old cases of mecurial poisoning it acts promptly; as a tonic and alterative should always be combined
with other herbs. For children, smaller doses should be prescribed, according to age. This herb is
powerful in action and should be combined with a supporting herb such as black root (Veronicastrum),
senna leaves (Cassia senna), etc., for better results.
CAUTION: Should not be used by pregnant women.
DOSE: 1 teaspoonful of the root, cut small, to 1 pint of boiling water. Take 1 teaspoonful at a time as
required. Of the tincture, 2–5 minims.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Tincture of root gathered after fruit has ripened, of whole fresh plant, of ripe
fruit. Solution of resinous extract, podophyllin, for acidity, amenorrhea, anus (prolapse of), asthma
(bronchial), bilious attack, bronchitis, cataract, cholera infantum, cornea (ulcer of), dentition, diarrhea
(cramp), duodenum (catarrh of), dysentery, dyspepsia (from calomel), fevers, flatulence, gagging,
gallstones, gastric catarrh, goiter, hemorrhoids, headache (sick, bilious), heart (pains in), hydrocephalus,
intermittents, jaundice, leukoma, liver (affections of), ophthalmia, ovaries (pain in, numbness in, tumor
of), palpitation, pneumonia, proctitis, prostatitis, pustules, sciatica, stomatitis, strabismus, taste (lost,
perverted, illusions of), tenesmus, tongue (burning in), urticaria, uterus (prolapse of), whooping cough,
worms.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: Russian literature refers to the Latin name Podophyllum (podofil). Mandrake does
not grow wild in Russia, but they import American Podophyllum and find that the importance of this
medical plant warrants cultivation. Clinically: For chronic constipation, liver and gallbladder conditions,
to promote bile, malignancy of the skin (cancer) (Atlas, Moscow, 1963). For the lymphatic system,
spleen, blood conditions, skin malignancies and growths (Naukova dumka, Kiev, 1965). Commercial:
American mandrake, Podophyllum peltatum, and India’s Podophyllum emodi are under special agro-
technological supervision. American mandrake receives the most attention, being cultivated in two ways.
One is by planting root sections, which can produce twenty-five to thirty plants, and the other by seeding.
Harvest quantity is not revealed in literature to date. Mandrake does not flower before the third year.
Requires the correct soil, climate, cultivation, weeding and much attention to water, as it cannot stand
dryness.