Dudaim - Mandrake - Mandragora officinarum

The Biblical narrative (Genesis 30:14) tells  us of the Matriarchs (Rachel and Leah) attempt to overcome infertility by the use of a plant which in Hebrew is called "Dudaim", or in English: Mandrake (Mandragora,Mandragora officinarum ).

We read that the plant was gathered "in the days of wheat harvest", which here in Israel falls between the Holidays of Passover and Shavuot- around the months of April-May.  We go out every year at this time, crossing the hills with out flocks



The ripe fruits have an intoxicating, sweet aroma, which only lasts a few days, until the birds and wild animals eat all of them.



We pick the ripe fruits, dry them in the sun, and then separate out the seeds.

How is the plant used?  Here we find a wide variety of explanations, though from studying the biblical verses, it is clear that neither the roots or the flowers is used.  There are wise men (and wise women) here, who counsel barren women to ingest a small quantity of the seeds (all parts of the plant are considered toxic), with a certain timing, and with certain intentions.

Since we have not received the above wisdom, we can not counsel on the exact way of use.

All we can add is that it does not seem right that the Dudaim are a fertility drug, and that the Bible is suggesting a prescription to solve a medical problem.

It seems that both Rachel and Leah felt that something was lacking in the closeness of their relationship with their husband, Jacob, which was certainly on an extremely high spiritual level.  Some barely felt lack in the synchronicity of their emotional connection, that the mutual use of the plant with the unique fragrance might help overcome!

You will need to search out the appropriate wise-person on your own, but we can send you the seeds:



www.dudaim.org

We will be glad to hear suggestions, and respond to questions.

From the time of the Avot and Emahot:

mutual respect, commitment, affection, love, closeness,

planting the seed, conception, pregnancy, full term, and the joy of birth.

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