An early reference to mandrake being used as a fertility drug can be found in the Bible in the Book of Genesis (30:14) where Rachel tells Leah she can spend the night with her husband in exchange for mandrakes, which she hopes will help her to conceive.
What does the Bible say about Mandrakes?
Mandrake is mentioned in the Bible (Gen. 30:14-16) and its Biblical use is generally attributed to its supposed fertility power . A detailed study of Pentateuch text and the various commentaries allowed us to re-evaluate the role of mandrake in Biblical events.
Where are Mandrakes mentioned in the Bible?
The mandrake, Mandragora officinalis, is a strange plant mentioned only in Genesis 30:14 and Song of Songs 7:13 although it is a common plant in many parts of Israel.
What is the importance of mandrake?
People take European mandrake root for treating stomach ulcers, colic, constipation, asthma, hay fever , convulsions, arthritis-like pain (rheumatism), and whooping cough. It is also used to trigger vomiting, cause sleepiness (sedation), reduce pain, and increase interest in sexual activity.
What do Mandrakes represent?
The Greeks also used it as an aphrodisiac, steeping the root in wine or vinegar—mandrake is known as the “love-apple of the ancients,” and is associated with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite . Similarly, the ancient Hebrews believed the mandrake could be used to induce conception.
Why do Mandrakes scream?
In the past, mandrake was often made into amulets which were believed to bring good fortune, cure sterility, etc. In one superstition, people who pull up this root will be condemned to hell, and the mandrake root would scream and cry as it was pulled from the ground , killing anyone who heard it.
What do Mandrakes taste like?
Captain John Smith of the Virginia Colony wrote of it as a “ pleasant wholesome fruit much like a lemond ” (sic) in 1612 and seven years later Samuel Champlain, introduced to mandrake by the Hurons, said it tasted like a fig.
Are Mandrakes poisonous?
All parts of the plants contain tropane alkaloids and are considered poisonous . Fruit of the mandrake (Mandragora officinarum). The best-known species, Mandragora officinarum, has long been known for its poisonous properties.
What do Mandrakes smell like?
Because mandrake actually smells of strong red apple , we gave the fragrance a red fruity heart but grounded it with birch leaf and birch root to suggest the roots of the flower dug into the soil. We also gave the fragrance a sharp aromatic note to suggest its infamous, deadly shriek.
Is mandrake the same as ginseng?
This intrigues me in part because this observation suggests that Ginseng is almost a kind of Mandrake — at least in the sense that Mandrake is another plant whose roots are regarded as growing in the shape of a little person. ... In any case, the word “Mandrake” is just about as confusing a name as is Ginseng.
Where did mandrake originate from?
Mandrake is native to the Mediterranean region . It is a perennial herb with a large root and poisonous fruits. One of the oldest references to mandrake is from the Bible and probably dates to 4,000 B.C. In the story, Rachel used the berries of the plant to conceive a child.
Where can mandrake be found?
There are six species of mandrake, mostly distributed throughout southern Europe, the Middle East, and northern Africa . The most well known species are Mandragara officinarum and M. autumnalis, the former blooming in springtime and the latter during the fall.
What happens if you eat a mandrake?
All parts of mandrake plants contain the alkaloids hyoscamine and scopolamine. These produce hallucinogenic effects as well as narcotic, emetic and purgative results. Blurred vision , dry mouth, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are common initial symptoms.
Do plants scream when they are cut?
Like any living thing, plants want to remain alive, and research shows that when certain plants are cut, they emit a noise that can be interpreted as a scream. ...
Can you eat mandrake fruit?
Mandrake (also known as the mayapple or ground lemon) is so named because of the golden fruit that appears under its massive tropical looking leaf in late May. ... The entire plant, apart from the ripe yellow fruit, is deadly toxic. Even the seeds are toxic, and you can only eat a little bit of the ripe fruit as a serving .
Can mandrake scream?
Description and traits. A Mandrake plant Whenever unearthed, the root screamed . The scream of a mature Mandrake when it was unearthed would kill any person who hears it, but a young Mandrake’s screams would usually only knock a person out for several hours.
