#Mandragora officinarum

[banefolk]

Mandragora officinarum coloured botanical engraving, 1836.

Source: Novi Commentarii Academiae Scientiarum Instituti Bononiensis, scientific journal (1834–1849).

[wiebkerost]

Mandrake Phytographs 2023

‘Bael’‘Ribbon Dancer’‘Old Spirit’‘Mandrakon’ Mandrake phytographs created in 2023, ink on coffee stained paper, imbued with plant juice, soil and other organic matter

[talonabraxas]

The Powerful Solanaceae: Mandrake

Mandrake, Abu’l-ruh (Old Arabic, “master of the life breath”), Satan’s apple, Manroot, Devil’s testicle, Circe’s plant (Mandragora spp.)

Plants have rarely sparked the imagination in the way that the mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) has. This unassuming plant has inspired numerous superstitions and legends, and crops up frequently in popular culture, including the recent Harry Potter novels by JK Rowling, and Guillermo del Toro's film Pan's labyrinth (2006). But why?

The superstitious and absurd stories formerly told of the Mandrake… the great resemblance of some of the roots to the human form, the danger of taking them out of the ground... were all the invention of charlatanical knavery and imposture.

In this quote from his well-known book, Medical botany (1790), William Woodville provides an important clue. It alludes to the doctrine of signatures, an ancient philosophy which claimed that any plants resembling parts of the human body could be used to treat ailments affecting that same part. Because of this philosophy, people have used the mandrake as a medicine for thousands of years.

This image is taken from John Gerard’s famous book The herball or generall historie of plantes (1597). It shows the mandrake looking distinctly like a pair of walking human legs. Because of these human characteristics, it was believed that if someone pulled up the mandrake root, the plant would scream like a baby and the person would die. There are many stories and book illustrations describing how to get around this complication. For example, tie one end of a rope to the mandrake leaves, and the other end around the neck of a dog. Then stand back, look in another direction, and let the dog do the pulling.

In reality, death by mandrake would most likely have occurred by ingesting a large portion of any part of this fatally poisonous plant. However, in small doses, the mandrake is a modern miracle. Its root contains the alkaloid chemical atropine, which is an essential drug used today. Atropine’s effects include dilating the pupils, increasing the heart rate and reducing salivation and other secretions; it is one of the core medicines needed for a basic health care system.

[whitegoldtower]

Sorry but I’m gonna smack u all with my ‘tism stick

Have my favourite spider, favourite crystals, favourite poisons and favourite mushrooms

African Black Velvet: eresidae gandanameno sp. “Pretoria” - I want to keep one as a pet, desperately. 10/10 perfect spider.

CHICKEN OF THE WOODS (laetiporus cincinnatus) - if I ever found one of these I would bash my head off a tree in excitement and glee

Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) - I found a few of these while out walking with my uni group 2 years ago and accidentally held up the whole group with a TED Talk. Luckily they were all also mentally ill / autistic /nd art students so I didn’t bore anybody

Ghost Fungus!!!!! (Omphalotus Nidiformis) - if I had the money I would 100000% fly to australia and venture out into the blue mountains at night just to see these beauties bioluminesce.

Vivianite: anyone who brings up crystals around me has probably heard me go “DO YOU KNOW VIVIANITE GROWS OUT OF CORPSES” at some point. It’s a ferrous iron phosphate mineral that grows in a monoclinic crystal system and thrives in anaerobic boggy environments. It forms when the hydroxyapatite in your bones (major source of phosphate) reacts with water from a waterlogged tomb and the iron in any surrounding rocks, resulting in cool shit like blue skeletons and crystals growing out yer teef

Grape Agate: it’s not agate. It’s not chalcedony. It’s not amethyst. It’s a variety of quartz silica which are commonly termed as ‘amethystine’, and instead of taking on the macrocrystalline monoclinic formations typical of normal quartz, it’s made up of up micro crystals that grow radially in a botryoidal form. Also comes in green and white. It’s only found in the Manakarra Beach in Indonesia.

Strychnine: (Strychnos Loganiaceae, Nux Vomica) - the one that leaves you with a hideous grin. It causes violent muscle contractions, enough to make the body bend back to an unnatural degree before the victim finally dies of asphyxiation. Particularly horrid as the victim remains conscious throughout the ordeal and is very much aware of what is happening. In fact, the victim is hyperaware. Nasty stuff. It inhibits your postsynaptic glycine receptors in your spinal cord, which causes the intensely painful and involuntary contortions. Also it’s mentioned in the Herbal of Rufinus as ‘good for helping to balance the phlegmatic and choleric humours’ through purging (vomiting, hence why it’s called the ‘vomiting nut’), and was a medicine to be used with great caution.

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum Apiaceae, Mantegazzianum): all parts of this plant are toxic. man fuck this stuff, if you touch it you’re literally gonna be burning and blistering every time the sun touches your skin for months and possibly even years after coming into contact with this hellspawn plant. Its active constituents are furanocoumarins, which basically mutate your skin cells to become incredibly sensitive to light. It’s a mutagenic and possibly carcinogenic photoactive compound.

Mandrake (Mandragora Officinarum): it’s in the nightshade family (Solanaceae)! Revered in folklore for the way its roots look like a person, said to ‘scream and cause death’ upon being uprooted. It’s a powerful narcotic, hallucinogenic and emetic plant, meaning that you try and eat this shit and you’ll be absolutely off your tits and vomming your guts up before you kick it.

Other honourable mentions that make for interesting reading:

Orpiment, Gasteracantha Cancriformis, Gasteracantha Arcuata, Sugar Fluorite, Jelly Lichens, Monkshood (Aconitum), Bleeding Tooth Fungus, Amorphophallus Titanium

Stupid fact about me: I have, in fact, ingested wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium) to see what sort of effect it would have out of curiosity, but didn’t get very far as it tasted fucking awful (I made a tea). Tastes like nail polish remover, 0/10 do not recommend. Didn’t ingest enough to feel any sort of thujone effect and my little experiment was safely conducted. I did, however, burn some to see if that would do anything and it made me feel rank in the tummy. No hallucinogenic effect. Again. 0/10 do not recommend.

[umbrae-sortilegium]

ℐ𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝒹𝓊𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒯𝑜 𝒮𝒽𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓌 𝒲𝒾𝓉𝒸𝒽𝒸𝓇𝒶𝒻𝓉 ℬ𝑜𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒾𝒸𝓈 A Gᴜɪᴅᴇ Tᴏ Usᴇғᴜʟʟ Hᴇʀʙs ﹠ Fʟᴏᴡᴇʀs. Shadow witchcraft, like many other forms of witchcraft and magical traditions, incorporates a deep reverence for the natural world and the power of herbs in its practices. Within the shadow witchcraft tradition, certain herbs are considered sacred and hold a special place in rituals, spellwork, and healing. These herbs are chosen for their unique properties, both physical and metaphysical, and are often used to enhance the practitioner's connection to the shadows, the spirit world, and the unseen forces that permeate our reality.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): One of the most iconic herbs in shadow witchcraft, mugwort is revered for its ability to enhance psychic abilities and facilitate astral projection. It is believed to provide clarity in dreams and aid in connecting with the spirit world.

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna): Belladonna is a potent and highly toxic herb often associated with the darker aspects of shadow witchcraft. It is used cautiously, as it can induce altered states of consciousness and enhance divination, but it must be used with extreme care due to its deadly nature.

Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum): Mandrake is a legendary herb that holds a prominent place in shadow witchcraft due to its associations with powerful magic and the ability to summon spirits. It is considered a protector of the practitioner.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): Wormwood is an herb that has been traditionally used in shadow witchcraft for its protective properties, as well as its association with absinthe, a spirit that has inspired many artists and writers.

Datura (Datura stramonium): Datura, also known as "thorn apple," is another highly potent and toxic herb. It is associated with shamanic journeying, but extreme caution is necessary when working with it due to its dangerous properties.

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger): Henbane is used in shadow witchcraft for its ability to induce trance states and facilitate communication with spirits. Like belladonna and datura, it is a toxic plant and must be used with care.

Wolfsbane (Aconitum napellus): Wolfsbane, also known as aconite, is associated with protection and transformation in shadow witchcraft. It is believed to ward off malevolent entities and is used in rituals that involve shape-shifting.

Nightshade (Solanaceae spp.): Nightshades encompass various plants, including belladonna, datura, and mandrake, all of which have their unique uses in shadow witchcraft. They are linked to altered states of consciousness and spirit communication.

Hemlock (Conium maculatum): Hemlock, another toxic plant, is associated with necromancy and the summoning of spirits. It is used with extreme caution in rituals and spellwork.

Yew (Taxus baccata): Yew is considered sacred in shadow witchcraft due to its association with death and rebirth. It is often used to honor ancestors and connect with the spirit world.

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa): Blackthorn is a protective and banishing herb, often used in warding off negative energies and spirits. Its thorny branches are seen as a natural barrier against harm.

Alder (Alnus spp.): Alder is linked to the element of water and the power of psychic intuition. It is used in divination and to enhance the flow of energy during rituals.

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): Rowan, also known as mountain ash, is considered a powerful protective herb in shadow witchcraft. It is used to ward off malevolent spirits and energies.

Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle is used for purification and removing curses. Its sting is seen as a symbol of protection, and it is used in banishing rituals.

Willow (Salix spp.): Willow is associated with the moon and feminine energy, making it a significant herb in shadow witchcraft. It is used for divination and connecting with the cycles of the moon.

Oak (Quercus spp.): The mighty oak is a symbol of strength and protection. In shadow witchcraft, it is used to connect with ancient wisdom and to invoke the energies of the earth.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.): Hawthorn is considered a portal to the fairy realm and is used for protection against malevolent spirits. It is also associated with love and passion spells.

Poppy (Papaver spp.): Poppy is used to induce altered states of consciousness and to facilitate dreamwork and divination. Its connection to Morpheus, the god of dreams, is significant in this context.

Broom (Cytisus scoparius): Broom, also known as Scotch broom, is associated with purification and is used to sweep away negative energies and influences.

Juniper (Juniperus communis): Juniper is used for purification and protection. Its fragrant berries are believed to ward off evil spirits and negative influences.

Cypress (Cupressus spp.): Cypress is associated with the afterlife and is used in rituals to communicate with the spirits of the deceased. It is also used for banishing and cleansing.

Hellebore (Helleborus spp.): Hellebore, sometimes called "Christmas rose," is believed to banish evil spirits and protect against their influence. It is also used for divination and dreamwork.

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare): Horehound is used for protection and exorcism. It is believed to repel negative energies and harmful spirits.

Vervain (Verbena officinalis): Vervain is considered a sacred herb that enhances magical abilities and protection. It is often used to purify and consecrate ritual tools.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): Mullein is associated with the element of fire and is used in shadow witchcraft for protection, especially against dark forces. Its tall, candle-like stalks are seen as beacons of light in the spiritual realm.

Baneberry (Actaea spp.): Baneberry is associated with the banishment of evil and negative influences. It is often used in protection spells and rituals.

Devil's Claw (Proboscidea spp.): Devil's claw is believed to possess the power to dispel malevolent spirits and curses. It is often used in rituals designed to break hexes.

Monkshood (Aconitum spp.): Monkshood, like wolfsbane, is associated with transformation and protection. It is used to enhance shapeshifting and to ward off harmful entities.

Oakmoss (Evernia prunastri): Oakmoss is associated with grounding and connecting to the energies of the earth. It is used to enhance the stability of shadow witchcraft rituals.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Witch hazel is used for protection, divination, and healing. Its branches are seen as divining rods to connect with the spirit world.

Skullcap (Scutellaria spp.): Skullcap is associated with psychic protection and enhancing clairvoyance. It is used in rituals to open the third eye and connect with the unseen.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is used for divination and love spells in shadow witchcraft. It is believed to enhance the practitioner's intuitive abilities.

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides): Vetiver is used for grounding and connecting with the earth's energies. It is often used in spells to anchor and stabilize the practitioner's intent.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion is associated with transformation and communication with spirits. Its seeds are often used in divination rituals.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa): Black cohosh is used in shadow witchcraft for protection, banishing, and dispelling negative energy. It is believed to have a purifying effect.

Cedar (Cedrus spp.): Cedar is used for purification, protection, and enhancing spiritual connections. It is often used in smudging and cleansing rituals.

In shadow witchcraft, these sacred herbs and botanicals play a crucial role in connecting with the hidden realms, communicating with spirits, and working with the shadows. Practitioners approach their use with a deep respect for the natural world and the mysteries of the unseen, drawing upon the wisdom of these plants to navigate the intricate tapestry of shadow magic. It is important to remember that many of these herbs are toxic and should be used with caution, if at all. Always prioritize safety and ethical considerations when incorporating these plants into your practice. © Dʏsʜᴀɴᴋᴀ/Oᴅᴇᴛᴛᴇ ₂₀₂₃

[lecritoire-victorien]

Liste de plantes utilisées en médecine au Moyen-Âge

1. Mandragore (Mandragora officinarum) : Utilisée comme sédatif et anesthésique. Associée à de nombreuses superstitions, on lui attribuait des pouvoirs magiques.

2. Angélique (Angelica archangelica) : Considérée comme une plante protectrice contre les maladies et le mal. Utilisée pour traiter les troubles digestifs et les infections respiratoires.

3. Consoude (Symphitum oficinale) : Utilisée en cataplasme pour accélérer la cicatrisation des plaies et des fractures. Soulage la douleur et réduit l’inflammation. 

4. Chélidoine (Chelidonium majus) : Employée pour traiter les verrues et autres affections cutanées. Également utilisée pour ses propriétés détoxifiantes pour le foie.

5. Fenouil (Foeniculum vulgare) : Utilisé pour faciliter la digestion et comme remède contre les troubles respiratoires.

6. Millefeuille (Achillea millefolium) : Employé pour arrêter les saignements et traiter les blessures, ainsi que pour ses propriétés anti-inflammatoires et analgésiques.

7. Tanaisie (Tanacetum vulgare) : Utilisée comme vermifuge et pour traiter divers maux, y compris la migraine et les rhumatismes. Attention, à fortes doses, elle peut être toxique.

8. Véronique (Veronica officinalis) : Employée pour ses propriétés expectorantes et comme tonique pour les troubles respiratoires et digestifs.

9. Absinthe (Artemisia absinthium) : Utilisée pour stimuler l'appétit et améliorer la digestion, mais aussi comme vermifuge. L'absinthe est également connue pour ses effets psychoactifs lorsqu'elle est consommée en grandes quantités dans la boisson du même nom.

10. Pulsatille (Anemone pulsatilla) : Utilisée pour ses propriétés calmantes et contre les troubles nerveux, mais elle est toxique et doit être maniée avec précaution.

[furiarossa]

Flowers and leaves of mandrake or autumn mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis). The boundary between the two species Mandragora autumnalis and the very famous Mandragora officinarum varies among authors, with some regarding them as the same species.

★ Instagram|Facebook|FurAffinity|Deviantart|Commission prices|Tapastic★

[the-darkest-of-lights]

My indoor plant nursery is doing better now that I added a grow light. :) And the new addition of a rock covered in moss. It was super cute and I had to add it to my garden. The nursery has an autumn mandrake and mandragora officinarum, a few spider plants, wondering dude, Mexican dream herb, black nightshade. #indoorplants #indoorplant #indoorplantsdecor #indoorplantsofinstagram #spiderplant #spiderplants #wonderingjew #mandrake #mandrakeroot #mandragoras #mandragoraofficinarum #mandragoraautumnalis #deadlynightshade #mexicandreamherb (at Citrus Heights, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoN7YJfv-8O/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[netgf]

Mandragora officinarum, Common Mandrake, flowers.

[dianapopescu]

Mandragora: Simbol și semnificație

Mandragora (în limba latină, "Mandragora Officinarum") este o plantă euroasiatică cu o mare semnificație simbolică. Rădăcina sa cu încrengături, sugerând forma umană, a fost prețuită încă din ani timpurii ai epocii neolitice. https://www.diane.ro/2023/09/mandragora-simbol-si-semnificatie.html

[theeclecticwitchblog240]

~THE WITCHES HERBAL

pt 3~ {BANEFUL HERBS }

MANDRAKE EUROPEAN (Mandragora officinarum)

Gender:hot

Planet:mercury

Part used:root

Element: earth

Basic power:protection, fertility, love, health

WOLFS BANE (Aconite napellus) Gender:feminine

Planet:Saturn

Part used:root

Element: water

Basic power:protection, invisibility

WORMWOOD (Artemisa absinthium) Do not exceed 1/2 g of the dried herb. Gender:masculine

Planet:mars

Part used:leaf

Element: fire

Basic power:psychic, protection, love, calling spirits

BELLADONNA (Atropa belladonna) Gender:feminine

Planet:Saturn

Part used:berry, root

Element: water

Basic power:astral projection

BROOM (Cytisus scoparius) Gender:masculine

Planet:mars

Part used:flower, root

Element: air

Basic power:purification, protection, wind, spells, divination

CALAMUS (Acorus calamus) Gender:feminine

Planet:moon

Part used:root, seeds

Element: water

Basic power:luck, healing, money, protection

CASTOR (Ricinus communes)

Basic power:protection

Parts used: beans

CELANDINE (Chelidonium majus) Gender:masculine

Planet:sun

Part used:root, stalk

Element: fire

Basic power:protection, escape, happiness, legal

CHINA BERRY (Melia azerach)

Powers: luck Parts used: seeds carried as good luck charms/ bring change

CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum sinense)

Gender:masculine

Planet:sun

Part used:flower

Element: fire

Basic power:protection

DAFFODIL (Narcissus spp.) Gender:feminine

Planet:Venus

Part used:flower

Element: water

Basic power:love, fertility, luck

DAISY (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)

Gender:feminine

Planet:Venus

Part used:flower

Element: water

Basic power:lust, love

DATURA (Datura stramonium) Gender:feminine

Planet:Saturn

Part used:seed pod, leaves,

Element: water

Basic power:hex-breaking, sleep, protection, breaks spells,

FOXGLOVE (Digitalis purpurea) Gender:feminine

Planet:Venus

Part used:flower, leaves

Element:water

Basic power:protection

HEMLOCK (Conium maculatum) Gender:feminine

Planet:Saturn

Part used:flowers, juice

Element: water

Basic power:astral projection

HENBANE (Hyosycamus Niger) Gender:feminine

Planet:Saturn

Part used:flower

Element:water

Basic power:love , attract rain

HIGH JOHN THE CONQUEROR (Ipomoea purga)

Gender:masculine

Planet:mars

Part used:root

Element: fire

Basic power:money, love, success, happiness

LILY OF THE VALLEY (Convallaria majalis)

Gender:masculine

Planet:mercury

Part used:flower

Element: air

Basic power:mental powers, happiness

MALE FERN (Dryopterisfelix mas) Gender:masculine

Planet:mercury

Element:air

Basic power:luck, love

MAY APPLE (Podophyllum peltatum) Gender:masculine

Planet:mercury

Part used:root

Element: fire

Basic power:money

MORNING GLORY (Ipomoea spp.) Gender:masculine

Planet:Saturn

Part used:flower, seeds,root

Element: water

Basic power:happiness, peace

OLEANDER (Nerium oleander ) Gender:feminine

Planet:Saturn

Part used:flowers

Element: earth

Basic power:love

PENNYROYAL (Mentha pulegium) Gender:masculine

Planet:mars

Part used:herb

Element: fire

Basic power:strength, protection, peace

POKE (Phytolacca decandra) Gender:masculine

Planet:mars

Part used:leaf, berries

Element: fire

Basic power:courage, hex breaking

SQUILL (Scilla maritima) Gender:masculine

Planet:mars

Part used:flower

Element: fire

Basic power:money, protection, hex breaking

YEW (Taxus baccata)

Gender:feminine

Planet:Saturn

Element: water

Basic power: raising the dead

** THESE HERBS ARE POISONOUS HERBS , DO RESEARCH BEFORE USING OR IN SOME CASES TOUCHING! MOST DEFINITELY DO NOT INGEST!

BB!

[banefolk]

Ancient Egyptian floral collar from Tutankhamun’s tomb crafted from threaded mandrake fruits, blue lotus petals, poppies, cornflower, olive and laurel tree leaves, dyed linen, and blue beads on a papyrus backing, circa 1336-1327 BCE.

Fresh flower garlands, arrangements, and adornments were a part of funerary rites for ancient Egyptian nobility with each botanical having a different meaning like the Victorian language of flowers

Source: Met Museum

[thejaggedpoisonpath]

Mandrake and Blue Lotus Flying Ointment The combination of Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) and Mandragora officinarum was revered in ancient Egyptian cultures. These two plants were used together for shamanistic ritual and amazing healing properties. Egyptian shamans used these narcotic/hypnotic plants to enter a level of shamanistic trance. The combination is also known for its use in Therapeutic preparations and healing ceremonies. Egyptians had a rich understanding of plant lore and heightened states of consciousness. With the assistance of blue lotus and mandrake, shamans guided the souls of both the dead and living and aided the transformation of these souls into their new bodies. There are records indicating that Blue Lotus was traditionally and effectively used to relieve pain, increase memory, improve circulation, promote sexual desire and create a feeling of euphoria and ecstasy without the use of narcotics. Nymphaea caerulea contains apomorphine, a dopamine agonist, as well as nuciferine, nupharine, and nupharidine. Mandrake has the ability to relieve muscle pain, chronic pain, acute pain, anxiety, and acts as a powerful sleeping agent. It is considered the best nightshade for migraines. *Presented for educational purposes. Statements not reviewed by the FDA. Information not meant to take the place of medical advice. * (at Galveston, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cok04SRuDH8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[talonabraxas]

Plant Spirits of Mandragora Officinarum and Datura Stramonium (Better Knowns as Mr. Mandrake and Ms. Thorn Apple.) art by Mazine Miller

[teufelskunst]

Crippled Astronaut and Alien Monstress Mandrake Roots

Crippled Astronaut and Alien Monstress Mandrake Roots

[blackthornwren]

Mandrake Wine

“When I wish to make mandrake wine, I add a handful (approximately 23 g) of chopped mandrake root (mandragorae radix conc.) to a bottle of retsina (0.7 liter). The mixture isthen allowed to steep for a week. Do not filter out the root pieces; allow them to remain in the wine until it has been drunk. A few (two or three) cinnamon sticks, and 1 tablespoon of saffron (cf. Crocus sativus) can be added if desired; this will considerably improve the earthy, slightly bitter taste. One liqueur glass (40 to 60 ml of wine) is an effective dosage.

An aphrodisiac drink can also be made using the following recipe:

1 bottle white wine (variety as desired)

28 g vanilla pods (Vanilla planifolia Andr.)

28 g cinnamon sticks (Cinnamomum verum J.S. Presl)

28 g rhubarb root (Rheum officinale Baill. or R. palmatum L.)

28 g mandrake root (Mandragora officinarum)

Coarsely chop all of the ingredients and allow to steep in the wine for two weeks. Shake once a day if possible. Then filter the liquid through a sieve and, if desired, color with St. John’s wort (Hypericum perfatorum L.) or saffron (Crocus sativus). Honey (preferably in combination with royal jelly) may be added to sweeten the drink. Experiment to obtain the desired dosage.”

-From The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants, Christian Ratsch, pgs. 347-348