American Mandrake Root

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.

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The information presented herein by Vitamin Depot Online.com is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History:
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. This application was well-known to Native Americans long before it was "rediscovered" in conventional American medicine and listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926. Native Americans used minute 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. Mandrake 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).

Beneficial Uses:
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. The herb is considered an "alterative," or agent that cleanses and stimulates the efficient removal of waste products from the system and gradually converts an unhealthy condition into a healthy state and facilitates a beneficial change in the body.

American Mandrake Root is said to aid in liver complaints. As a cholagogue, 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. The eliminative properties of Mandrake (both in the bowel and liver) make it effective for a number of complaints marked by accumulation of waste products in the system (including arthritic and skin problems).

Mandrake is also considered a vermifuge, an agent that destroys and expels worms from the intestinal tract.

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 podophyllotoxin (the agent responsible for removing warts), and recent studies have shown some promising results for its use as a possible treatment for several malignant diseases and malignant growths. 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.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) to two (2) capsules, one (1) time each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should never use Mandrake Root. It is an extremely potent herb and should be used with great caution (it is always advisable to use it in consultation with a physician), and it is subject to restrictions in many countries. It should never be taken in large amounts, as an overdose would likely be fatal. It is considered unsafe as a food by the USFDA. Stop taking Mandrake if you experience shortness of breath, muscle weakness, low blood pressure and fast heart rate. This may be a sign of poisoning. See your doctor right away if you have confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, shaking), ataxia (problems with walking) or loss of consciousness.

Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, , size "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs of powdered herb material.

American Mandrake Root - Botanical Powder-- Approximately 600 mgs each