Mandrake in ancient times was widely used in folk medicine, magic, witchcraft, and later in alchemy. Primarily because the plant has hypnotic and aphrodisiac properties. Mandrake root is similar in appearance to the lower part of the human body. Mandragora literally means "gallows". There was a belief that this plant originated from the emission of a hanged man or his last breath, and that the mandrake grew where Adam was created.
This plant is often associated with evil spirits, with the devil. According to legend, the mandrake glows at night, so it is called the "devil's candle", "the witch's flower." Sorceresses gathered the root at night under the gallows, on which unrepentant criminals died, washed it in wine and wrapped it in silk or velvet, and only after that could they use it for their witchcraft purposes. It was believed that with the help of a mandrake, you can deprive a person of beauty and reason. The young men wore pieces of mandrake as a love amulet.
Mandrake has been used in many potions such as love drinks or healing ointments. Often it was hidden in secret closets, because possession of a mandrake could make it look like a witch. One could be charged with witchcraft. In 1630, three women in Hamburg were executed for storing the plant.
Anyone who hears the groan emitted by the mandrake when it is being dug out of the ground should have died. To avoid death while digging up a plant, a dog was tethered nearby, which was believed to die in agony.
A whole mandrake root placed above a door will give protection to the home, abundance and prosperity. Where the mandrake root is located, demons can never penetrate. There is a belief that money placed near the root is doubled. Mandrake was also recommended for finding treasures.
Mandrake was considered an essential ingredient in pregnancy potions. Belief in the aphrodisiac power of the plant and its role in the conception of the fetus had deep roots. There is a biblical legend about mandrake apples, which Leah and Rachel resorted to to ensure the conception. In Greece, it was believed that Aphrodite and Cercea, with the help of a witchcraft potion from mandrake, aroused attraction and love in people.
Mandragora was used during Pliny's time, the Middle Ages, during the Elizabethan era as an anesthetic during operations. It was also used as a drug.
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