Mandrake Root (Indian Apple Root)
Mandrake Root at a glance
Gender: Masculine
Magical Purpose: Lust and fertility, money, protection
Planet: Mercury
Element: Fire
Metaphysical Powers: Protection, Fertility, Money, Love, Health
We recommend using discretion with Mandrake Root as it is a member of the Nightshade family and both the American and European varieties contain toxicity, the American version of Mandrake Root also known as Indian Apple Root is less toxic then the European form but can still cause issues if miss treated.
Uses
The oil from Mandrake is used to purify and anoint candles in rituals. The plant, namely the root, is an enhancer of courage, love, and personal power. It is known as powerful protection against evil forces and is used in exorcisms. The aroma of this plant makes it a great item to use for the production of ritual perfumes. Mandrake can help to resolve woes and catch liars. The fresh root is a known analgesic. In the ancient world of medicine, Mandrake leaves were boiled in milk and applied to cure ulcers.
Mandrake is a potent herb with a long history of both medicinal and spiritual properties. According to legend, someone uprooting the Mandrake will die shortly after that.
Mandrake Root has places in mythology and religions, in the Book of Genesis it is said that Mandrake Root helps Rachel give birth to Jacob while in Greek Mythology Circe and Aphrodite were said to use Mandrake Root as an aphrodisiac.
Another legend states that if someone slips a mandrake root in the shape of a baby underneath a woman’s pillow, it makes her conceive. Also, if you carry the root in the form of a female, it will help to attract the desired lover.
There is a belief that when foraging for Mandrake Root you should plug your ears with wax so as not to hear the high pitch shriek of the Mandrake Root as it is pulled from the ground, according to this belief the sound can kill anyone who hears the sound.