Mandrake
Thought to promote passion (but also sterility). Once used as an aphrodisiac and also as an anaesthetic hopefully not at the same time. It was somewhat feared as a plant as it's root which is long and forked was said to embody an evil demon, and that if it was pulled from the ground a terrifying shriek would be heard. Anyone hearing the shriek would die. Hence the custom was developed for dogs to dig up the root by tying the hungry animal near to the plant and placing some meat near to the plant. The idea was that the dog would eventually make a grab for the meat uprooting the plant, and no-one had to witness this. The dog would die when the root was dug up which theoretically was due the shriek (but could it have been from poison). The plant is rare in Britain.

Marigolds
In the West country of England these flowers are known as 'The Drunkards' due their reputation for turning people into alcoholics when the flowers are picked or even looked at for any length of time. The Welsh traditionally believed the flower could be used as a weather omen. If the flowers were not open early in the morning a storm was on the way. Used as a love charm, in wedding garlands and posies, it was also believed that rubbing the flower head on a wasp or bee sting would alleviate any pain.

Marjoram
Used as snuff when dried and ground, this plant is said to help the farmers. If mixed with wild thyme and placed near the milk in a dairy, the mixture will ensure that it is not turned sour by thunder and lightning. Sweetly scented it has tiny green leaves and pink flowers.

Marshmallow
This plant was used as the main ingredient, by medieval clergy, in a preparation given to the accused who were to endure an ordeal by fire. Those receiving this treatment were seen as favoured by the clergy for being given this preparation. The sap was used, being smeared quickly over the hands. Reputedly this allowed the accused to hold a red hot iron without being burnt.

Mint
Reputed to be able to heal the pain caused by wasp and bee stings. In Ancient Greece the custom was to perfume all parts of the body with a different scent...mint was used for the arms! It has lilac and cream flowers in the summer and is extremely aromatic wrinkly round leaves. It was also viewed as a symbol of hospitality, so much so that tables were rubbed down with it before the table was prepared.

Mistletoe
For many centuries this plant has been the base of a range of remedies, so much so that it is also known as 'all-heal'. It is a parasitic plant. When the host or main tree died off in winter it was believed that the mistletoe held the life of the main plant within itself. If found growing on an oak tree this had great significance for the Druid who revered the oak as much as the rowan. the druids viewed the berries of the mistletoe when found on an oak tree as the seminal fluid of the oak-tree god (or spirit). So it was thought that this effect was then an indicator of a charm to induce fertility in action. The mistletoe was cut on the sixth day of the moon with a golden sickle and with full ceremony, which was then divided amongst the people. Fastening the mistletoe to a doorway was thought to ward off all evil, and thunder and lightening. Perhaps the modern custom of kissing under the mistletoe at Christmas is a remnant of this pagan custom. The sprigs of this plant were regarded as a symbol by some of hospitality.