Mandrake Root

Botanical Name:

Podophyllum peltatum

The Mandrake root is considered as the modern herb. It is grown in the northeastern North America. It has been used as a medicinal herb from hundreds of years ago. When this Mandrake root first appears in each spring, it looks similar to a closed umbrella. Thus, sometimes this herb is also called umbrella plant. Before the plant spreads out it grows up to one foot high. Mandrake root produces fruit but it is not so tasty to have. The herb bears whitish-green or purple flowers which produce orange and red berries which look similar to small tomatoes.

The alkaloid chemicals contained in the root include atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These chemicals are hallucinogens and hypnotics. The careless intake of this root might also cause vomiting and diarrhea. Thus, every dose should be initially consulted with a health expert.