MANDRAKE or MAY APPLE

(Podophyllum peltatum; BERBERIDACEAE)

Parts used:

Root and resin (the resin is the active principle).

Therapeutic action:

Cathartic (hydragogue), cholagogue, hepatic, antibilious, alterative, tonic, emetic, diaphoretic, resolvent, anthelmintic (germicide), deobstruent, astringent, sialogogue, anti-rheumatic, anti-syphilitic, antiscrofulous. As a cathartic agent, mandrake is the slowest but surest acting purgative, and its influence and action will continue for hours and sometimes days after one stops taking it. It acts mainly on the duodenum, increases intestinal secretion and flow of bile in very small doses, causing (in larger doses) copious watery stools, griping and nausea within 10-20 hours (resembling jalap in intestinal irritation, but slower acting)--so it is not usually taken alone, but combined with other less active and corrective laxatives (such as licorice and cascaras sagrada). Mandrake should never be given in overdose and should not be combined with quick or brisk cathartics.

Medicinal uses:

Bilious troubles (vomiting), dropsy, congestion of the liver, constipation, torpid liver, lead poisoning, diarrhea, catarrhal or malarial jaundice, intermittent and remittent fevers, dyspepsia, headache, rheumatism, syphilis, scrofula, typhoid fever, prolapsed rectum (prolapses ani); uterine diseases, pin worms, cancer.

Preparation:

Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, powder, syrup, tincture.