Syn: Adam's head, witch's root, sleeping potion, devil's apple, creek grass.
Mandrake officinalis – poisonous perennial of the nightshade family, distinguished by an unusual root that vaguely resembles a human figure. Mandrake is not used in official medicine, however, scientists do not deny that its roots have an anesthetic, antispasmodic, analgesic, hypnotic and sedative effect.
The plant is poisonous!Ask the experts a question
Flower formula
Mandrake flower formula: *H(5)L(5)T5P1.In medicine
Mandrake officinalis is no longer used in modern official medicine, but this was not always the case. Once upon a time, the plant was part of antibronchitis and antiasthmatic drugs that coped with various breathing disorders. It was assumed that the plant alkaloids are capable of reducing internal secretion in all organs, including the lungs, and thereby reducing fluid stagnation in them and relieving bronchospasms. The antispasmodic and analgesic properties of mandrake have been used in the treatment of diseases gastrointestinal tract, used the plant as an anesthetic and hypnotic. Drops based on mandrake preparations were used in ophthalmology to cause paralysis of the eye muscles. This is necessary for examination or surgery on the organs of vision. However, the slightest overdose of mandrake officinalis preparations could cause narcotic delirium, hallucinations, respiratory arrest, coma and even lead to death. Even with a successful outcome, the consequences of an overdose of mandrake officinalis can be memory loss and impaired cognitive functions of the brain. In modern official medicine, mandrake officinalis preparations have been replaced by new, no less effective, but much safer drugs.
Contraindications and side effects
Mandrake officinalis is a poisonous plant, strictly contraindicated for minors, pregnant and lactating women. Signs of mandrake poisoning include nausea and spasmodic vomiting, dry mouth, dilated pupils, drowsiness, and seizures.
Classification
Mandrake officinalis (lat. Mandragora officinalis) belongs to the genus of perennial herbs Mandragora (lat. Mandragora) of the Solanaceae family (lat. Solanaceae). There are only three plant species in the genus. The remaining two are Turkmen Mandragora (Latin: Mandragora turcomanica) and Autumn Mandragora (Latin: Mandragora autumnalis Spreng).
Botanical description
Mandrake officinalis has large, short-petioled, entire, curly, oval or lanceolate leaves up to 80 centimeters long, collected in a dense basal rosette. Mandrake flowers are solitary, up to 5 centimeters in diameter, blue, purple or greenish-white. They consist of a five-part large calyx and a five-lobed bell-shaped corolla. The flower has five stamens and a pistil with a single-locular ovary. The formula of mandrake officinalis flower is *H(5)L(5)T5P1. The mandrake root is dark brown on the outside and white on the inside, fleshy, and reaches a meter in length. The rhizome often branches in two, releasing two lateral roots and becoming like a little man. The fruit of the plant is a spherical, yellow berry with a delicate and sweet smell, similar to the aroma of apples.
Spreading
Plants of the Mandrake genus grow in Central and Western Asia, the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. Mandrake officinalis can be found throughout the Mediterranean coast, in Southern and Central Europe.
Procurement of raw materials
Previously, collecting mandrake was associated with various rituals, often elaborate and frightening. Thus, it was believed that the mandrake root was capable of emitting screams that deprived herbalists of reason and could even kill. The great Shakespeare wrote about these sounds:
"...muffled groans
Similar to the moans of a mandrake,
When they pull it out by the roots, -
That sound drives a mortal into madness.”
Therefore, in order to protect themselves from unpleasant consequences, they dug up the mandrake, having previously drawn special magical signs near the plant with cold iron, then tied a dog to it, always black, plugged its ears tightly and lured the animal with a tasty morsel. The dog, eager for a treat, pulled out the root.
IN modern world Preparation of mandrake, of course, is done without mystical rituals. For use in medicinal purposes The rhizomes are dug up by hand. Collection is carried out from the end of August to the end of September, after the plant blooms.
Chemical composition
The roots, fruits and seeds of mandrake officinalis contain tropane alkaloids - scopolamine (0.04%) and hyoscyamine (0.17-0.36%), as well as the anticholinergic alkaloid atropine and the little-studied alkaloid mandrake, found only in plants of this genus. The plant also contains myristic acid and phytosterols.
Pharmacological properties
Mandrake officinalis is rich in tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, atropine and scopolamine. These alkaloids have been well studied and have narrow therapeutic applications. In small doses, drugs based on them are often ineffective, and if the dose is increased, the risk of unwanted side effects increases many times over. With the correct dosage, the alkaloids that make up mandrake officinalis can reduce internal secretion, gastric and intestinal activity, reduce acidity, and relieve spasms. They have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, producing a hypnotic and sedative effect.
Use in folk medicine
Despite the fact that the plant is poisonous, mandrake has found use in folk medicine. Freshly squeezed juice of the plant's root is used as a pain reliever for rheumatism and gout. The root, grated and mixed with milk and honey, is applied to tumors, edema, and hardened glands. Dried roots are used as an antispasmodic and analgesic for muscle, neuralgic and joint pain, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol tincture of mandrake is prescribed for debilitating pain as an analgesic and hypnotic. She also treats diseases associated with skin dyschromia, as well as motion sickness. Mandrake oil mixed with fat is also used externally for gout and rheumatism. Some believe that mandrake can cope with cancerous tumors. But no matter what the medicinal properties of the mandrake root are, you should not forget about side effects this plant and use it with extreme caution, strictly monitoring the dosage.
Historical reference
Medicinal properties mandrakes have been known to mankind since ancient times, and at the same time the mystical glory of the plant expanded. Homer described how epileptics were fumigated with smoke from the burning roots of the mandrake. The ancient Greek sorceress Circe turned Odysseus's companions into pigs by giving them mandrake decoction. Mandrake was one of the plants attributed to the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Pieces of its roots acted as a love amulet. Hippocrates believed that the plant, if used in small doses, could cure depression, melancholy and fear. The “Father of Botany” - Theophrastus - described the hypnotic effect of mandrake, and the scientist did not fail to mention that an overdose can be fatal. Since ancient times, the plant has been credited with aphrodisiac properties and was also believed to be able to cure infertility. Avicenna recommended giving “tears” of mandrake, dissolved in wine, before abdominal operations. “Tears” - that is, juice squeezed from the roots of the plant, introduced patients into an unconscious state, acting as one of the first anesthetics. The great doctor suggested using the same juice to treat bruises and reduce freckles.
In the Middle Ages, mandrake gained fame as a “witch’s root.” Adherents of black magic used its infusions to deprive people of their minds, and sorceresses poured its juice into the drink of their rivals in order to deprive them of their beauty. A mandrake dug up under the gallows was supposed to make its owner invulnerable to bladed weapons, help find treasure and predict the future. A figurine carved from the root of a mandrake, alraun, if certain rituals were followed, brought untold good luck. This plant was considered one of the obligatory attributes of the Sabbath. At the same time, “witch root” was recommended to be used in medicinal purposes and church herbalists. Thus, Abbess Hildegard, who founded her own monastery in the 12th century and was canonized after her death, suggested putting the mandrake root in a stream so that the spring water would wash away “anger and disgust” from the plant. After this ritual, mandrake became suitable for treating various pains. Mandrake is also described in the Bible. “Mandrake apples,” that is, the fruits of the plant, helped Leah and Rachel conceive a child with Jacob. Herbalists suggested treating elephantiasis, sore joints, and carbuncles with the crushed root of the plant. Witches used mandrake as an abortifacient. Shamans used hallucinogenic properties roots of a plant to go on a journey to another world.
Literature
1. " encyclopedic Dictionary medicinal, essential oil and poisonous plants" edited by Ogolovets G.S., Moscow, State Publishing House of Agricultural Literature, 1951 - 223 p.
2. Maznev N.I. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants”, Moscow, Martin Publishing House, 2004, 293-294 p.
3. Sizov A. “The Secret Powers of Plants”, St. Petersburg, IG “Ves”, 2011. - 326 p.
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Among the widely used traditional medicine natural remedies Mandrake officinalis, which belongs to the
Legends of the Mandrake
A distinctive feature of this perennial herbaceous plant, called "male root", "cuckoo boots", "Adam's head", "raccoon berries", is a thick, straight root resembling a human figure, which has become the subject of many superstitions, fictions and legends. One of them says that the medicinal mandrake, when dug out of the ground, emits a scream that can drive a person crazy or kill him. Therefore, in ancient times, a special protective ritual was used to obtain the “witch flower” (as the mandrake was popularly called). Only a knowledgeable person could dig up a plant. He did not do this with his own hands (so as not to accept death from the plant), but tied a hungry dog to it, and threw a bone at a distance from it. The animal reached for food with all its might and thus pulled the magical root out of the ground, after which it died.
This magical root
The root of the plant was extracted for various magical rituals, was considered a very strong amulet and was most valued if it most accurately conveyed the shape of a person’s body, especially with a difference in gender: female and male. It is believed that men should be treated with male mandrake, and women with female mandrake.
Herbalists used the crushed root of the plant to treat carbuncles, sore joints, and elephantiasis. Shamans used the hallucinogenic properties of mandrake for astral travel to another world.
Description of the plant
Mandrake officinalis (photo can be seen in the article) in natural conditions found in the territory Central Asia, Himalayas, Mediterranean, Transcaucasia, Middle and Near East.
Prefers well-drained sandy and loamy soils. Loves plenty of sun and can also grow in partial shade. It is characterized by a long (about 1 meter) root, which helps the plant survive long dry periods. At temperatures below -15 o C it dies. The plant has no stem or is very short. The leaves are large (about 80 cm in length), have an oval or lanceolate shape, are collected in a basal rosette, and are characterized by a sharp, unpleasant odor.
The flowers are solitary, consisting of a large 5-lobed calyx and a bell-shaped 5-lobed corolla. At the beginning of flowering (in May) they are characterized by a light green color, which becomes purple closer to autumn. The fruit looks like a large orange or yellow berry, is characterized by a pleasant fruity aroma and looks like a small apple or physalis. It tastes like a tomato.
Chemical composition
Traditional medicine has been able to identify beneficial properties for the body in the poisonous mandrake and uses all parts of the plant in its recipes. The root and fruit contain psychoactive, highly toxic alkaloids:
Mandrake officinalis (the photo conveys the modest attractiveness of the plant) is characterized by a calming, analgesic, chologenic, and hypnotic effect. By pharmacological properties the plant is close to belladonna, datura, henbane.
The alkaloids included in its composition suppress the functionality of the central nervous system, therefore the plant is characterized by a hypnotic effect.
Medicinal properties of the root
Mandrake root was used to relieve toothache, treat hemorrhoids and complications arising during labor. It was ground to a powder and added to beer. The same drink was recommended for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Mandrake root boiled in milk helped as a poultice for non-healing chronic ulcers.
Freshly squeezed juice of the root helps to calm the pain of rheumatism and gout. The great Avicenna recommended it as an effective remedy for removing freckles and treating bruises. “Tears of the mandrake” were mixed into a glass of wine and given as an anesthetic during surgical operations. In combination with honey and milk in crushed form, the root of the plant was applied externally to tumors, swollen places, and compacted glands. In dried form, it was used for gastrointestinal diseases, as well as joint and muscle pain.
Since ancient times, aphrodisiac properties have been attributed to the plant: a handful of crushed root was added to a bottle of wine. The drink was infused for a week. To improve the taste, 2-3 cinnamon sticks and a tablespoon of saffron were added to it. It was also believed that medicinal mandrake, the benefits of which were proven by scientific luminaries of antiquity, helps with infertility and inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
Mandrake treatment methods
Headaches, ulcers, open wounds, diseases of the liver and spleen were cured with a medicine that included dried mandrake fruits, opium poppy, cyperus flowers, common harmala and cinnamon, previously ground into powder and combined in equal parts.
A decoction of mandrake was used for painful manifestations in the limbs, sacral area, and also for the treatment of feverish conditions. Fresh leaves of the plant helped against toothache. To do this, they had to be chewed thoroughly. The smoke from burning the leaves of the plant helped in treating coughs and headaches.
In small doses, mandrake officinalis helps with phobias, melancholy and depression. Homer also described in his works that the smoke from the burning roots of the plant was used to fumigate epileptics. To quickly fall asleep, it was enough to hold a mandrake apple in your hand before going to bed or drink a glass of wine containing one pinch of dried mandrake root, ivy, henbane and licorice powder.
Mandrake against diseases
In ancient times, mandrake officinalis, the description of which was well known to ancient healers, was considered universal medicine and helped in the treatment:
- depressive states,
- abscesses,
- inflammation of the eyes,
- tumors,
- gout,
- skin inflammations,
- hemorrhoids,
- impotence,
- headaches,
- seizures,
- snake bites,
- food poisoning,
- calluses,
- worms,
- speech loss,
- open wounds and so on.
Mandrake was also used to normalize the menstrual cycle.
Mandrake officinalis: the effect of the plant
In modern medicine, root extract is included in painkillers, hypnotics and antispasmodics. medicines. Mandrake officinalis, the use of which was widely in demand several centuries ago, helps with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, pain of various types, in the treatment of vitiligo and other skin pathologies. The leaves of the plant have a cooling effect, so an extract based on them is added to gels and ointments to treat external wounds.
Today in folk medicine, mandrake is prepared without the use of mystical rituals. The roots are dug up by hand in late August - early September, after the mandrake has flowered. The alkaloids contained in its composition have been well studied by modern medicine and are used narrowly to reduce internal secretion, acidity, intestinal and gastric activity, as well as relieve spasms.
It is better to collect the leaves of the plant before the fruits ripen. It is recommended to dry the raw materials in a well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight. In its finished form, it can be used for smoking instead of ordinary tobacco, as part of smoking mixtures, or as incense and incense.
Tincture and ointment recipe
To prepare the tincture, you need to pour the peeled and crushed root of the plant with alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 4. Let it brew for 15 days. In its finished form, the drug is recommended to be taken for insomnia, gout and rheumatism, 3-8 drops diluted with water.
To prepare a medicinal ointment based on mandrake, you need to combine the plant tincture with internal fat in a ratio of 1 to 5 and apply it externally to relieve pain.
To treat bruises and injuries, it is effective to use lotions made from fresh juice mixed with water in a ratio of 1 to 5. Or you can use an alcohol tincture diluted with water at a ratio of 1 to 10.
Mandrake officinalis: contraindication for use
Mandrake is very poisonous. The main damage to the brain is caused by the substance scopolamine. Its uncontrolled independent use can lead to brain disorders, hallucinations, memory loss, coma, respiratory arrest and death. Signs of mandrake poisoning are nausea, vomiting, feeling of drowsiness, staggering when walking, dilated pupils, dry mouth, and attacks of suffocation. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not consume mandrake.
Fresh fruits of the plant contain a small amount of alkaloids, so their consumption does not pose any health hazard.
Modern medicine can offer a wide range of drugs with similar effects that are safer for health. Therefore, when choosing between drugs based on mandrake or other drugs with a corresponding therapeutic effect, it is better to prefer the second option.
Signs associated with mandrake
It has been known since ancient times that mandrake officinalis, the properties of which have found their main application in the medical field, helps in conducting financial transactions, therefore knowledgeable people used it as a talisman. This was especially true for illegal, underground transactions, which protected them from detection. If the root is placed in the same place with money, then its amount will double.
The root of the plant is capable of giving its owner prosperity, power, wealth, provided that the owner will never part with it: neither at night nor during the day. Using mandrake as a home talisman requires special treatment. The figurine must be dressed in clothes and stored at home in a secret place, away from prying eyes. During home meals, you should seat the little man in a place of honor, treat him first, and then yourself. On Saturdays it is recommended to bathe the talisman in wine, and on the first day new moon dress in new clothes. It is believed that mandrake officinalis can help in the search for treasure and can predict the future.
The medicinal plant mandrake belongs to the nightshade family and has many alternative names: Circe's grass, Adam's head, cuckoo's boots, etc. Mandrake grows in Western and Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and also in the Himalayas.
Mandrake in folk medicine
In medicine, the plant is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, eliminate joint and neuralgic pain, vitiligo, and edema. Hippocrates believed that small doses of mandrake are indicated for taking to get rid of such human conditions as fear, melancholy, and causeless nervousness. Large doses of mandrake have a sedative effect. Josephus Flavius used medicines based on this plant in exorcism rituals, and Avicenna used it as an anesthetic before surgery.
Mandrake as a talisman and talisman
Even in ancient times, the magical properties of mandrake were known - this plant was carried with them as a talisman. Mandrake is an excellent remedy for negative influences any kind: evil eye, damage and curses. It should be noted that the root of this plant can only be used by people - “Circe’s herb” is completely unsuitable for magical protection animals.
Since ancient times, mandrake was used by merchants - the “Adam’s head” protected against the disclosure of secret and illegal transactions. “Evidence” has survived to this day that a mandrake can supposedly double the amount of money if it is placed in a chest with coins.
Mandrake brings prosperity, wealth and prosperity to its owner. To do this, you need to cut a figure from the root that resembles a person. When you eat, the “mandrake man” should be seated in a place of honor and “fed” with the best pieces. On Saturday, your talisman should be dipped in wine, and for the new month you should dress it up in everything new.
Love spell with mandrake
The ancient Egyptians used mandrake as an aphrodisiac. It was believed that the “Adam’s head” could ignite passion and love desire. Love potions were prepared from the root, tincture of leaves or roots.
Pythagoras also wrote about the mandrake as an anthropomorphic plant (similar to a person). Albertus Magnus went even further, as he claimed that the plant comes in two sexes: white plant is male, and black is female. This must be taken into account in love rituals: So, to attract a man you need to use a “feminine” root, and vice versa.
Mandrake in black magic
Naturally, the mandrake was also used in: sorcerers with its help could easily deprive the victim of reason or beauty. In addition, the “herb of Circe” is used in Halloween rituals; witches cannot do without it; they include the root in an ointment for “night flights on a broom.” Due to its resemblance to a person, the mandrake was also used as a “voodoo doll.” This is what she is, a magical mandrake.
Mandrake is an amazing plant that evokes superstitious fear in some people and admiration in others. Rumors about magical properties root, owe much to its unusual shape, in the form of a human figure.
Nowadays, botany has revealed almost all the secrets associated with flora. But the mandrake every now and then presents prominent scientists with new mysteries. Also witch plant is in high demand among practicing magic adepts.
Healing properties of the plant
In ancient times, people valued mandrake for its healing properties. The plant was considered dangerous; the slightest error in determining the dosage turned the medicine into a strong poison. In this case, the patient faced a terrible, painful death. For this reason, only the most experienced healers and priests dared to resort to its healing properties.
The ancient Egyptians also knew about the healing properties of the plant. They used it as an aphrodisiac. At the same time, the elixir of strength, with the addition of mandrake juice, was in high demand among the rich part of the population.
In mythology ancient Greece references to this miraculous herb have also been preserved. The Greeks called mandrake “witches' grass.” Only priestesses of the cult of Hecate were allowed to dig up the root of the plant. In Homer's Odyssey, there is a part in which the sorceress Circe, who had lost all fear, used the root of the plant to prepare magical potions.
As a rule, pundits and doctors of antiquity did not experience a supernatural fear of the plant and successfully used its properties in their healing practice. When carrying out his surgical operations, Dioschorides used mandrake as an anesthetic. Hipocrates used the drug as an antidepressant. In turn, Avicenna made on its basis cosmetical tools and ointments for joint pain.
In the Middle Ages, due to the similarity of the mandrake's shape to the human figure, many stories and myths appeared explaining its origin. Many have tried to figure out how the plant acquires magical properties.
Traditionally, it was believed that the “earth man” could sprout only where the seed of a hanged villain fell to the ground. There were other versions.
According to one legend, in ancient times, in the southern part of the British Isle there was a large underground city called Mandragory. It was inhabited by dwarf sorcerers who loved work and fun. They drew their magical power from a huge stone located in the heart of the city.
As usually happens, magical power An evil sorceress wanted to take possession of the townspeople. It took her enormous efforts to break into the underground fortress, but then she received a crushing rebuff.
Resorting to deception, the sorceress put the defenders of the underground bastion into sleep and was able to approach the sacred place of power. No matter how hard the sorceress tried, she could not even move the massive stone. He, in turn, turned the body of the woman who desecrated him into marble and, having lost his strength, crumbled to dust.
Having lost the magical support of the stone, the inhabitants of the underground city were never able to awaken from their magical sleep. Time passed, and their bodies turned, becoming the roots of a majestic plant. Centuries later, the plant received the name Mandrake.
The remnants of the magical energy of underground sorcerers filled the stems and fruits of the plant. At the same time, the plants also acquired the sex of their donors. Thus, Medieval sorcerers believed that the male mandrake in the middle was white as snow, and the female mandrake was black as soot.
Later legends about the magical properties of the mandrake absorbed all the superstitions of the earlier legends. Just a few centuries ago, people believed that by getting their hands on a powerful magical energy mandrake is not given to everyone.
It was believed that this plant could only be obtained in the dead of night. To prevent the plant from hearing the human spirit and hiding underground, it was necessary to generously sprinkle it with urine. There was a belief that a mandrake extracted from the ground fills the surrounding space with a tearing screech. Those who heard him were in danger of death.
Magic prospectors have found a way to get around this inconvenience. The dog was attached to the extracted plant. After the hunters had gone a sufficient distance, the animal was thrown its last piece of meat or bone...
It was believed that a dog that died from the cry of a mandrake should be buried in the hole from which the mandrake was taken. As an expiatory ritual sacrifice, the creature's grave had to be sprinkled with a few drops of its own blood.
The great risk that the seekers of magical plants took was not in vain. The dried root was believed to be powerful protective amulet. Its owner is not afraid of damage or the evil eye. The plant brings prosperity to the house where it is stored, and good luck to its owner, even in the most adventurous endeavors.
Such a relic had to be kept hidden from prying eyes. It is advisable to carry the root with you. The plant was wrapped in red silk. The ritual of changing the fabric had to be performed with each entry of the moon into a new phase. Every week it was prescribed to wash the mandrake in wine, and with the arrival full moon, make an offering in the form of dinner. According to legend, this way the amulet increased its protective powers.
Mandrake was considered a very valuable ingredient used in love magic. At the same time, men used the female root to bewitch, and women used the male root.
If it was not possible to carry out this simple action, it was possible to use witchcraft remotely. On a full moon, you should bathe the root in wine, wrap it in silk or velvet, and place it on the table in front of you. If, after the procedures have been carried out, you tell the root about your love desires, he will definitely come to the rescue.
Mandrake root, was able to increase male strength and give children to infertile women. The plant could both attract love and drive away rivals. An elixir prepared on the basis of mandrake juice deprived the drinker of intelligence and beauty.
Mandrake in modern practices
In the Middle Ages, along with witches, mandrakes were almost completely exterminated. Many subspecies of this plant have survived to this day, also possessing healing properties. Finding a real mandrake is very difficult.
Modern magicians, witches, and sorcerers often offer to purchase magical items made from mandrake root or using it. Most often, such artifacts are useless and turn out to be made from other herbs with a similar smell.
In the modern world, get magical plant maybe one in a simple way- Grow it yourself. In specialized flower shops you can sometimes get seeds of this amazing plant. When planting it in the ground, you must remember that it is toxic and loves a calm and quiet atmosphere.
All these efforts will certainly pay off, since when the plant grows up, it will certainly protect its owner from harm and fill his wallet with wealth.
