Drug info - The road less travelled

[Erytheia]

SWIM had been intending for some time to make a post on this subject (that of less commonly used nightshades) but ran into an ugly period using an ugly drug (GBL to excess, for what it's worth) which put everything in her life on the back-burner. As a result, she's putting the single part that got anywhere near completion up and hoping others will add their knowledge not only of mandrake but of any nightshade other than datura; after all, SWIM's knowledge of most nightshades is hugely limited.


Mandrake (Mandragora Officinarum)

I have no knowledge of the effects from foliage, fruits or seeds of this plant, either first- or second-hand. The root, however, is widely available and has been used historically for a wide range of medicinal purposes.
The root proper contains one or more alkaloids that act as an extremely potent purgative; so potent, in fact, that one would be hard pushed to keep a suitable quantity down long enough to produce any other effects. The root bark was used by early Greek physicians to induce sleep and relieve pain, and the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder wrote of it's use as an anesthetic before operations. It was also known at that time to produce euphoria and hallucinations.
There is a large body of mythology associated with the European Mandrake, mostly stemming from the large taproot's perceived resemblance to the human form. It was believed at one time to grow from the semen of hanged men where it struck the ground, and that pulling the plant from the ground would cause it to let out a scream that would strike a the listener dead.

Known Preparations

• Coarsely crushed whole root can be added to boiling water and stirred vigorously. Provided none of the root itself is imbibed this brew seems to avoid the purgative effects when used in moderation, producing a mild euphoric and deleriant effect.
• Alternatively, chewing a generous piece of root bark produces the same effects and the flavour is not too disagreeable, being much like slightly bitter liquorice root.
• Whole root reduced to a powder and brewed in hot water will, when drunk down sediment and all, very rapidly induce violent purging. (N.B. This is an ugly, painful experience and much safer alternatives exist should you need a purgative)