can be found growing throughout the States in moist open woods and pastures.
The jointed dark brown root is about half the size of the finger, is very fibrous and internally yellow. The stem is simple, round, smooth, erect, about 1 ft. high, divided at the top into two petioles, from 3 – 6 in. long, each supporting two large, peltate, deeply lobed leaves and a solitary nodding white flower 1 – 2 in. across; flowering in the spring and in flavour resembles the strawberry. The 2- in. fleshy berry is yellow and edible when ripe only and is sometimes used for preserves; rarely develops until July. In the green state the rhizome, foliage, seeds and green fruit are poisonous. The proper time for collecting the root is the latter part of October or early part of November, soon after the fruit has ripened. Its active principle is Podophyllin, which acts upon the liver in the same manner as mercury but is far superior to mercury, and with intelligent physicians it has dethroned that noxious mineral as a cholagogue. Medicinal Part: Rhizome and the resin extracted from it. Solvents: Alcohol, boiling water( partially). Bodily Influence: Cathartic, Hepatic, Hydragogue, cholagogue, Alterative, Tonic, Emetic, Purgative. Uses: Its usefulness covers a wide range, brought to our attention by the Indians. It seldom fails in cases of urine incontinence or diseases associated with it. The influence is exercised on every part of the system, stimulating glands to a healthy action, releasing obstructions such as bilious and typhoid febrile disease. In chronic liver diseases it has no equal in the whole range of herbal practice. For all chronic scrofulous, dyspeptic complaints it is highly valuable, acting upon the bowels without disposing them to subsequent costiveness. In cases of determination of blood to the brain, this article, given in cathartic doses, is prompt and will soon restore the equilibrium of the circulation. In old cases of mecurial poisoning it acts promptly; as a tonic and alterative should always be combined with other herbs. The Old Testament recommended Mandrabora( Mandrake) as a cure for sterility. Its most beneficial action is obtained by the use of small doses frequently, because if given in large amounts it can cause violent evacuation and debility. 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( Leptandra), Senna leaves( Cassia Senna), etc., for better results.
MANDRAKE, AMERICAN Podophyllum, L.( Z. A. Popov, Lekarstevennye Rastenia, Kiev, 1967)
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 min. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of root gathered after fruit has ripened; of whole fresh plant; of ripe fruit. Solution of resinous extract, Podophyllin-Acidity, Amenorrhoea, Anus( prolapse of), Asthma( bronchial), Bilious attack, Bronchitis, Cataract, Cholera infantum, Cornea( ulcer of), Dentition, Diarrhoea( cramp), Duodenum( catarrh of), Dysentery, Dyspepsia( from calomel), Fevers, Flatulence, Gagging, Gallstones, Gastric catarrh, Goitre, Haemorrhoids, Headache( sick; bilious), Heart( pains in), Hydrocephaloid, Intermittents, Jaundice, Leucoma, Liver( affections of),