Healers among you know the great Mandrake: A plant that can have a strong narcotic effect. The problem with the Mandrake, however, is that it is a dangerous plant and it’s hard to get. You may not consciously hear the Mandrake’s howling, but if you are not aware of being near it when the plant is crying, you will die. For many, this is a reason to ignore this useful plant. That is of course very unfortunate. No worries! We have a solution for your problems. A number of years ago a work was published by Philip de Thaun, in which he wrote in a beautiful and poetic way how you can tackle a Mandragora. We translated this beautiful piece to a instruction. To dig up the plant you need a number of things though. Therefore, first a list of supplies:
- A hungry dog
- a rope
- Gloves (just to be safe)
- Wool, or something else for your ears
- A piece of meat bread
- What should you do:
Take a dog with you that you have not fed for three days. The dog will be very hungry, and therefore it’s good to use. Tie the dog to the Mandrake. Make sure to wear gloves: You don’t want to touch the plant. Lure the dog with a piece of meat or a piece of bread. Put this piece of food down somewhere, then quickly walk away. The hungry dog will chase after the food, and thus snatching the Mandrake from the earth. The moment the plant is released from the ground, it will cry. The dog will die. This will allow you to retrieve your Mandragora after some time. Just to be on the safe side, don’t come back right away and stop your ears well in case the plant is still crying. If you follow the steps correctly, you will certainly be impressive as a healer with such a powerful plant at your disposal!
Sources:
- Wright, T. Popular Treatises on Science Written During the Middle Ages in Anglo Saxon, Anglo-Norman and English. London: R. and J.E. Taylor, 1841.
- British Library, Harley MS 1585, fol. 57r.