Mayapple(Podophyllum peltatum)
Other Names:
Maypop, American mandrake
Range:
Family:
Berberidaceae – Barberry family
Growth Type:
Herbaceous Perennial
Height:
Up to 18 in tall
Leaves:
P peltatum is a hermaphrodite plant. This means it has both male and female plants. The female plant has two large deeply lobed umbrella-like leaves. The male plant bears only a single leaf.
Stem/Trunk:
The male plant has a single stem, while that of the female is branched.
Root:
A system of horizontal rhizomes and tubers will blanket an area
Flower Season:
Early Spring
Flower Appearance:
A single small white waxy flower is borne suspended from the branch of the stem.
Seed/Fruit:
In late spring a single globe to egg shaped fruit grows.
Miscellaneous characteristics:
It is important to note that the fruit is mildly toxic until it has ripened and turned yellow.
Habitat:
Moist lush woodlands
Parts Used:
Fruit, Root (Medicinal)
Culinary Uses:
The ripe fruit can be eaten raw, cooked, or made into a jam or jelly. It can also be used to make a lemonade-like drink.
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Medicinal Uses:
Native Americans and early settlers used the root as a strong purgative, "liver cleaner", emetic, and worm expeller. Also used to treat jaundice, constipation, hepatitis, fevers, and syphilis. Also used to treat genital warts, herpes, influenza, and vaccinia viruses. The compound Podophyllotoxin has cytotoxic, anti-cancer, and antimalarial actions. There are two derivatives that are used in chemotherapy against several types of cancer. Etoposide is used in combination with other compounds to treat testicular cancer, and as a primary treatment for small cell lung cancer. Also used to treat various forms of leukemia.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Anthelmintic,
Antineoplastic,
Cathartic,
Emetic,
Hepatic,
Laxative
Herbal Preparations For Podophyllum peltatum
Tincture
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 75%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of chopped root into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of the highest percentage of alcohol you can purchase (I use 151 proof Everclear). Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
This plant can have dangerous side effects. Special attention must be paid to ensure proper dosing. Before taking, always discuss with your physician, the use of any herbal medicine.
Dosage: 10-20 drops daily.
