Biddy Shannon
The enduring power of mandrake. To what extent do the constituents, effects and superstitions associated with Mandragora officinarum contribute to its disappearance from the modern herbal dispensary?
Abstract
In the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle, Cornwall, there is a small, central cabinet devoted entirely to the homunculus Mandrake. Surviving from a time when the plant was highly esteemed for its magical virtues, the cabinet is testament to the mystical and powerful nature that the plant holds in our folklore.
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) is a perennial native plant of South Eastern Europe but cultivated elsewhere. It is a plant with a rich and bizarre history that spans several centuries and includes medicinal and surgical as well as magical and superstitious use.
The aim of the study was to investigate the historical use of the plant as a medicine - its actions, indications, energetics and pharmacology – as well as looking at its role in magic and folklore. The objective was to try and ascertain why the plant has disappeared from the Modern Herbal Dispensary. The initial thought was that the plant has been “demonised” for a number of reasons.
Data was gathered using a systematic review of the literature involving searches of libraries, bookshops, databases and websites. In addition a group meditative proving with herbal students using a live specimen of Mandrake was undertaken. This is a qualitative method of research and considered to be an acceptable means of gaining valuable information on a plant’s properties and energetics.
Large amounts of information were available on the plant’s historical use. There was a lack of information regarding the plant’s chemistry. No clear evidence relating to the plant’s constituents could be found to support Mandrake’s current legal status. In addition a Meditative proving with the plant demonstrated that further similar research could be of value in terms of understanding the plants energetic qualities.
The author concluded that a lack of research into the plants chemical constituents in addition to its connections with witchcraft, idolatory, sex and anti-resurrection theories have let to a misunderstanding of the plant and contributed to its disappearance from the modern herbal dispensary.
