Mandrake (Love Apple, Satan's Apple)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Mandragora officanarum
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Hyoscyamine
Mandragorin
Scopolamine

KNOWN EFFECTS

Increases heart rate. Dilates pupils. Causes dry mouth. Causes urinary retention. Causes hallucinations. Reduces muscular movements of intestinal tract.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Relieves pain. Acts as a sedative. Is used as an aphrodisiac. Treats ulcers. Treats skin diseases. Treats hemorrhoids. Destroys or repels demons. Causes explosive, watery diarrhea. Is used as an anesthetic.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have heart disease.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and
those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended
periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS