Mandrake
Genus:
Mandragora
 english name:
Mandrake
latin name:
Mandragora officinarum
Family:
Solanaceae
Compounds: alkaloids such as hyoscyamine
Parts used: roots
Properties: in the past the herb was used as
aphrodisiac; now sedative and local anaesthetic.
internal uses:
has been to treat asthma and other breathing problems; the alkaloids
of the type found in European mandrake is to slow down the activity
of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract--the stomach and intestines.
They also reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
In ancient times, the mandrake plant was believed to have magical
powers. The mandrake root was thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac,
as well as an aid to fertility and of great value in facilitating
childbirth. In the bible story of Rachel and Leah, Rachel tried
for years to conceive and felt great despair when she wasn't able.
Mandrake has a large brown root, running 3 to 4 feet into the
ground. The root is thick and is frequently forked like two legs.
It has a short stem topped by ovate leaves. Its fruit consists
of orange-coloured fleshy berries.
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