On this week’s stroll down Magnolia Street, we’re digging up the tangled roots of one of the most legendary plants in history: the Mandrake Root, or Mandragora. From ancient mythology and biblical “love fruit” lore to its dangerous role as a hallucinogen, narcotic, and surgical anesthetic, the mandrake has fascinated healers, witches, and storytellers alike for thousands of years. We’ll explore its reputation as both a poison and a cure, the chilling myths surrounding its human-shaped root and fatal scream, and its presence as a magical talisman through history.

We’ll also uncover how the mandrake found its way into art, literature, and pop culture—from Shakespeare to Machiavelli to comic strips—and how a modern kibbutz even experimented with mandrake wine. And yes, long before the Harry Potter craze made screaming mandrakes a household name, the 1998 film Practical Magic slipped in a sneaky nod to this magickal root, planting it firmly in the witchy cinematic canon.

Join us as we unearth the mandrake’s journey from myth to medicine to movie magic.

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DISCLAIMER:

The Magnolia Street Podcast intends to discuss the movie, “Practical Magic” in its entirety. This will evidently result in spoilers and it is recommended that you watch and or read the following. Alice Hoffman’s: Practical Magic, Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, Book of Magic.

The Magnolia Street Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional or medical advice. Do not attempt any of the discussed actions, solutions, or remedies without first consulting a qualified professional. It should be noted that we are not medical professionals and therefore we are not responsible or liable for any injuries or illnesses resulting from the use of any information on our website or in our media.

The Magnolia Street Podcast presenters, Kristina Babich and Justina Carubia are passionate fans of Alice Hoffman’s work and the Practical Magic word she has created. There is no copyright infringement intended, all characters and story lines are that of Alice Hoffman. We do not own any of that material as well as any of the move score music shared within the podcast.

All intellectual property rights concerning personally written music and or shared art are vested in Magnolia Street Podcast. Copying, distributing and any other use of these materials is not permitted without the written permission from Kristina Babich and Justina Carubia.