The Mysterious Mandrake Root
by Heather Maureen Millott

Have you ever seen a real mandrake root? It is fascinating really with its purple flowers and roots resembling a human form. Mandrake comes from the nightshade family. Of course all parts of it are poisonous.

In medieval times mandrake was one of the most valued ingredients in medicine. Mandrake has long been used in witches brews and is alleged to have various soporific, aphrodisiac and purgative powers. This in theory is accurate as it does contain an alkaloid that promotes sleep and suppresses pain. It has also been used in spells and potions to increase wealth, ease pain of toothaches or rheumatism, to cure depression, fix broken bones, prevent fits, and as an anesthetic before operations.

In some areas of Europe, possession of the root was punishable by death and if found on a person that person would be charged with witchcraft.

Some modern witches use it to invoke various deities and believe the root to enhance creativity, increase magical potency and psychic abilities and to aid in exorcism, fertility, love and protection. References to the root go back as far as the old testament. Mandrake must have had significant meanings of superstition in Shakespeare's time as the author refers to the plant in 4 of his stories; Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Henry IV, and again in Antony and Cleopatra.

The most interesting thing about mandrake to me is its shape, it actually looks like a human. There is a head where the tops grow, and two legs where the roots reside. There are many myths that tell us when the root is dug up it lets out a shrilling scream and kills all those who may hear its cry. Many old texts, including an old witchcraft book written in the late 1800's, give us a proper way to cultivate the plant safely.

"First a furrow must be dug around the root until its lower part is exposed, then a dog is tied to it, after which the person tying the dog must get away. The dog then endeavors to follow him, and so easily pulls up the root, but dies suddenly instead of his master. After this the root can be handled without fear."

I was lucky enough to find someone at Alchemy works who decided to grow mandrake on his own and record its progress through planting on Samhain in 2005 thru June of 2006 when it began to produce fruit. He used shop lights rather than natural light and the results are truly amazing. The photograph taken is of the plants progress in June 2006; the roots are very impressive.

I think it is amazing the stories and folklore that are told over the years regarding superstition and myth of nature's unexplained beauties. I am most amazed at how long the legends survive. I hope that mandrakes survive as they tell quite a story whether they scream it or not.

Till next time,
Heather

About the Author:
Heather Millott is a Halloween artist who admits to being shamelessly addicted to primitive folk and vintage Halloween art. Each month she plans to bring us another "Curious Good.." column. If you have a story suggestion for her, feel free to email her. Visit Heather here on HalloweenArtists.com or on her website at www.witchhollowprimitives.com.