can also be made to speak out loud or through telepathy.This is another way in which they can prophesy the future and reveal secrets. Mandrakes have been used by many modern Witches in spells and rituals that increase the psychic powers. They are carried in mojobags or worn on necklaces as powerful charms to attract good luck, and it is said that money placed in a box with a mandrake root will double overnight.
Mandrake root can also be used in exorcisms as it is believed that demons cannot tolerate mandrake root and it is poisonous to them. It is not uncommon during ancient exorcisms that whilst a priest was under going an exorcism on an individual that he place a tiny piece of mandrake in their mouths under the tongue. The potent mandrake was meant to help drive out the demon essence from within the individual.
Extreme caution should always be exercised when using any part of the mandrake in potions, brews and philtres. It is a highly toxic plant, and misuse of it can result in sickness, delirium, or a slow and agonizing death.
According to the legend, when mandrake root is dug up it screams and kills anyone who hears this. Literature includes complex directions for harvesting a mandrake root in relative safety. For example Josephus (c. 37 AD Jerusalem – c. 100) gives the following directions for pulling it up:
A burrow must be dug around the root until its lower part is exposed, then a dog is tied to it, after which the person tying the dog must then run away. The dog is then enticed to follow him, and by doing so easily pulls up the root, but the dog dies suddenly instead of his master. After this the root can be handled without fear.
Mandrake is one of the traditional ritual