Mandrake

16Nov07

Mandrake
Mandragora officinarum

AKA: Mandragora, Satan’s apple

Portrait: Perennial. Indigenous to southeast Europe, the Himalayas, and Palestine. Naturalized in the open woodlands of eastern North America. Solitary, waxy-white or cream-colored flowers in late spring are followed by round orange to yellow fruits that resemble small apples.

Medicinal Element: Roots

Herbal Properties: Analgesic, cathartic

Summary: Now fallen out of favor by herbalists because of its toxicity, mandrake was used in the Middle Ages as a sedative and pain-killer during surgery and as a treatment for melancholia. Today, mandrake is most commonly found in homeopathic medicines prescribed to treat asthma, spasmodic coughs, hay fever, and colic. Ground into a poultice or plaster, mandrake is reputed to alleviate discomfort from arthritis, muscle aches, and joint pain. Except as specified by a knowledgeable and reputable herbalist, never ingest mandrake. Use externally only under professional supervision and stop if skin irritation develops.

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