Mandrake root and fruit is a plant and an herb.

• botanical information
• history
• part used
• magick correspondences and uses
• ritual uses
• health care

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Mandragora officinale

    Common name: mandrake

    Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.

history:

    History: Mandrakes were commonly grown in ancient Egyptian temple gardens.

part used:

Part Used: The dried root. Information courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Magickal substitutions: Rosemary usually may be safely substituted for any herb in magick spells and rituals. Roses may safely be substituted for any flower.

Magical Uses Mandrake (Mayapple): exorcism, fertility, love, fidelity. Place in the home for a powerful protective charm. The roots are used in image magic, as the American version (Mayapple) and the European version, resemble the limbs of humans. Grind and sprinkle in cupboards & Book of shadows to keep away prying eyes. Protection, Love, Money, Fertility, Health information courtesy of

ritual uses:

    Ritual uses: Mandrake root or yarrow herb is tossed into fires as an offering to the Salamanders on the Wiccan Feast of the Fire Spirits (August 9).

health care uses:

    Health Notice: Attempting to be an amateur doctor is potentially dangerous to your health. This web page is not professional medical advice. Nothing on this website should be considered as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. Persons should seek the advice of qualified health providers. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional. See the article on healing for recommended healers.

traditional medicine:

    Traditional Medicine: While many traditional practices have been scientifically verified, some are now known to be dangerous. Seek the advice of qualified health care providers.

    Roman surgeons used an anathesia made from poppy opium (morphine, numbing pain and limiting movement), henbane seeds (scopolamine, inducing sleep), and mandrake (slowing heart rate and deadened pain).

Some herbs may be poisonious under some conditions. Exercise appropriate care.

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Some plants can be toxic just by touch. Even experts can make deadly misidentifications of wild plants. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

 

See also: herbs.

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