Mayapple is often made into a mojo bag and placed in a high position around the home for prosperity and to repel bad luck. It is also said to attract love when used in charms and mojo bags for this purpose. It is said sleeping with the root tucked under mattress will insure fertility and virility of the couple who sleeps upon it. It is said to sprinkle it around the area or object however remember this plant is toxic so we suggest using a mojo bag for this purpose. It is useful in spells to hide things from prying eyes such as diaries and book of shadows. To protect your home leave mayapple undisturbed in the corners of your home for three days (out of reach of pets and children), place in warm water overnight, then sprinkle the water around your windows and doors. The powdered root is potent when used in protection magic and is said to protect against illness. Mayapple is generally used as a substitute for true Mandrake and it’s uses are practically identical even though these plants are not related. Further studies are underway to test it usefulness against dropsy, dyspepsia, biliousness, and various liver conditions. This must be done with caution and must not be sprayed over the edible part of the plant intended for human consumption as it is poisonous.Ĭompounds have been found in the mayapple rhizome that may be used to fight cancer and it is used in Asia to treat genital warts and skin cancers. May apple rhizome can be boiled and used to kill insects and used as an insecticide. The American Indians were aware of the may apples toxicity but still appreciated its laxative properties and it was often used to cure worms, warts and it was even used as an insecticide on crops. Described by a 19th century botanist as tasteless and nutritionally useless it was a favorite among young boys, raccoons and pigs. It was often eaten by North American Indians and is still eaten by many today. A lemonade like drink is often made by juicing the mayapple fruit and mixing with sugar. Mayapple has a lemon-like flavour and although the fruit can be eaten raw they are best cooked and even made into jams. These fruits should be eaten in moderation and only when perfectly ripe as they have been known to cause sever diarrhea. One part of the mayapple that is not toxic in small doses is the ripe fruit, it is edible once it turns yellow and is slightly soft and has a sweet, mildly acidic taste. (Poisonous: Please refer to the warnings below and do not handle Mayapple without taking the necessary precautions.) The flowers do not grow on all stems and only the flowering stems produce two or more leaves with flowers below the leaves. The stems of the mayapple grow to around 30-40 cm tall with umbrella like leaves (sometimes called witches umbrella). Mayapples are a woodland plant that grow in colonies that begin as a single root. It’s scientific name is Podophyllum peltatum and it is widespread across eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. Mayapple is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Berberidaceae family. Mayapple is often called American Mandrake the ‘American’ in the name is used to distinguish it from the true European Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum). Folk Names: American Mandrake, Duck’s Foot, Hog Apple, Mandrake, Raccoon Berry or Wild Lemon
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