An atypical plant: Mandrake

Mandragora or Mandragora officinarum is a plant that has been used for over 4000 years. Considered magical by our ancestors, let's retrace and understand the history of this plant and its use over time.

A history of over 4000 years

In ancient Egypt, Mandrake was used as an offering in tombs such as that of All-Ankh-Hamon. Hippocrates already praised its antidepressant effects more than 2500 years ago and year after year, century after century, Mandrake will be studied, tamed and used for different actions. Calming pain, strengthening the digestive system, increasing vitality, eliminating stress and anxiety or as a sleeping pill.

Other legends say that mandrake brings good luck, keeps negative energies away, and brings wealth and love. The "witches" of old used it to reveal the future. Nowadays, the use of mandrake has almost been lost, but its history should be remembered.

Did you know that?

More recently during the Second World War, Mandrake was used by the Germans as a truth serum during interrogation. Remember that they also used carrier pigeons which you can read about here.

Not to be taken lightly

Mandrake therefore has medicinal virtues, but its use should not be neglected. In small doses, it is a major medicinal plant, in medium doses it causes narcotic, soporific and hallucinogenic effects and can be toxic or even fatal in high doses. It is therefore necessary to be very careful in its use.

Racine, from Terra Botanica, took years to learn all the secrets of this plant and succeed in concocting its potions. So don't get me wrong, it is not easy to use.

You must have missed it without knowing its history, the Mandragore was this year in our Jardin du Moyen-Âge in the Escapade en Anjou.