Mandrake root, historically derived from the Mandragora genus, is a perennial herb with a large, often forked root that resembles the human body and is known for its medicinal and psychoactive properties, as well as its association with folklore and magic.
Here's a more detailed look at mandrake root:
Historical Uses:
- Medicine: Mandrake has a long history of use in traditional medicine, primarily for its analgesic and sedative properties.
- It was used to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, arthritis, ulcers, and infertility.
- Magic and Folklore: Mandrake is steeped in folklore, myth, and legend, with the roots believed to have magical powers.
- It was used in potions, believed to induce love, facilitate pregnancy, and provide soothing sleep.
- The myth of the screaming mandrake, which would shriek when uprooted, is a common folklore element.
Plant Characteristics:
- The roots are often forked and can resemble the legs of a human body.
- It is native to the Mediterranean region.
- Mandrake is a stemless, perennial herb with a large taproot that can grow up to two feet in length.
- It belongs to the Solanaceae family (nightshade family).
Other Names and Species:
- The most common species is Mandragora officinarum.
- In North America, the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is sometimes called the "American mandrake".
- Other varieties include Mandragora autumnalis and Mandragora turcomanica.
Modern Use:
- While mandrake is still used occasionally in homeopathic and folk medicine, modern medicine largely avoids its use due to its toxicity.
- Some natural products present in mandrake, such as atropine and scopolamine, and their derivatives, continue to hold an important role in medicine.
The lore of MANDRAKE is an ancient theme in European witchcraft. The man-like root is said to scream when pulled from the earth, and hearing its cries to portend death, wherefore herb harvesters once employed dogs to yank MANDRAKES from the soil. European Mandrake is of the Atropa genus; in the Americas the name has adhered to the Podophyllum genus. In Hoodoo and Conjure this AMERICAN MANDRAKE or MAY APPLE ROOT is used in several ways. The stick-like roots are tied and glued to make a twig-doll which, when wrapped around its middle with a paper bearing the Beloved�s name, is used as a Doll-Baby to Win in Love. Likewise, carrying a single root rolled up in paper money and tied is said to conjure Wealth. We make no claims for MANDRAKE ROOT, and sell as a Curio only.
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Please note: The price is per one piece, intuitively picked for you. Due to the nature of crystals, they may vary slightly in shape, size, color, and pattern. This is all due to the location and variation of the stones available. All crystals are reiki-charged and cleansed with love light and Sea Salt or Sand❤
* Important Health Advice Disclaimer: None of the information or products on this site are a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you are sick, please consult your chosen qualified healthcare practitioner. This site's metaphysical descriptions and properties are compiled from various online and book sources. We invite you to use the stones and these descriptions at your discretion and intuition. We would also like to state here… that your own experiences and those of others are more than likely to vary widely.
