Mandrake Root; Whole
Mandragora officinarum
This mandrake root was raised from seedling by Jessica in Ontario for 15 months. The tail end of the root came off during the drying process, but otherwise this is entirely intact.
Mandrakes have a long and fascinating history in folklore and magic. The classic image of a mandrake has a bifurcated root that often caused them to resemble a person. Mandrakes in general will split over time; Jessica is raising another right now that has already bifurcated. If mandrakes are allowed to grow long enough, you will eventually have a Hand of Glory, which is a clump of many split roots.
(If you are confused because you are familiar with the more macabre version of the Hand of Glory, the belief developed from people in France using a piece of mandrake root as a charm to aid in the attraction of wealth. The medieval French word that was used was maindegloire, a corruption of the Latin mandragora. This sounded like "main de gloire," or "hand of glory," and thus began a misunderstanding that snowballed into the more macabre version. If you're not familiar with the macabre version and are curious, be warned that it's not for the faint of heart.)
Mandrakes, as stated, are associated with wealth, magic, protection and love magic.
You can use mandrake root in making a talisman, as magical amplification, or in a money bowl or fortune-attracting altar. One traditional ritual is treating the mandrake root well, giving offerings of food, giving it clothing, and bathing it in wine once a week; the spirit of the plant would in turn attract wealth, reveal the future, and bring harm to enemies.
Mandrakes are strongly associated with Mercury and Hekate.
DO NOT EAT. This herb is highly toxic when ingested, and eating the herb could cause death.
DO NOT BURN. This herb's toxic alkaloids are heat-stable and can harm you if you breathe the smoke.
We sell this herb for magical purposes only, to be used whole as an effigy, talisman, offering, etc. Or to be enjoyed as a rare oddity. It is not a food or medicine and should not be used as such.
Only available for shipping within Canada. If you're from elsewhere, you will be refunded.
These items are stocked at our market booth locations in Innisfil and Toronto, which are both only open on weekends. This may cause a small delay in order fulfillment (including moving it to other pick-up locations). All our prices are inclusive of any applicable sales taxes within Canada & Ontario.