Deadly nightshade, Atropa belladonna, is a member of the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes and eggplant, is one of the oldest known botanical poisons. The genus name Atropa comes from Atropos, the Greek Fate who cuts the thread of human life. The species name, belladonna, means "beautiful woman" in Italian, referencing the Renaissance practice where women used the plant's juice as eye drops to dilate their pupils and applied to the cheeks to redden the skin for a seductive look. This perennial plant blooms bell-shaped purple flowers and small, bright green berries that turn shiny purple-black and taste deceptively sweet. As a plant of the Underworld, belladonna connects us to the energies of death and rebirth. (But you'd best be quite careful with such plants as this, lest you find yourself lost in the Asphodel Fields of the Underworld forevermore!)
Belladonna has a long and twisted history and deep connections to folklore and witchcraft. The nightshade has been a killer of kings, emperors, and warriors throughout history and a regular ingredient in hexes and spellcraft. Just a few berries can induce seizures, paralysis, delerium, hysteria, hallucinations, and a quick death. The plant has long been feared and believed to be tended by the Devil himself; parents warned their children that those caught picking the berries were sure to meet the Devil face to face. Perhaps most famously though, deadly nightshade is one of the key ingredients in the fabled witch's flying ointment - a concoction that allegedly allowed witches the power of magical flight upon broomsticks. The herb was said to have been soaked in the fat of infants (!!) along with black henbane, mandrake, wolfsbane, datura and opium (among other equally poisonous and/or psychoactive plants). Witches were said to anoint their skin or even slather the ointment on their broomstick, absorbing the toxins via the vaginal membranes (because that's how we roll, apparently, LOL!). This application purportedly would not cause death, but merely hallucinations, the feeling of flying, or (more accurately) a drug-induced hypnotic state like a shaman ingesting Ayahuasca for a spirit journey. We wholeheartedly suggest you admire this plant from afar!
Our Belladonna aromatic blend greets us with the atmosphere of an innocent orchard walk - ripe apple plucked from autumn's bounty, delicate lemon balm, and sweet mandarin - crisp and fresh and undeniably sweet. The dark heart notes gather around you like dusk in late fall, casting long shadows that shiver up your spine - tart cassis, earthy patchouli, smoky swirls of sultry palo santo, cedarwood and dark musk - conjuring a vibrant trail of shadow and light. Otherworldly and irresistable. Broom optional. ;)
Image credit: Up the Chimney, Arthur Rackham, 1907
Usage: Shake well before use. Spray generously all over body, paying particular attention to areas of exposed skin. Allow to air dry. Repeat as desired. Do not spray directly onto face. Avoid contact with eyes, armpits and mucous membranes. Do not apply to broken, irritated, or itching skin. May be skin sensitizing to some individuals. Perform a 24hr patch test on a small area of skin if you are particularly prone to sensitivity before widespread application. Discontinue use immediately if any irritation occurs. Not intended for use by children under age 10.
This listing for one 3.65oz frosted glass bottle.
CAUTION: Do not pick up bottle by the lid!
Ingredients:
Distilled water, Aloe vera juice, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer (naturally-derived solubulizer), Vegetable glycerin, Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid (preservative), Fragrance
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.