The Herb Weavers Journal #39 - Mandrake - 3rd Dec 2024
Mandrake, what a magical plant and isn’t that difficult to grow either.
I grew mandrake in my poly tunnel during covid on my allotment and it was very successful, unfortunately before I was ready to harvest the root, (which is the part you need), the river Aire flooded and the poly tunnel was swept away along with people’s sheds, some heavy machinery belonging to the flood defense people (yes, I also laughed) and all our crops, tools and bits and pieces you keep on your plot.
After the initial shock and upset, I thought about where my mandrake may have settled and wondered if it made it’s way down the river and landed around Castleford or whether it made it to the River Ouse at Airmyn near Goole or even further afield into the River Humber and then the North Sea.
Anyway, back the the beautiful plant that was made famous by the Harry Potter movies. Mandrake has been used magically since ancient times. It is written about in the 1st book of the Old Testament, where the plant was used to help with fertility. Being a herbalist, I have many references to Mandrake in old herbals and bony books. The Greek, Dioscorides wrote of Mandrake in the 1st century CE, (De Materia Medica) where he was using the root as an anaesthetic for amputations. It was also used by the Romans, who realised it was a sedative and mixed it with wine to help them sleep. Around the 11th century right up to now, witches were using Mandrake root as part of their flying ointment/oil recipes, along with other hallucinogenics and poisonous plants such as Jimson Weed, Wolves Bane and Belladonna. It was used differently in the olden days and now the recipe has changed to ensure all witches aren’t imprisoned for murdering their customers!!
The plant itself is a perennial herb with a large root. It gets lovely flowers, but the yellow fruit is poisonous. It is easier to grow in warmer climates, but if you have a south facing poly or green house, you will do ok.
Magically mandrake comes into it’s own, it is a spell strengthener just like Mugwort. It is used for protection, happiness and wealth and also aids the multiplying of money. Writing a simple spell, placing a £10 note on your altar with a few pieces of Mandrake on top can bring money your way within a few days. Be careful how you word the spell though, we don’t want any unexpected deaths of rich aunties…….
Remember not to place Mandrake near your bed if you don’t want anymore children and why not have a read about the myth also mentioned in Harry Potter than the plant lets out a sharp scream that can kill you if you don’t cover your ears. I wonder if this myth carried on from the 8th Century was because of the hallucinating people did after ingesting it, or whether it was because those who used it, didn’t want everybody going and digging it up. Anyway, in case you wonder, it has never screamed when I’ve pulled one, but then I nurture my plants, talk to them and ask permission to harvest.
Mandrake is available to buy in my store under the herb section.
If you want to learn more about the magical use of herbs, why not join me in January for my zoom class. Full details are on the link - www.thewiccanlady.co.uk/course-overview/4-x-mini-herbalism-zoom-classes-jan-2025-7pm