MANDRAGORA
European Folklore
Enchanted Herb
In European occultism and demonology, this is a familiar demon derived from the nature spirit of the mandrake plant. From the earliest of times, the legends concerning the fatal results inflicted by the MANDRAGORA on anyone attempting to lift the plant out of the earth brought about the stratagem of harassing an unfortunate dog to the plant until the root was clear of the ground. The spirit was supposed to scream as it was drawn from the earth, as this is mentioned in ”Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” (1596)”.
Like the appearance of the roots, the spirit of the MANDRAKE is described as resembling a youthful, naked male or female human, which according to Thomas Newton was produced from the spirit of a buried murderer. The plant was used by alchemists and herbalists from the earliest times for it’s alleged fertility and curative properties as recorded in the Judeo-Christian Bible (Genesis 88:14-16). It was also supposed to inflict vanity and lunacy if the resultant potion were taken in excess.
Source: Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins Encyclopedia