University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Pharmacy and Drug Artifacts
Classification
Pharmacy, General
Accession Number
1984.6.2
Description
Clear cylindrical glass jar with black metal screw-on lid with cream paper label affixed to jar with black text describing contents; contents are several short thin twigs with smooth bark; sealed closure. .
Clear cylindrical glass jar with black metal screw-on lid with cream paper label affixed to jar with black text describing contents; contents are several short thin twigs with smooth bark; sealed closure. .
Good for Hepatic disorders (liver problems), also used as an emetic (causes vomiting), laxative, anesthetic, and to remove warts. It is poisonous, can cause delerium and madness in big doses. Can be made into resin or infused in wine or water, or can be chewed. Used in ancient times for rest and sleep when in pain; mandrake root would also be chewed by patients before surgery as a anesthetic. It is a brown root 3-4 feet deep.