Mandrakes are plants with a wide range of applications, for which there is an experience of many centuries. Since ancient times, the poisonous plant is considered a remedy and these days is experiencing its renaissance as such.
Occurrence and cultivation of mandrake
Mandrakes belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). They are also called springroot, root servant, dollroot, magic root. Mandrakes belong to the Solanaceae family. They are also called fountain-root, root-root, dwarf-root, magic-root. Common mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) forms dense rosettes lying on the ground with ovate, elongated, toothed leaves resembling turnip weed. The plant can reach a height of about 30 cm and has a thick, fleshy root up to 60-90 cm long. This is often branched and then looks similar in shape to a human. The seeds of Mandragora require cool temperatures to germinate and are sown in the fall or spring (February). The purple, bell-shaped flowers formed in May, the fruits are plum-sized, round and golden yellow, resembling small apples. They emit a pleasant odor when ripe. Mandrakes are hardy only to a certain extent. This is a poisonous, alkaloid-containing medicinal plant, which has been considered a magic remedy since ancient times because of its peculiar root form. Natural occurrences of the three species of mandrakes are the wasteland regions of an area from Portugal to Greece, here especially the eastern Mediterranean region, furthermore the Himalayan region and Central Asia.
Effect and application
Mandrake contains several parasympatholytic tropane alkaloids: (L)-hyoscyamine and its racemate atropine, and scopolamine. The alkaloid bases are lipophilic and can enter the bloodstream through intact skin, especially through mucous membranes. The alkaloids abolish the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system, a portion of the involuntary nervous system. The pupil becomes dilated. In overdoses, the plant drug can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal states of intoxication with hallucinations, erotic fantasies, talkativeness, and raving fits. In the Middle Ages, mandrakes were believed to have strong magical powers. Special preparations (“flying ointments“, “witch ointments”) gave the illusion of flying. A use as intoxicant, hallucinogen, aphrodisiac and amulet is said to exist even today in correspondingly interested circles. Mostly, the plant drug is only used in naturopathy in the form of finished preparations and homeopathic preparations, for example as homeopathic potentiation D4. Active organs are mainly the central and autonomic nervous system, the upper respiratory tract, vascular muscles, as well as the gastrointestinal tract, liver and gall bladder. Healing effects are said to include sleep-inducing, analgesic, menstrual, aphrodisiac, depression-reducing, and fertility-enhancing properties. Healing successes are also reported for ringing in the ears (tinnitus); further applications can be made for asthma, joint inflammation, sciatica, colic and headaches. There is a wide range of mandrake and mandrake preparations. The variety of products proves an unbroken interest in mandrakes from ancient times through the Middle Ages to the present. The offers range from madragora plants and seeds from garden centers, products for ritual purposes and mandrake liqueur to medicinal preparations. In the latter we find tinctures, ointments, ampoules, tablets and globules.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Many men take synthetic sexual enhancers. As an aphrodisiac, the scent of mandragora fruit can also increase love desire, and the root products of the plant can increase potency and prevent premature decline of the same with gentle plant power. For people who are spiritually and supernaturally interested, the use of mandrake products will strengthen the life forces and help to satisfy curiosities, thus preventing depression, as well as by taking mandragora preparations. For minor ailments of various kinds, either prevention or treatment is possible with the help of essences containing mandragora, which were discussed in the previous section. Interested persons will be advised by the homeopathic physician or pharmacist. The use of mandrakes for the treatment of all kinds of ailments was still very common in ancient times and in the Middle Ages until modern times.Mandragora preparations were considered an extremely versatile remedy, either applied superficially as an ointment preparation or used internally as an essence. Applications as incense were also known. At present, many people are returning to tried and tested remedies and methods of treating illnesses, also in the context of the increasingly known side effects of chemical-synthetically produced medicines. Mandrakes are currently experiencing a renaissance as a centuries-old proven remedy. This is due to the manifold application and effect possibilities of the plant. It is also conceivable to use the plant drug cautiously, accompanied by psychologists, for mental illnesses or for certain pain conditions. In the latter case, some patients have been allowed to cultivate and use cannabis – why should this not apply to the use of Mandragora preparations, which has proven itself for centuries in countless illnesses? Also, a renewed use of the phytopharmaceutical, in the form of a finished herbal medicine, in gynecology, for example, to facilitate childbirth, might be worth considering.
