American Mandrake has a skinny brown root that does somewhat resemble the fatter European Mandrake with its collection of “arms” and “legs.”Īmerican Mandrake has a broad palmate leaf attached to a long stem. It is also called Mayapple or Wild Mandrake. Mandrake was used in magickal rituals, and also in early Chinese and European medicine as a pain reliever and sedative.Īmerican Mandrake ( Podophyllum peltatum) grows in swampy areas in the northeastern United States and parts of southern Canada. The root contains poisonous alkaloids, particularly atropine. It has a single cluster of ovate leaves, almost no stem, and a long, thick root. This is the Mandrake spoken about in European manuscripts. Mandragora grows in the Mediterranean region, stretching eastward into parts of China. (The ritual uses and correspondences will be similar for both.) All Mandrakes are potentially lethal and should never be used for self-medication.Įuropean Mandrake comes from several species of the genus Mandragora, a member of the nightshade family. There are (at least) two distinct plants that produce roots called Mandrake, so we’ll consider them each separately. This article will help you sidestep the hazards of Mandrake and get in touch with this amazing plant. It is still used in countless magickal spells and charms. Mandrake was probably first adopted by magicians because of its psychoactive properties and its occasional resemblance to the human body. It is considered one of the most mysterious and potent of all magickal herbs. Mandrake is an unassuming little root with a formidable reputation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |