May Apple / American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum)
POISON
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Fire
Folk Names: American Mandrake, Duck’s Foot, Hog Apple, Mandrake, Raccoon Berry or Wild Lemon
Parts Used: Rhizome (root)
Mayapple is often called American Mandrake the ‘American’ in the name is used to distinguish it from the true European Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum).
Mayapple is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Berberidaceae family. It’s scientific name is Podophyllum peltatum and it is widespread across eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Mayapples are a woodland plant that grow in colonies that begin as a single root. The stems of the mayapple grow to around 30-40 cm tall with umbrella like leaves (sometimes called witches umbrella). The flowers do not grow on all stems and only the flowering stems produce two or more leaves with flowers below the leaves.
Uses of Mayapple
(Poisonous: Please refer to the warnings below and do not handle Mayapple without taking the necessary precautions.)
One part of the mayapple that is not toxic in small doses is the ripe fruit, it is edible once it turns yellow and is slightly soft and has a sweet, mildly acidic taste. These fruits should be eaten in moderation and only when perfectly ripe as they have been known to cause sever diarrhea.
Mayapple has a lemon-like flavour and although the fruit can be eaten raw they are best cooked and even made into jams. A lemonade like drink is often made by juicing the mayapple fruit and mixing with sugar.
It was often eaten by North American Indians and is still eaten by many today. Described by a 19th century botanist as tasteless and nutritionally useless it was a favorite among young boys, raccoons and pigs.
Medicinal Uses of Mandrake
The American Indians were aware of the may apples toxicity but still appreciated its laxative properties and it was often used to cure worms, warts and it was even used as an insecticide on crops.
May apple rhizome can be boiled and used to kill insects and used as an insecticide. This must be done with caution and must not be sprayed over the edible part of the plant intended for human consumption as it is poisonous.
Compounds have been found in the mayapple rhizome that may be used to fight cancer and it is used in Asia to treat genital warts and skin cancers. Further studies are underway to test it usefulness against dropsy, dyspepsia, biliousness, and various liver conditions.
Magickal Uses Of Mayapple
Mayapple is generally used as a substitute for true Mandrake and it’s uses are practically identical even though these plants are not related.
The powdered root is potent when used in protection magic and is said to protect against illness. To protect your home leave mayapple undisturbed in the corners of your home for three days (out of reach of pets and children), place in warm water overnight, then sprinkle the water around your windows and doors.
It is useful in spells to hide things from prying eyes such as diaries and book of shadows. It is said to sprinkle it around the area or object however remember this plant is toxic so we suggest using a mojo bag for this purpose.
It is said sleeping with the root tucked under mattress will insure fertility and virility of the couple who sleeps upon it. It is also said to attract love when used in charms and mojo bags for this purpose.
Mayapple is often made into a mojo bag and placed in a high position around the home for prosperity and to repel bad luck.
Warnings
Mayapple is listed as unsafe and experts agree it is much too strong for even the most experienced herbalists. The whole plant is toxic (apart from the ripe fruit) and it is a deadly poison that can kill a human within 24 hours.
Mayapple is extremely irritating to the eyes so caution should be used when handling the herb.
Symptoms of mayapple poisoning are salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, excitement, fever, headache, coma, and death.
We have listed known warnings about this plant. These warnings are a guide only and although some magical herbs are safe in small quantities they can be poisonous in large doses or if used incorrectly. If you are not experienced in herbs the rule to stick by is “when in doubt….don’t risk it”.
Disclaimer: This site is for informative purposes only and its content should not be considered professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy it is no replacement for the attention of a dedicated professional. The Sacred Willow and it’s proprietors cannot be held responsible for any damage and/or injury suffered resulting from actions and/or decisions based on information found on the site. Please do not self diagnose any condition regarding your own or another’s health. Always seek professional advice or arrange a consultation.
Some of the information provided on this Witchcraft Blog are based on myth, folklore and tradition and may suggest some supernatural or medicinal powers, however we make no claims as to their medical, magickal, psychic or esoteric properties and are sold as curios only.
References: “Wikipedia.org”.Podophyllum. Retrieved 09/06/2016, “Herbs2000.com”. Mayapple. Retrieved 09/06/2016, “witchipedia.com”.Mayapple. Retrieved 09/06/2016, Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (October 1985). Print.
