Mandrake

has a long history in traditional medicine as a pain reliever, sleep aid, and surgical anesthetic due to potent tropane alkaloids like scopolamine and atropine. However, it is extremely poisonous, and modern medicine does not use raw mandrake because incorrect doses cause hallucinations, seizures, and death.

Ancient and medieval healers used root juices or soaked sponges (spongia somnifera) to induce deep sleep or unconsciousness before surgery.

Applied externally as a poultice or juice from grated roots to soothe rheumatic joints, swellings, and ulcers.

Ingestion causes severe dry mouth, blurred vision, rapid heart rate, delirium, hallucinations, and fatal respiratory failure.

ingesting the root and leaves can be fatal due to high levels of dangerous tropane alkaloids.