Healing Herbs: May Apple
The May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum), also known as Devil's Apple, Hog-apple, Indian Appleor American Mandrake,
is primarily used as a homeopathic treatment for acute diarrhea, but has other uses (in a non-homeopathic treatment, it loosens the bowels so is a laxative). The fruit is edible and has medicinal properties, but the skin and seeds are poisonous. The entire plant, other than the fruit, is poisonous. Native Americans use it frequently. It has been shown to help with some cancers. It has been used to remove intestinal worms. Externally, the extract is used for genital warts, moles, snakebites and skin cancer. Chemicals extracted from the May Apple are used to make two cancer drugs approved by the FDA. Because most of the plant is poisonous, it is not recommended for internal uses except in homeopathic form.
Folklore and Legends
May Apple was once called witches umbrella and it was believed witches used it to make poison. It is a relative or the European Mandrake which legend says screams when it is pulled from the ground, as most probably saw in a Harry Potter film.
is primarily used as a homeopathic treatment for acute diarrhea, but has other uses (in a non-homeopathic treatment, it loosens the bowels so is a laxative). The fruit is edible and has medicinal properties, but the skin and seeds are poisonous. The entire plant, other than the fruit, is poisonous. Native Americans use it frequently. It has been shown to help with some cancers. It has been used to remove intestinal worms. Externally, the extract is used for genital warts, moles, snakebites and skin cancer. Chemicals extracted from the May Apple are used to make two cancer drugs approved by the FDA. Because most of the plant is poisonous, it is not recommended for internal uses except in homeopathic form.
Folklore and Legends
May Apple was once called witches umbrella and it was believed witches used it to make poison. It is a relative or the European Mandrake which legend says screams when it is pulled from the ground, as most probably saw in a Harry Potter film.
Posted by Reverend Harold Boulette at 9/10/2009 4:32 AM 
Categories: Herbs, Healing
Tags: herbs natural healing may apple
Categories: Herbs, Healing
Tags: herbs natural healing may apple
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