises from blows or falls.

St. John's Wort – Localized nerve pain, such as sciatica, sprains, and cramps. Also for burns and muscle or joint inflammations such as tennis elbow.

BUY NOW AT OUR STORE

1 oz jar  -  $15
2 oz jar  -  $28

Cortesia
SOLOMON'S SEAL HERBAL TEA

Ingredients: Solomon's Seal root (polygonatum biflorum), organically grown and/or wildcrafted in North America.The root is chopped and sifted. We do not use any fillers.

Special Note: Please use caution if contemplating the purchase of any Solomon's Seal tea products originating from Asia (South Korea and China). Oftentimes, the source of growers and organic assurance cannot be verified. The major South Korean tea, while stated as being organic, only contains 82% Solomon's Seal with the other ingredient being brown rice filler. Adding unnecessary fillers to teas, to add bulk, is a common manufacturing strategy in the tea industry. Unfortunately, these fillers are not required to be placed in the ingredient list.

Dosage:  1/2 teaspoon per 6-10 oz of water (hot or cold, see below)

CAUTION: the Internet contains dosage misinformation, most often cited as 1 tsp per cup. This is too much, and may cause a mild headache or slight upset stomach. Our dosage amount is correct, based upon our research, experimentation, and customer feedback.

NOTE: If you are also using one of our Solomon’s Seal Tinctures, it’s best not to exceed three total doses per day of the tea and tincture. Use these strategies: 2 doses of tincture, 1 cup of tea. Or, 1 dose of tincture, 2 cups of tea.
This dosage is safe to take for 2 to 6 months or longer, as needed.

HOW TO PREPARE & USE YOUR TEA

Hot Infusion

Solomon’s Seal has a mild, slightly sweet, nutty taste, so you will probably find it quite easy to drink. To make what is called a hot infusion, place 1/2 teaspoon of chopped root in an empty cup. After you boil your tea water, wait a minute before pouring it into your cup. Cover and steep for 7-10 minutes or longer. You don’t need a tea ball or strainer because the root simply sinks to the bottom and swells up. You can drink two or three cups a day, as needed, but you may find that one cup per day is enough. Never drink more than three cups in a day.

Cold Infusion

TEA BENEFITS

Expectorant
Solomon’s Seal Herbal Tea is an excellent remedy for upper and lower respiratory infections, lung congestion, sinus infections, and persistent coughs (especially dry coughs where the mucous is hard to expectorate). As an expectorant, it loosens the mucus in the lungs so it can be expelled (an important stage in the healing process).

Demulcent
As a demulcent with strong mucilaginous (gelatinous) qualities, Solomon’s Seal tea is soothing and protective to the mucous membranes and other irritated or inflamed internal tissues of the body. Thus, in addition to soothing irritation in the lungs and throat, it is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract.

Additionally, Solomon’s Seal tea is an excellent remedy for women’s issues. Regular use of the tea (or tincture) can help to ensure abundant reproductive secretions, heal inflamed vaginal tissue, ease vaginal dryness (especially common for post-menopausal women), and tone the uterus. Solomon’s Seal is also nourishing and building for women who wish to conceive, for new mothers, for women who feel overworked and stressed, and for women experiencing menstrual cramps or going through menopause or post-menopause.

Anti-inflammatory
Solomon’s Seal is an excellent anti-inflammatory. It contains allantoin, which is important in the reduction of inflammation, such as that caused by arthritis, bone injuries, joint issues, muscle injuries, and connective tisue damage (tendons and ligaments). The tea can be useful in lessening the severity of gastrointestinal conditions, including ulceration, indigestion, heartburn, irritated or inflamed digestive tract, and diarrhea, all of which can be caused in part by inflammation. It is beneficial for the entire digestive tract.

Diuretic & Detoxifier
Solomon’s Seal is a mild diuretic and detoxifier. There is no question that tea makes you pee more, though not excessively. It promotes the formation of urine by the kidney and may aid in flushing the body of toxins and excess water, and breaking down fat. If you drink the tea in the evening, you may wish to drink it early enough that you’re not waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

Heart Tonic
Solomon’s Seal is known to have a mild regulating effect on the heart muscle because it contains small, safe amounts of the substance convallarin, a cardio glycoside. The National Institute of Health is currently researching Solomon’s Seal’s effectiveness in regulating blood pressure, especially high blood pressure. It can be safely used as a mild heart tonic.

Caution: If you are pregnant, have low blood pressure, or are on heart medication, it is not recommended that you use Solomon’s Seal tea or tincture without first consulting a medical practitioner. Be forewarned, however, that most Western trained doctors are not familiar with Solomon's Seal, or many other useful herbs, for that matter. They are often suspect of natural plant-based interventions, often citing lack of scientific evidence. Furthermore, they may have concern about dosage amounts and interactive effects with regularly prescribed medications, called contraindications. You might want to guide your medical practitioner to our website and blog to help educate them about Solomon's Seal.

Our experience, customer feedback, and historical evidence suggests that there is minimal to no risk in using Solomon's Seal. We have actually had customers stop their heart medications as a result of using Solomon's Seal. Men have also cited a return to normal sexual functioning, otentimes an issue of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) resulting from using heart medications.

BUY NOW AT OUR STORE

2 oz bag  -  $9.95
Makes 30 cups

Cortesia
QUICK RELIEF LINIMENT

A good therapeutic liniment is worth its weight in gold. It gives immediate relief to an affected area, thereby underscoring its short-term effectiveness. When combined with a salve and/or tincture, it becomes an important part of a synergistic team of intervention over a longer term.

Our liniment is hand-made and hand-bottled. The herbs are steeped over many weeks for optimal therapeutic potency. We blend herbs that give both a cooling and warming effect, and that work together for increased efficiency and penetration to deeper tissue levels, as transported by the alcohol bases.

Further reading: About Cortesia Quick Relief Liniment

Uses

• Sore and inflamed joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Alleviation of the discomfort of arthritis, bursitis, and rheumatism
• Circulation problems
• Sprains, strains, and bruises
• Injuries or discomforts from sports, gardening, work, or recreational activities, associated with the above symptoms
• Other conditions that may benefit from short-term relief

How to Use

Spray the liniment onto the affected area and firmly rub into the skin. This increases sub-dermal blood circulation and transportation of herbs to deeper tissues.The alcohol will quickly evaporate, but the formulated herbs will have penetrated the dermal layers. Use before or after activity, or whenerver joint stiffness is too uncomfortable. Rub more lightly for severe bruises, sprains or hurtful bursitis.

Remember, a liniment offers short-term relief. However, as in the case of stiff joints or sore muscles, such relief may be enough to provide needed flexibility. Our liniment will likely provide a cooling sensation that lingers for a while.

Special Note: We highly recommend using our liniment along with our longer-lasting Acute & Chronic Injury Salve and a tincture. This 3-Step Method is especially effective for providing short-term and long-term healing and relief.

About the Herbs

Witch Hazel base
All-purpose anti-inflammatory, soothing and cooling, also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is an excellent natural herbal carrier for the other herbal ingredients.

Isopropyl Alcohol
Acts as a co-carrier for the other herbal constituents and rapidly evaporates from the skin after it has done its job. The 91% alcohol content insures the best extraction of the therapeutic constituents of herbs we use and the deepest possible penetration of the finished liniment. An all-purpose antiseptic and disinfectant, Isopropyl Alcohol is often used for rubdowns after physical exertion and for general massage purposes.

Solomon’s Seal (polygonatum biflorum)
Works to harmonize, feed, lubricate, and tighten or loosen (as needed) tendons, ligaments, muscles, attachments, and joints.  It is a valuable connective tissue anti-inflammatory, and is known to help moderate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, repetitive use injuries, and connective tissue damage.

Comfrey Root (symphytum officinale)
As a vulnerary, it kick-starts the body’s localized natural healing processes almost immediately. Exceptional ability to heal wounds, ulcers, and fractures, and moderate pain. Aids in rapid cell regeneration and bone repair, promotes healing of damaged tendons, ligaments, and swollen or inflamed tissue. Good for soothing a sore back, aching feet, or reducing the pain of arthritis or rheumatism.

Calendula (calendula officinalis)
As an anti-inflammatory and vulnerary, it is excellent for bruises, strains, skin inflammations, burns, sunburn, and external wounds that are tender, red, and swollen. 

St. John’s Wort (hypericumperforatum)
Relaxes sore muscles and aids in healing the protective layer (myelin sheath) around the nerve core fibers. It is effective for general pain relief, as an anti-inflammatory, and to speed the healing of varicose veins, bruises, and burns.

Rosemary Essential Oil (from flowers – rosmarinus officinalis)
Helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating and toning effect on the skin. Useful for mild muscular pain, rheumatism, circulation problems, excess cellulite, and arthritis. Contains camphor, a stimulant that increases body heat in cold, tense, and arthritic joints. Eases stiffness in the body caused by fluid retention in muscles and other soft tissues. Also combats poor circulation by increasing the blood flow around the body. Suitable for dry, mature skin. Adds a pleasing fragrance to the liniment.

Rosemary Leaf (rosmarinus officinalis)
Among a host of medicinal uses with a long history of use, rosemary is instrumental for relieving muscle pain, stimulating the circulatory and nervous systems, and promoting increased blood and lymph flow. The terpenoids in rosemary, such as rosmarinic acid, rosmanol, carnosol and ursolic acid provide effective anti-inflammatory benefits. The rosmarinic acid within rosemary also functions as a wide-ranging antioxidant and helps fight free radical damage.

Arnica (arnica montana)
Helps remove congestion by dilating the blood vessels, supporting the circulatory system in more effective disposal of waste tissue and reconstruction of healthy tissue. It is an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, and is useful for muscle spasms, bruises, sprains, and strains.

Cayenne Pepper (capsicum annuum)
Reduces inflammation, soothes stiffness and pain. It is considered a warming ingredient because it helps stimulate local blood circulation to bring vital energy and healing to the affected area. Cayenne is a catalyst for Comfrey, helping the skin to absorb the Comfrey.

Horsetail (equisetum arvense)
Horsetail’s high silica content helps to rebuild damaged cartilage and structures. It strengthens connective tissue, bones, cartilage, mucous membranes, arteries, skin, and other tissue. It is especially useful for misaligned joints restricted in their movement, as may be the case with arthritis or joint injuries.

Menthol Crystals
A cooling ingredient that is refreshing, aromatic, and helps relieve muscular aches and pains. Extracted from mint, menthol is widely used in health and beauty aids.

BUY NOW AT OUR STORE

2.25 oz Spray Bottle: $11.00
This size is plenty for daily use for 1-3 months or longer. It is also quite portable