The Problem of the root

Gardening can be quite dangerous.

There have been injuries and even fatalities from simple procedures such as pruning, insecticide spraying, hedge trimming, using the smallest of implements and even inhaling the surprisingly toxic contents of a compost bin.

Such tragedies and incidents take place today in our supposedly enlightened times when we can dismiss superstitions and myths as possible causes of the misfortune.

That was certainly not the case in Medieval times when much mystery and hocus-pocus had a close association with things in the natural world.

Take, as a prime example the Mandrake root.

It is not now in the public perception apart from it featuring in the Harry Potter books as a fear inducing theme but in the Middle Ages it was a sought after and valuable tool of quack doctors, official physicians and as part of crude organically based home remedies.

For all of the reputation of the Mandrake root it is actually part of a large and familiar family of vegetables which includes tomatoes, the potato, chillies, aubergines, peppers and tobacco. Common  to the genus the Mandrake shares alkaloids which have the power , in equal proportion, to cure or kill ailments afflicting mankind.

The roots, leaves and fruits of other plants in the same genus can bring about hallucinations.

The European derivative has properties to alleviate such medical complaints as stomach ulcers, colic, constipation and hay fever, It can also trigger vomiting, serve as a remedy for sleeplessness and increase sexual activity.

Behind the legends and myths of the Mandrake root is its uncanny resemblance to the human form.

It is a bit like a parsnip in its subterranean shape. A split into two distinctive tubers added to a generous foliage growth gave the impression to our somewhat more innocent or gullible ancestors that they were digging up a body with an unruly mop of hair.

It was not therefore a great leap forward for the Mandrake root to assume a living identity and there developed the popular myth that at the point of being excavated an ear splitting scream could be heard that would strike down the perpetrator imminently.

In spite of the risks of being a Mandrake root supplier to Medieval herbalists and the like the financial rewards made a potential brush with the cold, clammy fingers of death a worthwhile career.

In order to make money and avoid a nasty end gave rise to the following modus operandi of the Mandrake Hunters.

The individual on the search for the elusive root would approach the potential source under cover of darkness. Midnight was the appropriate hour. They would be accompanied by a dog and carrying a trumpet ( the person, not the dog of course)

It would be a bit of stifled atmosphere as an application of beeswax will have been to the ears (again the man and not the dog)

As the prophetic hour approached the dog would be tied to the stem of the Mandragora and whilst simultaneously blowing the said instrument the unfortunate hound would be whipped.

The bolting of the dog, unearthing of the precious root and the avoidance of death by the combination of the trumpet and self induced deafness ensured that there would be an exchange for cash of the upended vegetable when later trading it with the medicine man.

What a performance.