Mandrake
Botanical Name: Podophyllum peltatum
Common Names and Synonyms: Podophyllum, May Apple, Wild lemon,
Raccoon-berry
Background: Mandrake is a drastic purgative used mostly for bowel
and liver complaints. Due to its toxic action, it is used sparingly
and usually in combinations with other herbs. Commonly known as mayapple,
the chief constituents of this plant are a neutral crystalline substance,
podo-phyllotoxin and podophylloresin, both purgatives. Growing in patches
in the woodlands, mayapple is 6 to 8 inches high. The creeping
rhizome is thin, and sometimes grows to six feet long. A single forked
stem with two large, dark green umbrella-like leaves with a solitary white
flower appears in May. The yellow fruit, resembling a rosehip, appears
in Autumn, and is the only part of the plant that is non-poisonous.
The powerful resin extracted from the dried rhizome is used for medicines.
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Mandrake in the Cayce Readings
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Mandrake (also known as podophyllum and may apple) was recommended by Edgar
Cayce as a laxative and liver stimulant.
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Mandrake was usually recommended with other substances in a compound. Although
a wide diversity of formulas were given, the most common substances
mentioned in the same readings with mandrake were as follows:
| Tolu |
110 readings |
| Buchu Leaves |
106 readings |
| Sarsaparilla |
96 readings |
| Yellow Dock |
94 readings |
| Wild Cherry |
87 readings |
| Burdock Root |
59 readings |
| Elder Flower |
51 readings |
| Calisaya |
44 readings |
| Sanguinaria |
42 readings |
| Prickly Ash |
36 readings |
Cayce Quotes on Mandrake
4815-1
... enlivening the liver through that of the Mandrake ...
4815-1
... enlivening the liver through that of the Mandrake and forces of
the kidneys and bladder and the excretory system ...
4436-1
In the formation of this, as given, we would supply
then that of the Mandrake Root in the form of the podophyllin ...
758-31
Then take MAYAPPLE root, or Mandrake Root ...
(Q) Would it be advisable to give body enemas, or what is suggested
to keep the proper eliminations?
(A) If what has just been given is studied they will see that
the better part of this is cared for, IF the diets are watched closely.
What is Podophyllum [Mandrake] FOR?
643-1
As is also the Mandrake Root, and it - with the
Buchu - is specifically active with the hepatic circulation. Mandrake,
of course, is of the Podophyllum activity, or another name for the same,
and is productive towards the increased secretions through the alimentary
canal ...
257-149
Also the quantity of Podophyllum (though in the
form here it is combined in the root extract itself - Mandrake Root, see?)
is to make for a stimulation through the alimentary canal, and especially
in the gall duct area, and will PURIFY the blood stream BY assisting (in
this quantity) the eliminations; so as not to purge but to produce a laxative
throughout the body.
2350-1
First, it should REST at least three to five weeks,
and first we would begin by CLEANSING the system, or alimentary canal especially,
thoroughly. We would use that of a combination of Senna, Ragweed,
and Podophyllum. These in minute quantities, that will act MOSTLY
with the liver and its functioning. The Ragweed, especially, to PREVENT
the strain on the lacteal ducts, as cause the activity of the pancreas
- but with the Podophyllum - that will enliven the GLANDS, or the gall
ducts and glands in liver TO activity.
2015-6
Be very mindful that eliminations are kept above
the normal. Use BOTH the Podophyllum and the Calomel as a base for
eliminants, at various times; not together; but under the direction of
the physician. While these would not be used under most circumstances
for a child, these would be the better in this case - because of the poisons
from so much area covered with the burn, and the shock to the system, as
well as the kind of poisons to be eliminated, and the need for the excess
lymph.
760-9
ALSO giving plenty of the oil, that, that as is
begun by the action of Podophyllum and Senna may be kept in the activity
of the liver.
635-8
However, when laxatives are necessary, use rather
the vegetable than the mineral compounds; such as Inner Clean, or those
that carry small quantities of Podophyllum, or those compounds that carry
a little strychnine - as phenolphthalein, Alophen - these as we find would
be preferable (Parke, Davis, see?). These as we find are the preferable
types when necessary to be taken. Preferably use enemas than too much of
these.
1131-3
(Q) What laxative for eliminations would be best?
(A) Rather those carrying the Podophyllum are better for this
body. To be sure, the Podophyllum would be in very small quantities,
or a very small portion of such compounds. But the more PREFERABLE
manner for correct eliminations is to alter the diet as indicated.
(Q) Which compounds would be best, containing Podophyllum?
(A) Podophyllum is a base from which MANY are made. Choose
any of these that are desired by the body.
5543-1
... PREFERABLY taking the GREEN Mandrake Root - for it BEING at the
season when it will be most active WITH the physical forces of the body.
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