The Indian Apple Is It The Root Of Evil Or Elixir

If you have ever watched or read the Harry Potter series, you have actually heard of this fruit. Sort of. Do you recall the Mandrakes from the first book? Yes, their scream was insufferable, but the Indian Apple will not begin screaming if up-rooted. The Indian Apple, also known as Mandrake or Duck's Foot, is an interesting plant that is both beneficial to your health and potentially poisonous. Want to find out more?

What is it?

Indian Apple can be found growing in wooded areas of eastern North America. A herbaceous perennial, the stems can grow up to 40 cm high with umbrella-like leaves. If you could imagine a plant that looked like something Dr. Seuss would dream up, then you have a good idea about what the Indian Apple looks like. A single white flower with 6 to 9 petals blooms in May and matures into a greenish-yellow fruit about the size of a plum tomato. You may know this plant by one of its other names, such as Duck’s Foot, Ground Lemon, Hog Apple, Love Apples, Mandragora, May Flower, Raccoon Berry, and Wild Lemon.

History

The history of the Indian Apple is filled with mystery and wonder. It has been part of occult practice and other witchcraft. There have been myths and legends created that run the gamut from a deadly scream when uprooted to the sacred ingredient in creating a poisonous apple.

Health Benefits

The ripened fruit is edible in moderate amounts. The witchcraft practice associated with the Indian Apple may come from the fact that when consumed in large amounts, the fruit is in fact highly toxic. The rhizome, foliage and roots are also poisonous, so it is important to know what you are cooking with before you start. Interestingly, the Indian Apple contains podophyllotoxin, which is used as a highly effective topical ointment to treat viral warts.  Again, you can see where the mystery and witchcraft stories comes from.

Indian Apple has been used by Native Americans to treat constipation, rheumatism, and liver disorders. In old times, the root was boiled in water to make a thin broth which was used to cure stomach aches.

Fun Fact

In the legend about the screaming roots, the way farmers would pull the human-shaped roots was to tie their dog to the plant and place a piece of meat just out of the dog's reach. When the farmer was a safe distance away from the plant, he would give the command to the dog to retrieve the meat which would uproot the plant. Per the myth, the human-shaped root would be pulled from the ground screaming, but the awful noise didn't seem to bother the dog. Once the plant was finished screaming, the farmer would come over and retrieve the plant because it was then safe to pick up. Fun fact or scary fact?  Either way, it's crazy.

How to Eat

The root can be soaked in whiskey, making a tincture, and taken for rheumatism and as a purgative for a digestive system cleanse. Powdered root can be used on ulcers and sores and can also be mixed into drinks to relieve constipation. It is important to know exactly what you are doing with the Indian Apple plant and is generally advised to have it professionally prepared;  think puffer fish in sushi applications. Because of the highly toxic nature of this plant, pregnant women and young children should always consult a doctor before consuming Indian Apple. In other words, leave this root to the experts.