The Mandrake – A Plant Amulet

An example of a natural plant amulet: the mandrake.

One of the most fascinating examples of a natural plant charm is a plant that is considered magical in many cultures, none other than the mandrake. As with other amulets which originate from plants, natural amulets are carried in small reliquaries containing the plant part that is believed to be beneficial for the person who carries it; however, these have also been fashioned out of bottles, or glass or metal containers.

As the mandrake root bears a shape that is similar to a human being, since ancient times, this plant has been referenced as curative and beneficial through its juices. Due to its sedative effect, taken in small doses, it was widely used to soothe pain, but on the contrary, in large quantities could be very stimulating, even poisonous in excessive amounts. This, coupled with its unusual shape, gave it a magical power from the beginning.

In ancient times, mandrake roots, which are wrinkled and with strange shapes, were carved by sorcerers, who gave it a human shape by cutting all but four bifurcations, which would be the limbs.

These roots were hung around the necks of babies and young children as a way to protect them; amulets were also made for lovers, for pregnant women, for the ill, etc.. Furthermore, it was much appreciated to combat infertility and was believed to favor fertilization.

It was so fervently held that the mandrake was a living being that it was not to be pulled by a human being, because if it was “disgraced” or “killed” by being pulled, it would cause the person harm.

Therefore, dogs were tied to the plant, so that when they moved, they would pull the mandrake root. However, some farmers took the risk, and by following a magic ritual, dared to collect them.

On the other hand, magical properties were attributed to it regarding material goods; they believed that if several coins were buried next to the mandrake, it would attract material wealth and prosperity, as well as improve love life.