Mandrake root

The mandrake root legend tells of a plant that screams when pulled from the ground, supposedly killing anyone who hears it. Historical figures like Josephus and Eliphas Levi have described safe ways to harvest this root and discussed its mythical qualities. The mandrake is known for its narcotic and aphrodisiac effects and resemblance to the human form, making it a topic of interest in ancient magic and alchemy. Jean-Baptiste Pitois, in The History and Practice of Magic, outlined a ritual to…

mandrake root - Its distinctive form is often said to resemble a human being, and since Biblical times it has been believed to aid with human conception, in addition to possessing many other magical and curative powers. It was believed that it shrieked when pulled out of the ground and either made you mad, brought you bad luck or even killed you.

The appearance of mandrake root in Harry Potter is most peoples' first introduction to the legendary root. Its humanoid appearance and shrill, damaging scream ...

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Mandragora officinarum [as Mandragora officinalis]. Herbier général de l’amateur, vol. 8 (1817-1827) [P. Bessa] From the Swallowtail Garden Seeds collection of botanical photographs and illustrations. We hope you will enjoy these images as much as we do.

"Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see whether the vine hath budded, whether the vine-blossom be opened, and the pomegranates be in flower; there will I give thee my love. The mandrake give forth fragrance, and at our doors are all manner of precious fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved." Song of Solomon 7:12-13 Mandrake is known from ancient times, its reputation runs in…

Mandragora

Mandrake is a poisonous plant whose humanoid-shaped roots are known to possess many magical properties. The necropolis of Fen Carn is said to have an unusually large "population" of female mandrake plants.[1] A fresh mandrake is considered so toxic that the earth surrounding one is poisoned by the plant and that even breathing in the fumes or sprinkling the fresh juice onto a cut hand can have fatal consequences. At the very least, even if one doesn't die from it, the toxin secreted by the…