Medicinal Uses of American Mandrake Root (Regulate bowel and liver function)
American Mandrake Root is a strong and powerful purgative that has been used historically and primarily to regulate bowel and liver function. It is believed to be a strong stimulant that efficiently cleanses and removes waste products from the body, and has been used to treat constipation, jaundice, and other disorders associated with waste product buildup. Native Americans also used it to remove warts and expel worms from the intestines.
With common names mayapple, American mandrake, wild mandrake,[1], and ground lemon.
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Plant Description
American Mandrake Root is a perennial plant that is native to and grows abundantly in North America (not be mistaken for European Mandrake – Mandragora officinarum – a poisonous herb of the nightshade family), and it thrives in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in woodlands and clearings in sheltered semi-shade. It is an ornamental plant with a single, forked stem that is topped by two umbrella-like leaves and a solitary, waxy, white flower dropping from the fork of the stem.
After the flower blooms in May, it then produces a pulpy, lemon-yellow berry that ripens in July and August, and that fruit is the only part of the plant that is not poisonous and may be eaten (but it is rather tasteless). The plant usually grows in patches and may reach a height of eighteen inches, but young leaves may be damaged by frost. In the autumn, the roots are collected, dried, and crushed into powder, and the powdered rhizomes (roots) are used as a potent purgative.
History of American Mandrake Root
This application was well-known to Native Americans doses as a purgative, emetic, liver tonic, and vermifuge (to destroy and expel worms), and for topical application in removing warts.
The Menominee tribe used it on plants and potato crops as an effective insecticide, a use that is now being studied extensively in laboratories. It is an acrid, caustic herb with an unpleasant smell, and because it is so potent, it is not advisable for self-medication in specific applications; therefore, it is always wise to seek an experienced health care provider when using this herb. Some of the constituents in Mandrake Root are lignins (including the most important podophyllotoxin) and resin (podophyllin).
Medical Uses of American Mandrake Root
American Mandrake Root for Bowel Problems
Mandrake Root (Mayapple) has mainly been used (in controlled dosage) as a very potent purgative cathartic, a strong laxative that causes rapid, watery evacuation of the intestines and bowels. It is said to aid bowel complaints, such as constipation and other disturbances, due to sluggish action. It is considered an alternative, an agent that cleanses and stimulates the efficient removal of waste products from the system.
American Mandrake Root for Liver Problems
American Mandrake Root is said to aid in liver complaints. As cholagogues, it has been used to stimulate the production and flow of bile (which also aids in the digestive process) and has a reputation for supporting liver function. Some say it has no equal when used for liver ailments and has been used in cases of jaundice, biliousness, and for the removal of body obstructions.
American Mandrake Root for Arthritis and Skin Problems
The eliminative properties of Mandrake (both in the bowel and liver) make it effective for a number of complaints marked by the accumulation of waste products in the system (including arthritis and skin problems).
American Mandrake Root for Worms
Mandrake is also considered a vermifuge, an agent that destroys and expels worms from the intestinal tract.
American Mandrake Root for Wart Removal
There is a derivative in Mandrake Root called alternative toxin (the agent responsible for removing warts). Used externally, Mandrake Root is said to be effective in wart removal, especially helping venereal warts, and the root is said to possess antiviral properties. There is a derivative in Mandrake Root called alternative toxin (the agent responsible for removing warts), and recent studies have shown some promising results for its use as a possible anticancer and antitumor substance, which may be used in treating human cancers.
American Mandrake Root for Cancer
In tests, it has been found to stimulate the immune system while suppressing lymph cells and appears to be more toxic to leukemia cells than normal cells. Thus far it is too severe for the digestive tract for practical purposes, but a synthetic derivative is being used in Europe in chemotherapy (trademarked Vepeside) for lung and testicle cancers.
Recent studies have shown some promising results for its use as a possible anticancer and antitumor substance, which may be used in treating human cancers. In tests, it has been found to stimulate the immune system while suppressing lymph cells and appears to be more toxic to leukemia cells than normal cells. Thus far it is too severe for the digestive tract for practical purposes, but a synthetic derivative is being used in Europe in chemotherapy (trademarked Vepeside) for lung and testicle cancers.
