Ophthalmia, Ovaries( pain in; numbness in; tumour 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 the importance of this medical plant worthy of cultivation. American Mandrake, Podophyllum peltatum, and India’ s Podophyllum emodi are under special Agro-Technic supervision. Clinically: For chronic constipation, liver and gall-bladder 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). Industrial: 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. Quantity or harvest amount 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.
MAPLE Acer-rubrum, L.( N. O.: Aceraceae)
Common Names: Sugar Maple, Swamp Maple, Red Maple. Features: Together with a few shrubs of the family Aceraceae, the species covers about 100 Maples that constitute one of the most widely useful genera of trees, being extensively employed for ornamental purposes. In America, the best known, most widely planted and otherwise most important species is probably the rock, or sugar, Maple( A. saccharum). It is especially found in the rich woods from Maine to Michigan and southwards in the mountains to Georgia, everywhere being noted for the rich colours of its leaves in autumn. There are many varieties of this tree, according to the place of its growth and the taste of the planter. The large Maple, if tapped, yields 3 – 6 lb. of sap annually, and the genuine Maple syrup cannot be bettered for flavour and nutrition. The flowers are rich in nectar and are sought by bees. Medicinal Parts: The inner bark and leaves. Solvent: Boiling water. Bodily Influence: Astringent, Deobstruent, Tonic. Uses: The American Indians use it as an application to sooth sore eyes, owing to its astringent nature. It is believed the sweetness of the Maple sap was first discovered by an Indian girl. The sap had dripped into a hollow, or pocket, of a tree trunk together with fresh rain water. She drank this liquid and, as with the majority of our useful herb medications, we have the fathers of our country to thank for the prehistoric beginning. The decoction of the leaves or bark strengthens the liver and spleen and relieves the pain which proceeds from them. In fact, Maple bark or leaves are a good medicine for the whole body as they are tonic and soothing to the nerves. Dose: 1 large teaspoonful to 1 cup of boiling water; 1 – 3 cups a day may be taken on an empty stomach. A wineglassful every hour or two if there is pain in the liver or spleen is very helpful for some. Russian Experience: Maple, known as Klen, is represented in many varieties throughout Russia. The American Maple is favoured for decoration in public parks and family gardens because of its grace, elegance and beauty( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, 1965). Builders and carpenters value Maple wood for its beauty and service.