MAYAPPLE

Latin Name: Podophyllum peltatum

Alternate Names: American Mandrake, Devil's Apple, Indian Podophyllum, Wild Lemon, Duck's Foot, Umbrella Plant, Hog Apple, Racoonberry

Family: BERBERIDACEAE

Parts Used: Rhizome, resin.

Properties: Antibilious, Antitumor, Antiviral, Cathartic, Counterirritant, Glandular Stimulant, Hydragogue, Immune Stimulant, Purgative, Vermifuge.

Internal Uses: Constipation, Leukemia, Lymphatic Tumors, Ovarian Cancer, Tumors

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
One of the ways Mayapple helps to get rid of warts is by impeding the warts' development and blood supply. It works as an immune stimulant by suppressing lymph cells; therefore, it is especially useful in the treatment of leukemia. Can help in cases of severe constipation.

Topical Uses: Venereal Warts, Warts

Topical Applications: Resin is applied to warts, including venereal warts.
The podophyllin and podophyllotoxin constituents have growth inhibiting properties, hence the topical application for warts.

Culinary uses: Though the fruit is somewhat laxative, it is made into jams, beverages, sauces and ice cream.

Energetics: Bitter, Cold, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Glycoside (podophyllotoxin), flavonoids (kaempferol, quercitin), calcium oxalate, gallic acid.

Contraindications: When applying to warts, use only on the tissue needed or it can damage surrounding tissue. Use internally only in tiny amounts followed by lots of water, using about one sixth the dosage of other herbs. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, headaches and lowered blood pressure. Misuse can be deadly. Handling fresh root may cause contact dermatitis. Avoid during pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects. Use only with guidance from a competent health professional. To give one an idea of its potential for misuse, it was once used as a suicide plant by Native Americans. Do not use interchangeably with European Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum).

Comments: The genus name, Podophyllum is from the Latin podos, meaning 'foot' and phyllon, meaning 'leaf.' This refers to the shape of the leaf which resembles the foot of an aquatic bird. The species name, peltatum, means 'shield shaped'. Mandrake was used by the Cherokee peoples to treat hearing loss. It is used as an insecticide for crops to kill potato bugs and corn worms.