Magical properties have long been attributed to various plants and roots, with the belief that they possess special abilities to bring luck, protection, or healing. Throughout history, different cultures and traditions have revered specific roots for their mystical qualities. Among these, nine roots are particularly famous for their perceived magical powers. One such root is the Mandrake root, known for its association with love and fertility. According to folklore, the Mandrake root was believed to be capable of bringing love and ensuring marital bliss. It was often used in love spells or as a talisman to attract a partner.
‘Oblivion I can give you. Mystic drops of a magic herb I know that renews the heart. But whoever wants it must gather it with his own hand at the dead of night—the graveyard is the place. To the west of the city, there, where on the gloomy field the pallid moon shines down on abhorrent land the herb has its roots by those ill-famed stones where all sins are atoned for with the last living breath!’
Aware of the couple s desire to start a family, Callimoco offers the wife a potion made from the mandrake root, but persuades her husband that the first man to sleep with her afterwards will die. There is no denying that later, Vatsalya parental love and Bhakti devotion also came to be adopted as important emotions in the scheme of artistic expression.
It was often used in love spells or as a talisman to attract a partner. Another powerful root is the Ginseng root, which has been highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Ginseng is attributed with numerous health benefits, including boosting energy, promoting mental clarity, and improving overall well-being.
Myths and mandrakes
J K Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 1 includes a scene in which the hero and his friends are in a greenhouse, taking instruction from Professor Sprout on the re-potting of mandrakes. To protect their hearing, the class is equipped with earmuffs.
In an age ever more preoccupied with medicinal herbs, mandrake is the herb that time has forgotten, the word more readily associated today with a column in the Sunday Telegraph or the American strip cartoon Mandrake the Magician. Mandrake the Magician (1934) was the first super-powered costumed crime fighter, the forerunner of Superman, Batman and, most recently Spiderman, but even this icon of the 20th century had his origin in antiquity, for the unlikely source of his creator Lee Falk's inspiration was a poem by the 17th century English poet John Donne 2 . Donne's subject was fertility:
‘Goe, and catche a falling starre,
Get with child a mandrake roote’.
And the origin of the mandrake's association with fertility is truly ancient, surfacing first in chapter 30 of the Book of Genesis, where the childless Rachael asks her sister Leah for the loan of the mandrakes which her son had brought in from the fields. Much later, this fertility myth received support from the medieval doctrine of signatures, which suggested that God had provided all plants with a sign indicating their value. Mandrake has a long and frequently bifid taproot whose shape sometimes resembles the body of a man ( Figure 1 ). Believing this to indicate reproductive power, our ancestors took to sleeping with them under their pillows at night.
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum). Sibthorpe: Flora Graeca (1808)
Others, however, began to wonder whether the possession of roots might not bring them success in other areas as well—wealth, popularity, or the power to control their own and other people's destinies, and took to wearing them as good luck charms. Not surprisingly, the Church frowned upon this practice and when, during her trial in 1431, Joan of Arc was accused of having a mandrake about her person, the suggestion helped send her to the stake 3 .
Mandrake was, of course, far from being the only plant with an anthropomorphic root. The herb had another property, however, for the root contains hyoscine a powerful alkaloid with the ability to cause hallucinations, delirium and, in larger doses, coma. Mandrake's use as a surgical anaesthetic was first described by the Greek physician Dioscorides around AD 60, and its use as a tincture known as mandragora, or in combination with other herbs such as opium, hemlock and henbane is described in documents from pre-Roman times onwards 4 . It was the presence of this alkaloid, as well as the shape of the root, that led to the mandrake's association with magic, witchcraft and the supernatural.
Mandrake roots became highly sought after in their native Mediterranean habitat, and attempts to protect them from theft are thought to have been the source of the second mandrake myth, which stated that a demon inhabited the root and would kill anyone who attempted to uproot it. Over the centuries, elaborate rituals developed to avoid what became known as the mandrake's curse, the most famous of these requiring the assistance of a dog ( Figure 2 ). Later elaboration of this legend attributed the herb's lethal power to a shriek or a groan emitted by the mandrake as it was uprooted, and suggested that death could be avoided either by a loud blast on a horn at the critical moment or by sealing one's ears with wax. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the earmuff is more in keeping with current health and safety regulations.
The mandrake's curse. After being shown a tasty morsel (far right), a hungry dog is tied to the root of the mandrake. From a safe distance, the hunter throws the food in front of the dog, which lunges forward, uprooting the herb. The dog dies at sunrise (bottom right) and is buried with secret rites. Cod. Vind. (Medicina Antiqua)
It is believed to have strong rejuvenating properties and is often referred to as the "elixir of life." Likewise, the Valerian root has long been celebrated for its calming and sedative effects. It is commonly used as an herbal remedy to treat insomnia, anxiety, and stress. Valerian root is believed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural alternative to pharmaceutical sleep aids. In the realm of protection, the Angelica root is highly regarded for its ability to ward off evil spirits and provide spiritual protection. It is often worn as an amulet or used in rituals to create a protective barrier against negative energies. Angelica root is associated with purification and is believed to have the power to cleanse and shield individuals from harm. The Devil's Claw root, on the other hand, is known for its alleged ability to break curses and remove hexes. It is often used in rituals or as an ingredient in protective charms to counteract negative energies and bring about positive changes in one's life. The Echinacea root is renowned for its immune-boosting properties and is commonly used to prevent and treat colds and other respiratory infections. It is believed to stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms, making it an indispensable herb during flu seasons. In the realm of divination and psychic abilities, the Orris root is often revered for its alleged power to enhance intuition and clairvoyance. It is believed to open the third eye and increase psychic awareness, making it a favored ingredient in rituals and spells related to divination and spiritual awakening. Moreover, the Licorice root has been associated with attracting luck and good fortune. It is often used in rituals to bring about financial success, attract opportunities, and enhance overall abundance in life. Last but not least, the Ginger root is esteemed for its purported ability to ignite passion and enhance sexual desire. It is often used as an aphrodisiac and is believed to fuel passion and romance in relationships. Overall, these nine roots are regarded as having magical properties due to their perceived ability to bring luck, protection, healing, and various other benefits. While the scientific evidence behind these claims may vary, their cultural and historical significance cannot be denied. The belief in the magical properties of these roots continues to be passed down through generations, keeping their mystical allure alive..
Reviews for "Tales from the Mystic: Stories of Nine Enchanted Roots"
1. Emily - 2/5: I was really disappointed with "Nine Roots with Magical Properties". I found the writing style to be dry and lackluster, making it difficult to connect with the story and characters. The plot didn't have much depth and felt predictable, leaving me wanting something more engaging. Overall, I didn't feel any magical elements or excitement in this book.
2. Stephen - 1/5: "Nine Roots with Magical Properties" was a complete waste of my time. The author failed to establish a captivating narrative or develop any interesting characters. The magical elements were hardly explored and seemed like an afterthought. I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book and ultimately found it to be a dull and uninspired read.
3. Sarah - 2/5: I had high hopes for "Nine Roots with Magical Properties", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story lacked any significant conflict or tension. The magical properties mentioned in the title were barely touched upon, leaving me unsatisfied. In the end, I felt like I wasted my time and didn't gain anything from reading this book.
4. Alex - 2/5: I found "Nine Roots with Magical Properties" to be a disappointing read. The characters lacked depth and development, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style felt disjointed and inconsistent, making it difficult to stay engaged. The magical aspect of the story felt underdeveloped and didn't add much to the overall narrative. Overall, it was a forgettable and mediocre book.