Where does the mandrake root grow? Mandragora officinalis: description, types, application, magical properties

This small nondescript plant is shrouded in myths like no other. Since ancient times, all sorts of properties have been attributed to it - both beneficial and very dangerous. Already in Old Testament Mandrake fruits are mentioned as an aphrodisiac and a miraculous remedy for infertility. In antiquity and in the Middle Ages in the East and Europe, it was actively used in medicine - as a sleeping pill and pain reliever during operations.

Mandragora was mentioned in their writings by Dioscorides, Pliny (senior and junior), Galen, Avicenna. In Russia, even in the 17th century, this “sleeping potion” was used in military field surgery.

The etymology of the botanical name is rather obscure. The most plausible is the variant of its origin from the Sanskrit words "mandros" - a dream and "agora" - an object, a substance, which in combination is interpreted as "the god of sleep".

The mandrake found the widest use in black and white magic - sorcerers prepared ointments from the roots, rubbing them into the armpits caused hallucinations and the illusion of flight, used them as amulets for a love spell, etc. She was known under various names - homunculus, anthropomorphon, love apple, devil's apple, Adam's apple.

According to legend, the Carthaginian commander Hannibal during the 2nd Punic War once pretended to leave the camp. The enemies who entered there drank the wine left in the vessels, not paying attention to the roots soaked in it. Hannibal had only to return to the camp and finish off the immobilized barbarians (which, as you know, did not save him from defeat later).

Joan of Arc was rumored to have been accused of wearing mandrake root under her armor, which gave her power over the English.

All these legends and superstitions owe their appearance, on the one hand, to the remote similarity of the underground part of the mandrake with the human body, on the other hand, to its hallucinogenic properties. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

The genus Mandragora of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) includes only five or six species distributed in southern Europe, Central Asia and China (Himalayas). All of them are herbaceous plants with strongly shortened underground stems (caudexes). Nutrients accumulate in the fleshy main root. Below, it usually bifurcates, which gives the plant a resemblance to the torso and legs of a person. In depth, the roots of some species go up to 2 m.

Mandrake leaves are collected in a rosette, their plates are strongly corrugated. In different species, they reach a length of 30 to 80 cm.

In Europe, two medium-sized mandrake species are found - M. autumnalis (M. autumn) in the Eastern Mediterranean, and M. offici-narum (M. officinalis) in Northern Italy, Yugoslavia and Egypt. Turkmen mandrake (M. turcomanica) grows in Turkmenistan. Not so long ago (1940-1960s), this rare endangered species in the USSR was even introduced into culture as a promising food and medicinal plant.

Interestingly, in terms of its seasonal rhythm, it is completely different from other Turkmen plants, but is very close to the Mediterranean ones (it is at rest in summer, and vegetates from autumn to spring).

Long gone are the days when mandrake roots were worth their weight in gold. It is no longer used in traditional medicine, only in homeopathy. But some foreign nurseries offer inexpensive planting material. They are trying to seize the opportunity created by the wildly inflated popularity of the Harry Potter books.

The most winter-hardy of all, obviously, the mandrake officinalis. According to the American classification, it can grow in zone 5. In the Moscow region, she endured the last two winters well.

The leaves outwardly resemble tobacco or beetroot, their only strange feature is that the rosettes, wide open during the day, rise and close at night, hiding lilac-greenish flowers. The plant requires a deeply cultivated permeable soil, an open or lightly shaded place at noon. In the middle of summer all above-ground part dies off. There is no information regarding fruit set in the Moscow region.

Many plants - flowers, trees, herbs - have long been revered different nations says the folk doctor. In some cases, some legend was associated with this or that plant, for example, the story of a narcissus. In other cases, people paid attention to unusual conditions, in which the plant lives, the shape and smell of the flower and other specific properties due to which this plant was chosen as a symbol.
From the crushed leaves, fruits and roots of many plants, various substances were obtained that were used to prepare ointments, tinctures, essences that have the ability to influence the mind and feelings of a person. In the treatment of many diseases, plants were used whose leaves, roots or fruits were similar in shape to organs or parts of the human body. For example, long fluffy moss growing on oaks was used to strengthen hair.

But perhaps the most mysterious and powerful magical properties prescribed mandrake. People have long noticed that its root is shaped like a person. Pythagoras called the mandrake "a humanoid plant." In the cultures of some nationalities, there was even a distinction between female and male plants. In ancient herbalists, this plant was usually depicted as a man with a bunch of leaves growing from his head.

Mandragora has strong narcotic properties. Therefore, even the ancient Greeks used it as a means of anesthesia during surgical operations. She was also identified with the magical plant baaras, with the help of which the ancient Jews conjured various spirits and demons. Since ancient times, the mandrake root has also been used as a remedy for the treatment of infertility - this property is described in one of the biblical legends.

According to an old legend, a mandrake shrinks from a human touch and at the same time emits a loud cry, trying to get back into the ground from which it was pulled out. Anyone who hears this cry either dies on the spot or goes crazy. To avoid this, you need to dig the root so that the connection of the plant with the ground is weakened, and then tie it with a rope, tying the other end to the dog. The dog, obedient to the call of the owner, will pull out a magical root from the earth and itself will become a victim of the curse of this magical plant. After that, the root becomes safe for humans.

In many legends, the mandrake is associated with evil spirits. For example, in Arabia, it was believed that the mandrake glows at night, so it was called the "devil's candle" there. And in medieval Europe this plant was often referred to as the witch's flower. It was believed that with the help of a mandrake, a sorceress could deprive a person of beauty and reason, bewitch him.

But at the same time, the mandrake makes a person invulnerable and helps to discover hidden treasures. It was also used in medicine, and later in alchemy. Dried roots were worn as an amulet. Such mass worship of the mandrake caused the emergence of a whole "industry" of making fake roots in the Middle Ages.

Mandragora (Mandragora)- genus herbaceous plant the nightshade family. Perennial stemless or very short-stemmed grass with a thick, straight, sometimes resembling a human figure, root. Because of unusual shape The root of the plant in ancient times was called planta semihominis (half-human grass) and anJrwpomorjh (humanoid plant).

The leaves are large, curly, entire, up to 80 cm long, in a dense basal rosette. Usually oval or lanceolate. Flowers solitary, consisting of a five-part large calyx, a five-lobed bell-shaped corolla, five stamens and a pistil, with a one-cell multi-shift ovary; greenish white, blue or purple. Blooms in July-August. The fruit is a large orange or yellow berry.

There are five or six species that grow in the Mediterranean, Western and Central Asia, in the Himalayas:
- Mandragora (Atropa mandragora);
- Mandragora officinalis (Mandragora officinarum L.);
- Mandragora spring (Mandragora vernalis);
- Autumn Mandragora (Mandragora autumnalis Spreng);
- Turkmen mandrake (Mandragora turcomanica).

The most little-studied species is the Turkmen mandrake, says a folk healer. This perennial with a thick, spindle-shaped root, reaching 60 cm. The flowers are greenish-white, the fruit is a spherical berry yellow color 2-3 cm in diameter, quite edible. It is listed in the international Red Book. It has amazing vitality: in isolation from the ground, the ability to grow throughout the year remains.

In 1973, I deeply studied the Baysun and Kapyt-Dag mountains. In the Turkmen Kapit-dag I found a mandrake, for the first time in my life I saw with my own eyes the tears of this legendary plant. I still use these tears as a homeopathic remedy for the treatment of patients.

The medicinal mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) and the closely related European autumn mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis syn. Atropa mandragora, Mandragora praecox, Mandragora acaulis, Mandragora vernalis) belong to the Solanaceae family. In the wild, they are found in the Mediterranean, Southern Europe and Central Asia. The root is fusiform, powerful, fleshy, thick, up to 60 cm long. The leaves are large, shortly petiolate, the eggs are visible-oblong, often with an unevenly serrated edge. Pedicels bear one flower each, which has a large five-toothed calyx and a greenish-yellow corolla about 3 cm in diameter. The fruit is a silvery and yellow spherical berry.

In western Turkmenistan (Kopetdag) in 1942, a the new kind Turkmen mandrake (Mandragora turcomanica). This is a perennial plant with leaves flattened on the ground, similar to tobacco leaves. Among the leaves, a bunch ripens by spring - up to thirty orange fruits, similar to green tomatoes, with the smell of melon. Blooms in May. The fruits ripen in July-August.

This is one of the oldest medicinal plants. It is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, one of mankind's first written sources on herbal medicine, under the amusing name "dya-dya". Pythagoras called her "humanoid".

In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the owner of the mandrake acquires youth, love, beauty and happiness forever, that the mandrake helps to search for buried treasures. In general, the prospect is tempting, but it was not so easy to dig it out. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the mandrake grows only on graves and places of execution.

All these superstitions were so widespread that even in the books of the 15th century the mandrake root was depicted as a human figure. And only in 1560, the botanist Bock in his Herbalist first depicted the mandrake as an ordinary plant.

Mandrake juice (tear) was used as an abortifacient, introducing it into the vagina. The juice from the roots and fruits of this plant was mixed with wine and given as a sleeping pill.

The roots, fruits and seeds of the mandrake officinalis and autumn contain the alkaloids hyoscyamine, scopolamine and other alkaloids, the folk doctor claims. In terms of pharmacological activity, mandrake root extracts are close to belladonna, henbane, and dope. The roots of the Turkmen mandrake contain alkaloids found glycoalkaloid solanine.

Currently, mandrake is practically not used in scientific medicine. And in folk medicine it is occasionally used as an analgesic for gout and rheumatism (externally). The roots are used for the preparation of analgesics and antispasmodics against gastrointestinal diseases, as well as muscle, joint and neuralgic pains.

In homeopathy, fresh herb essence is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and headaches, and root preparations for circulatory disorders, bile secretion disorders and liver diseases, as well as sciatica.

According to homeopathic beliefs - external features point to the healing power - the root of the mandrake until the New Age was considered as a universal healing agent that carries a "divine sign".

Mandragora has analgesic, sedative, hypnotic and cholagenic effects. Liquefies mucus. The roots are used for the preparation of analgesics and antistatic agents for gastrointestinal diseases, as well as for muscle, joint and neuralgic pains.

Tincture: crushed mandrake root insist on alcohol (in a ratio of 1:4) for 15 days, filter. Take 3-10 drops as an analgesic and hypnotic for rheumatism, gout.

Butter: interior fat is mixed with mandrake tincture (1:5). Used as an external pain reliever for rheumatism and gout.

The Greek physician Dioscorides identified the mandrake with "Circe", or Circe's plant. It is mentioned in the Odyssey: “The root was black, the color was like white milk, ... it is dangerous for people to tear it out of the ground with its root, but everything is possible for the gods.” Dioscorides used the soporific properties of the mandrake for surgical operations in the army of Nero.

Hippocrates, the most famous healer of antiquity, carefully studied the actions of the mandrake and came to the conclusion that in small doses it is effective tool from fear, melancholy and depression, and in more significant cases it has a sedative effect.

The Roman physician Galen noted the qualities of mandrake wine. It was brought to the capital of the empire in large quantities.

Avicenna called the mandrake "yabrukhussanam" - an idol created by nature in the outward likeness of a person. The patient was advised to give one dirham of the juice (tears) of the plant with wine before the operation so that he would sleep soundly and not feel pain. The same "tears" reduced freckles and bruises. Crushed mandrake root, together with vinegar, was applied to carbuncles, and mixed with oatmeal - to sore joints. Sometimes they were treated with elephantiasis, and used as an abortifacient.

A halo of mystery has been enveloping the mandrake since ancient times. Mandrake apples (fruits) are mentioned in the Bible as a means to ensure conception, which was used by Leah and Rachel. In Arabia, there was a belief that the mandrake glowed at night, and therefore it was called the "devil's candle" or "witch's flower." IN ancient Greek mythology mandrake was used to get rid of a love spell. They carried it with them as a love amulet. Egypt is a means of increasing sexual desire; in Israel as a means of conceiving; in Rome as an aphrodisiac herbal drug.

In Germany, the mandrake was used to depict the domestic gods of the Alruns. There were many legends about how especially strong magicians managed to revive the roots, making them real homunculi (zombies) that can be controlled.

Almost throughout Europe, it was believed that the mandrake grows from the sperm of the hanged, so sorcerers and witches could often be found under the gallows.

Mandragora has amazing magical properties, but only true professionals who have all the knowledge on the use of this plant can use them.

Most often, the mandrake is used as a means of protection against harmful spells, since its root is an accumulator of astral energy, and therefore it is considered one of the best amulets plants, according to a folk healer. These amulets are so strong that they work even without applying any magical signs or symbols to them.

Carrying a mandrake root with you will relieve the negative influence of any evil energies, because thanks to it a very powerful energy shield is created that can protect against the evil eye, damage, slander and even curses. Since ancient times, it was believed that the mandrake patronizes trade transactions, especially underground, secret and illegal ones, protecting them from disclosure. It is used as a talisman for transactions related to money. In the old days, it was believed that a mandrake placed in a chest with coins doubles their number.

To have a mandrake in the house is a good sign. Her aura will attract prosperity, wealth and prosperity. As a personal talisman, the mandrake root is able to bestow power on its owner, but on one condition: the owner must not part with the talisman day or night.

However, the mandrake is most in demand in love magic, although the area of ​​\u200b\u200bimpact lies more at the physiological level: it has fantastic properties for inciting passion and love desire. For love potions, either the root or a tincture of the roots and leaves is used. It should be borne in mind that you need to bewitch a man with a “female” root, and a woman with a “male” one.

In black magic, the mandrake is used as a means to deprive a person of reason or beauty.

In small doses, mandrake is used as an antidepressant, and in larger doses it has a sedative and hypnotic effect. It is alleged that the mandrake can make a person invulnerable to edged weapons.

Mandragora is able to help in the search for treasure and in predicting the future in the form of a pendulum.

You can pull out a mandrake only in the evening. First of all, the healer must bow in the direction of the setting sun and pay homage to the gods of hell. After that, with an iron sword or dagger, never used, it is necessary to draw three magic circles around the stem of the mandrake, all the while turning away the face in order to avoid ominous emanations that penetrate the body. Then it is best not to participate in uprooting the plant, but to tie a dog to the plant and throw him a piece of meat that he could not reach. Reaching for the meat, the dog will tear the root out of the ground, taking on all the negative energy.

As a home talisman, the mandrake requires special treatment. A figurine of a person carved from a root should be dressed and stored in a secret place at home, away from prying eyes. During the meal, the figurine is seated in a place of honor, giving a “taste” first to the mandrake, and only after itself. On Saturdays, the mandrake man must be bathed in wine, and on the first day of the new lunar month, dressed in new clothes.

In some traditions, according to the type of mandrake root, male and female plants are distinguished and even given their corresponding names: mandrake and womandrake. Old herbalists depict mandrake roots as male or female forms, with a tuft of leaves sprouting from the head, sometimes with a chained dog or an agonizing dog.

From time immemorial, the mandrake has attracted magicians with its magical properties, and the common people - as a powerful tool against the forces of evil. This is well known, as well as it is known that the mandrake has a strong narcotic effect, can relieve pain, immerse a person in a state of sleep. The psychotropic qualities of the mandrake The myriad of myths, legends and dreams surrounding this plant testifies to the nature of the Pisces sign (ruled by Neptune).

The narcotic and anesthetic effect of the mandrake is so powerful that a person can be mistaken for a dead person. Mandragora excites the centers of sensuality, and the visions, delusional states and hallucinations caused by it can lead to dementia, which Hippocrates noted in his own words as a folk doctor. The Assyrians used the mandrake as an anesthetic and sleeping pill. Hippocrates noticed that in small doses mandrake is very effective as a remedy for fear and depression. With an increase in the dose used, it can cause rather strange sensory impressions, akin to hallucinations. If the doses continue to be increased, then the mandrake will have a sedative and hypnotic effect and, finally, causing the deepest sleep, accompanied by a complete lack of sensitivity. Homer in his notes described the treatment of epileptics with mandrake.

Medieval physicians used the mandrake in potions, syrups and other preparations for insomnia and pains of various origins. In order to speed up falling asleep, it was enough just to hold a mandrake apple in your hand before going to bed. Peel, mandrake root and juice, infused with cognac, were taken by patients as an anesthetic before surgery.

Mandragora was equated in antiquity with the "spirit of the dead." For many millennia, until recently, the mandrake was considered a sacred plant.

The origin of the mandrake and its properties are covered with a halo of numerous legends. The ancient Germans and Arabs believed in mandrakes - demonic spirits that resemble small beardless men who chose these plants as their abode. IN Ancient Greece the mandrake was called the plant of Circe, the legendary supreme goddess of witches, who prepared juice from the root and to turn the warriors of Odysseus into pigs. Rumor has it that medieval witches gathered mandrake roots at night under the gallows, where unrepentant criminals met their death.

According to Christian teaching, witches wash the roots in wine, then wrap them in velvet and silk, and then feed them with sacred prosphora stolen from the church during Holy Communion. Mandrake has and amazing property increase love attraction and fertility, and therefore is known by its other name - love apple. The Book of Genesis tells how the barren Rachel, the wife of Jacob, ate the roots of the mandrake, after which she conceived Joseph. Mandrake is believed to be used by women to give birth to as many sons as possible, and the Arabs wear mandrake roots as an amulet to enhance their male power.

Healers use mandrake as a sleeping pill and pain reliever, and as a drug during operations. In fact, science explains such an action by the presence of a very poisonous alkaloid hyoscyamine in a huge amount in the mandrake root, which is also contained in other plants from the nightshade family: belladonna, dope, henbane, scopolia. Present in the composition of the mandrake and another set of alkaloids - mandrake, scopolamine. I must say that the mandrake is a fairly rare plant.

Russian names: Adam's head, Male root, Sleeping potion, Umbilical, Shishkarnik, Pustosel, Kukushkin's boots, Grass-pokrik.

In Russia, they treated gastrointestinal diseases, muscle, joint and neuralgic pains, hardening of the glands, tumors, edema, vitiligo, airsickness.

Tincture: crushed mandrake root is insisted on alcohol (in a ratio of 1: 4) for 15 days, filtered. Take 3-10 drops as an analgesic and hypnotic for rheumatism, gout.

Oil: interior fat is mixed with mandrake tincture (1:5). Used as an external pain reliever for rheumatism and gout.

The crushed fresh mandrake plant, together with milk and honey, is used in the form of dressings as a softening agent for gland seals, tumors and edema.

Mandrake tincture is part of medicines against vitiligo (a disease from the group of skin dyschromia) and airsickness (a temporary painful condition of a person in flight caused by prolonged irritation of the vestibular apparatus).

The mandrake is mentioned in many sources - in ancient Egyptian scrolls, in the works of Greek healers. Mandragora was well known in Asia as well.

In the Egyptian Papyrus Ebers, mandrake is described as a sensual aphrodisiac. A special "love drink" was made from the fruits of the mandrake.

The Assyrians used the mandrake as a sleeping pill and pain reliever.

The Greek physician Dioscorides identified the mandrake with "Circe", or Circe's plant. It is mentioned in the Odyssey: “The root was black, the color was like white milk, ... it is dangerous for people to tear it out of the ground with its root, but everything is possible for the gods.” Dioscorides used the soporific properties of the mandrake for surgical operations in the army of Nero.
Mandragora (Mandragora)
Niccolo Machiavelli 1459-1527
Comedy (1518, publ. 1524). Italian Literature.

E. D. Murashkintseva

(short content)

The action takes place in Florence. The tie is Kallimako's conversation with his servant Shiro, addressed, in fact, to the audience. The young man explains why he returned to his hometown from Paris, where he was taken away at the age of ten. In a friendly company, the French and Italians started a dispute over whose women are more beautiful. And a Florentine declared that the Madonna Lucrezia, the wife of Messer Nic Calfucci, overshadows all the ladies with her charm. Wanting to check this, Callimaco went to Florence and found that the fellow countryman didn’t cheat at all - Lucrezia turned out to be even more beautiful than he expected. But now Kallimako is experiencing unheard-of torments: having fallen in love to the point of madness, he is doomed to languish with unquenched passion, since it is impossible to seduce the virtuous Lucretia. There is only one hope left: the cunning Ligurio, the one who always comes at dinner and constantly begs for money, has taken up the matter.

Ligurio is eager to please Callimaco. After talking with Lucretia's husband, he is convinced of two things: firstly, Messer Nicha is unusually stupid, and secondly, he really wants to have children, whom God still does not give. Nicha has already consulted with many doctors - everyone unanimously recommends going to the waters with his wife, which Nicha's homebody doesn't like at all. Lucretia herself made a vow to defend forty early dinners, but only twenty - some fat priest began to pester her, and since then her character has deteriorated greatly. Ligurio promises to introduce Nich to the most famous doctor who has recently arrived in Florence from Paris - under the patronage of Ligurio, he may agree to help.

Kallimako, as a doctor, makes an indelible impression on Messer Nitsch: he speaks excellent Latin and, unlike other doctors, demonstrates a professional approach to business: he demands to bring the urine of a woman in order to find out if she is able to have children. To Nich's great joy, the verdict is favorable: his wife will certainly suffer if she drinks mandrake tincture. This is the surest remedy used by the French kings and dukes, but it has one drawback - the first night is deadly for a man. Ligurio suggests a way out: you need to grab some tramp on the street and put him in bed with Lucrezia - then the harmful effect of the mandrake will affect him. Nicha sighs sadly: no, the wife will never agree, because this pious fool had to be persuaded even in order to get urine. However, Ligurio is sure of success: Lucrezia Sostrata's mother and her confessor Fra Timoteo are simply obliged to help in this holy cause. Sostrata enthusiastically persuades her daughter - for the sake of the child, you can endure, and we are talking about a mere trifle. Lucrezia is horrified: to spend the night with a stranger who will have to pay for it with his life - how can you decide on this? In any case, she will not agree to this without the consent of the holy father.

Then Nicha and Ligurio go to Fra Timoteo. To begin with, Ligurio launches a trial balloon: a nun, a relative of Messer Calfucci, accidentally became pregnant - is it possible to give the poor thing such a decoction that she will throw it away? Fra Timoteo willingly agrees to help a rich man - according to him, the Lord approves of everything that benefits people. After leaving for a moment, Ligurio returns with the news that the need for the decoction has disappeared, because the girl threw it away herself - however, there is an opportunity to do another good deed, making Messer Nitsch and his wife happy. Fra Timoteo quickly figures out what the idea promises him, thanks to which one can expect a generous reward from both her lover and her husband - and both will be grateful to him for life. It remains only to persuade Lucretia. And Fra Timoteo copes with his task without much difficulty. Lucrezia is kind and simple-hearted: the monk assures her that the tramp may not die, but since such a danger exists, you need to take care of your husband. And this “sacrament” cannot be called adultery, for it will be performed for the good of the family and at the order of the spouse, whom one must obey. It is not the flesh that sins, but the will - in the name of procreation, the daughters of Lot once copulated with their own father, and no one condemned them for this. Lucretia is not too willing to agree with the arguments of the confessor, and Sostrata promises her son-in-law that she herself will put her daughter to bed.

The next day, Fra Timoteo, who is eager to know how the case ended, learns that everyone is happy. Nicha proudly narrates his foresight: he personally undressed and examined the ugly tramp, who turned out to be perfectly healthy and surprisingly well built. After making sure that his wife and "deputy" did not shirk their duties, he talked all night with Sostrata about the future baby - of course, it would be a boy. And the ragamuffin almost had to be kicked out of bed; but, in general, the doomed young man is kind of sorry. For her part, Callimaco tells Ligurio that Lucrezia understood perfectly the difference between an old husband and a young lover. He confessed everything to her, and she saw God's sign in this - such a thing could happen only by the permission of heaven, therefore, what had been started should certainly be continued. The conversation is interrupted by the appearance of Messer Nitsch: he is scattered in gratitude to the great doctor, and then both of them, together with Lucretius and Sostrata, go to Fra Timoteo, the benefactor of the family. The husband "acquaints" his half with Kallimako and orders to surround this person with all kinds of attention as best friend Houses. Submissive to the will of her husband, Lucretia declares that Kallimako will be their godfather, because without his help she would never have carried a child. And the satisfied monk invites the whole honest company to pray for the successful completion of a good deed.

Mandragora has psychotropic properties, so people have been using it for centuries to change the state of consciousness. Such experiments do not go unnoticed, cause damage to the brain, nervous system and can be fatal.

Description of Mandrake as a drug

Mandragora is an ancient plant of the nightshade family with a large root, leaves about 80 cm, yellow or orange berries. All parts are poisonous and even in small doses can lead to undesirable consequences.

In the past, people used the bark, fruits, leaves, and roots of the mandrake to make laxatives, medicines to relieve pain, anxiety, and depression. The plant gained particular popularity among magicians, who actively used it to create ritual potions.

In addition, the mandrake root has long been known as a potent drug hallucinogen. For these purposes, drug addicts use the root of the plant, which, due to its external resemblance to the human body, has acquired a magical aura. Outside, it is dark brown, inside it is white, it sinks 60 cm underground.

Since there are psychoactive components in the mandrake root, it changes the state of consciousness, but also causes many severe side effects. The use of such a plant can lead to severe vomiting, coma, and death.

In the photo, the root of the Mandrake

Properties and application

Fresh or dried mandrake root contains 0.4% of highly active tropane alkaloids: atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, mandragorine.

Among their main properties are:

• anesthetics;
• antispasmodic;
• sedatives;
• painkillers;
• narcotic.

Mandragora was widely used in medicine in the 16th century. for pain relief during operations and preparation of medicines for asthma and respiratory diseases. Now folk healers and homeopaths include it in their recipes. With the help of mandrake, they treat hemorrhoids, gastric diseases, birth complications, cough, headache and toothache.

Mandrake alkaloids paralyze the muscles of the eyeball. Because of this, the pupil dilates and stops responding to light. Therefore, modern ophthalmologists use eye drops based on mandrake alkaloids during medical examinations of patients and surgical operations.

Drug addicts drink mandrake root tincture because of the pronounced psychedelic effect. It is accompanied by visions, hallucinations, delusions.

Due to the narcotic effect, mandrake tinctures are used by charlatan magicians during their rituals, as well as sect leaders to bend people to their will. Already a small dose of a substance is enough to change the state of human consciousness.
On the video about the Mandryora root and its application:

Mechanism of action

In general, the effect of mandrake root on the body is similar to the effect of hard drugs. Unlike other hallucinogens, plant alkaloids affect not only the brain, but also the lungs, heart, and body temperature.

Mandragora has both narcotic, hypnotic and strong anesthetic effects. As a result, the person loses mobility and appears dead.

Atropine and atropine-like substances from the mandrake root act on the brain, providing certain central anticholinergic effects. Their influence on higher departments nervous system very complex and multifaceted.

Subject to the therapeutic dosage, atropine stimulates the central nervous system, leads to relief from fear and depression. Higher doses of mandrake have a toxic effect on the body. Psycho-emotional arousal rises, unusual sensory sensations appear, close to hallucinations, and the person falls into a coma.

Trip

The first effects appear about half an hour after applying the mandrake root tincture. At first, a person's mood rises. He feels an extraordinary lightness and warmth in his body, it seems to him that time passes more slowly than usual.

Pleasant sensations do not last long. Soon drug intoxication gives the following symptoms:

• quick change of thoughts;
• motor excitation;
• visual and auditory hallucinations;
• delirium, turning into a riot.

Nervous excitement is replaced by depression, the person becomes inhibited, completely focused on his experiences. He utters incoherent phrases, and subsequently does not remember anything of what happened to him.

Pupils under the influence of the mandrake dilate, vision is defocused, and everything begins to seem blurry. It becomes difficult for a person to move, because coordination of movements is disturbed.

The patient's health worsens, he begins to suffer from:

• thirst;
• severe vomiting;
• feelings of brokenness;
• insomnia.

Exhausted by vomiting, visions, thirst, people feel very tired, but many cannot sleep. They continue to be haunted by hallucinations. Periodically, motor tension appears, which is again replaced by exhaustion.

Residual effects persist for about two days, during which there are dilated pupils, diminished vision, and problems with coordination. In general, people who have used mandrake claim to have felt so bad that they are not ready to repeat the experience.

Consequences of use

Mandrake is poisonous plant, so its use can lead to many serious side effects:

• respiratory paralysis;
• madness;
• irreversible brain damage;
• amnesia;
• death.

After the use and poisoning of such a drug, severe vomiting and dizziness first appear, and then a breakdown occurs sharply. The muscles are extremely relaxed, and it becomes difficult for a person to breathe. There are high risks of respiratory paralysis and comatose sleep.

The alkaloid scopolamine, which is part of the mandrake, causes complete memory loss. At one time, there were even rumors that criminals in the United States drugged their victims with this substance so that they could not point them to the police. However, this myth has not been confirmed.

Mandragora is a real plant, mentioned more than once in the legends and myths of the peoples of the world. It is also reflected in modern stories - this is the most common plant in fantasy stories. He is credited with tremendous miraculous power and human consciousness. The article deals only with the esoteric meaning.

In the article:

Mandrake as a plant

Mandragora invariably appeared in stories about witches, sorcerers, magicians, all those who are associated with supernatural forces. For the first time, this plant was mentioned in ancient times by Herodotus, Pliny the Elder and other pundits.

Used not top part mandrake, and the root, mystical and mysterious.

This plant is associated with the fertile male principle and is called " male root". As well as " Adam's head", "cuckoo boots", "raccoon berries", "witch flower" etc.. In each state in its own way. IN German the plant is called Alraune, before the word had a different spelling - Alruna. Modern esotericists see a connection between this name and the word.

According to legend, the mandrake - this perennial grass with a root, in outline similar to a human figure. Once upon a time, the mandrake wanted to become a man, but it didn’t work out - it remained a plant, but similar to the human race. It has large large leaves a meter high. Gives large yellow or orange fruits. It exudes a distinct unpleasant odor that cuts the eyes.

Origin and methods of extracting the root

In the Middle Ages, there was an opinion that Adam's head grows under the gallows - it grows from the involuntarily excreted sperm of hanged men. Warlocks, witches and sorcerers searched for the mandrake under the gallows. One of those who used the plant - Circe- an insidious and jealous sorceress from Greek mythology. It interested not only magicians. Mandragora is one of the main components in alchemy.

german nun Hildegard of Bingen had a different opinion about the plant. She is sure that the first sprout appeared in Eden and was created by God.

In Arabia, they believed in the demonic origin of the plant. Arabian legends say that it glows at night, and the plant is called the candle of the devil.

Another legend claims that she lived a beautiful woman by name Mandrake. She was cursed by an evil witch and turned into a plant with numerous beneficial and harmful properties.

In Egypt, they did not know where it comes from, but they believed that with the help of mandrake beer the God Ra saved humanity from destruction goddess Sekhmet. It is assumed that the Egyptians considered the mandrake as a houseplant.

Experienced sorcerers are engaged in the extraction of a magical plant. The man in the street, pulling him out of the ground, will attract trouble, up to death. In order not to overtake death with their hands, they did not extract it. For this purpose, a dog was tied to the plant, meat was thrown, it reached for food and uprooted the plant. At this moment, the mandrake made disgusting sounds, similar to human screams, sometimes driving people crazy. The animal died. This technique is attributed Joseph Flavius, Jewish historian and military man.

Pliny described another way to extract the mandrake from the ground. For implementation, they stood facing the west and drew a circle around the plant with a sword three times. Dig the root should be looking to the west.

Mandragora in folk medicine

The root is used for potions and drugs, but in the manufacture of intoxicating substances, bark, fruits and leaves are used. Mandrake was used as a drug. In Pliny's time, it was the only anesthetic used during operations. Mandrake was a popular pain reliever in the Middle Ages and during the reign of Elizabeth l.

Mandrake decoctions are also used to treat people with epilepsy. Thanks to mystical properties, the mandrake is revered as the best natural herbal amulet. The power possessed by the mandrake is enough not to need additional spells, signs, the work of the plant proceeds by itself. The root is allowed to be carried with you, it will protect against: the evil eye; curses; damage; slander. The plant is a powerful spiritual shield possible.

Mandragora - a talisman for the house. In the old days it was hung over front door, like . This gave protection from thieves, enemies and evil spirits. In the place where the plant created by God is located, evil will not penetrate. But it brings wealth and prosperity to the house. There was a belief that if you put money near the root, the amount will double.

To attract wealth and power, clothes were put on the figurine of a humanoid root. They put him in a prominent place in the house and left him. On special occasions, they changed into new clothes, bathed in wine and drank milk with blood. And money was not transferred in the house, and troubles bypassed the owners.

Financial transactions, illegal, were not disclosed if the participants had mandrake root. It protects against deception during transactions. Legends say that with the help of a mandrake, a treasure is found. But they don't say how to use it in treasure hunting.

Biblical traditions endow Adam's root with exciting properties, strength from barrenness. In Greece, the mandrake is one of the attributes of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. King Solomon described it as a material for making love incense.

In ancient Egypt, the mandrake was a plant of love, dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love. She was given during courtship. Used for men female plant and for women it is the other way around. White mandrake - male, black - female.

Witches and sorcerers used it as an effective magic tool that deprives people of reason and beauty, and also as one of the essential components for preparing a flight ointment. After harvesting, the roots were washed in wine. They were kept wrapped in velvet or natural silk. The roots were also used as a voodoo doll - to induce damage and love spells.

In the Middle Ages, the possession of a mandrake was one of the evidence of involvement in witchcraft, as the inquisitors believed. Kara - . Therefore, the plant and preparations from it were kept in secret cabinets. A case that occurred in 1630 in Hamburg is known. Three women were accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death at the stake for possessing the roots of a witch flower.

The properties made the mandrake a desirable purchase for many people. The method of extraction is complex, and the plant cost a lot. The high price has led to the emergence of an entire industry of creating fake witch flower roots.

Mandrake as a living being

Many legends call the mandrake half plant half creature. It was said above that when digging out of the ground, the root emits a human cry of dying horror. It looks like a human body. Another feature is the division of the plant by sex - male or female.

Pythagoras called the mandrake humanoid plant. Other sources also point to the animation of the Adam root.

Shot from the movie "Harry Potter"

Ancient herbalists who belonged to sorcerers, doctors, alchemists have images of the legendary plant. The authors of books of bygone times depicted the root with female or male forms. A tuft of leaves grows on the head of a half-plant, half-man instead of hair. Also, Adam's root in the pictures coexist with agonizing dogs. This is associated with the described method of extracting a dangerous plant capable of

Among the widely used folk medicine natural remedies Special attention attracts mandrake officinalis, related to

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 cry that can drive a person crazy or kill him. Therefore, in ancient times, a special protective rite was used to extract the “witch flower” (as the mandrake was called by the people). Only a knowledgeable person could dig up a plant. He did this not with his own hands (so as not to accept death from the plant), but tied a hungry dog ​​to it, at a distance from which he threw a bone. The animal struggled to reach for food and, thus, pulled a magical root out of the ground, after which it died.

This magical root

The root of the plant was mined for various magical rituals, was considered a very strong amulet and was most valued if it conveyed the shape of the human body as accurately as possible, especially with the difference between gender: female and male. It is believed that men should be treated with the male mandrake and women with the female.

Herbalists used the crushed root of the plant to treat carbuncles, sore joints, and elephantiasis. Shamans used the hallucinogenic properties of the mandrake to astral travel to another world.

plant description

Mandragora officinalis (photo can be seen in the article) in natural conditions found in the territory of Central Asia, the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, Transcaucasia, the Middle and Near East.

Prefers well-drained sandy and loamy soils. Likes plenty of sun, also able to grow in partial shade. It is characterized by a long (about 1 meter) root, which helps the plant to wait out long dry periods. At temperatures below -15 ° C, it dies. The stem of the plant is absent or very short. The leaves are large (about 80 cm long), have an oval or lanceolate shape, are collected in a basal rosette, and are characterized by a sharp unpleasant odor.

The flowers are solitary, consist of a large 5-parted 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 managed to identify beneficial properties for the body in the poisonous mandrake and uses all parts of the plant in its recipes. The root and fruits contain psychoactive highly toxic alkaloids:

Mandragora officinalis (the photo conveys the modest attractiveness of the plant) is characterized by a calming, analgesic, cholagonic, hypnotic effect. By pharmacological properties, the plant is close to belladonna, dope, henbane.

The alkaloids that make up its composition suppress the functionality of the central nervous system, so 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. Boiled in milk, mandrake root helped as a poultice for non-healing chronic ulcers.

The freshly squeezed juice of the root helps to soothe the pain of rheumatism and gout. The great Avicenna advised him how effective remedy to remove freckles and treat bruising. "Tears of a mandrake" was mixed into a glass of wine and given as an anesthetic during surgical operations. In combination with honey and milk in a crushed form, the root of the plant was applied externally to tumors, edematous places, compacted glands. In dried form, it was used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, 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 the medicinal mandrake, the benefits of which were proven by the scientific luminaries of antiquity, helps with infertility and inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Methods of treatment with mandrake

Headaches, ulcers, open wounds, diseases of the liver and spleen were cured with a medicine that included dry mandrake fruits, opium poppy, cyperus flowers, common harmala and cinnamon, previously ground into powder and combined in equal parts.

A decoction of the mandrake was used for painful manifestations in the limbs, the area of ​​​​the sacrum, as well as for the treatment of feverish conditions. plant leaves in fresh helped with toothache. To do this, they needed to be carefully chewed. The smoke from burning the leaves of the plant helped in the treatment of coughs and headaches.

In small doses, mandrake officinalis helps with phobias, melancholy and depression. Even Homer described in his works, the smoke from the burning roots of the plant was used to fumigate epileptics. To fall asleep quickly, it was enough to hold a mandrake apple in your hand before going to bed or drink a glass of wine containing dried mandrake root powder, ivy, white henbane and licorice one pinch each.

Mandrake against diseases

In ancient times, the medicinal mandrake, the description of which was well known to ancient healers, was considered a universal remedy and helped in the treatment of:

• depressive states,
• abscesses
• eye inflammation,
• tumors,
• gout,
• skin inflammation,
• hemorrhoids,
• impotence,
• headaches,
• convulsions,
• snake bites,
• food poisoning,
• calluses,
• worms
• loss of speech
• open wounds, etc.

Mandrake was also used to normalize the menstrual cycle.

Mandragora officinalis: the action of the plant

In modern medicine, the root extract is part of the painkillers, sleeping pills and antispasmodic drugs. Mandragora officinalis, the use of which was widely demanded several centuries ago, helps with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, pains of a different nature, in the treatment of vitiligo and other skin pathologies. The leaves of the plant have a cooling effect, so the extract based on them is added to gels and ointments for the treatment of external wounds.

Today, in folk medicine, mandrake harvesting is done without the use of mystical rituals. The roots are dug out by hand in late August - early September, after the mandrake has faded. The alkaloids contained in its composition are well studied. modern medicine and are used narrowly, to reduce internal secretion, acidity, intestinal and gastric activity, as well as relieve spasms.

Collecting the leaves of the plant is best done before the fruit ripens. It is recommended to dry raw materials in a well-ventilated place, without direct sunlight. In finished form, it can be used for smoking instead of ordinary tobacco, as part of smoking mixtures, or as incense and incense.

Recipe for tincture and ointment

To prepare the tincture, it is required 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 finished form, the drug is recommended to be taken for insomnia, gout and rheumatism, 3-8 drops diluted with water.

To prepare a healing ointment based on mandrake, you need to combine the tincture of the plant with interior fat in a ratio of 1 to 5 and apply externally to relieve pain.

For the treatment of bruises and injuries, the use of lotions from fresh juice combined with water in a ratio of 1 to 5 is effective. Or you can apply alcohol tincture diluted with water at the rate of 1 to 10.

Mandragora officinalis: contraindication for use

The mandrake is very poisonous. The main damage to the brain is caused by the substance scopolamine. Its uncontrolled self-use can lead to brain disorders, hallucinations, memory loss, coma, respiratory arrest and lethal outcome. Signs of mandrake poisoning are nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, staggering when walking, dilated pupils, dry mouth, asthma attacks. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use mandrake.

The fresh fruits of the plant contain a small amount of alkaloids, so their consumption does not pose any health hazard.

Modern medicine has to offer wide range of drugs of similar action, safer for health. Therefore, when choosing between preparations based on mandrake or other means with a corresponding therapeutic effect, it is better to prefer the second option.

Signs associated with the mandrake

Since ancient times, it has been known that the medicinal mandrake, whose properties have found their main application in the medical field, helps in financial transactions, therefore knowledgeable people used it as a talisman. This was especially true of illegal, underground transactions, which saved them from disclosure. If the root is placed in the same place as money, then their number will double.

The root of the plant is able to give its owner wealth, power, wealth, provided that the owner will never part with him: neither at night nor during the day. The use of the mandrake as a home talisman needs special treatment. The figurine must be dressed up in clothes and stored at home in a secret place, away from prying eyes. During home meals, you should put 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 the mandrake officinalis can help in the search for treasure, can predict the future.