Stora Skuggan Hexensalbe Eau de Parfum
HEXENSALBE | Also known as witches’ flying ointment, HEXENSALBE was a hallucinogenic salve used in witchcraft in the middle ages. It was a mixture of extremely poisonous ingredients but the exact formula is not known, and several occultist scholars have died trying to recreate it. Among the most mentioned ingredients are the deadly nightshade Belladonna, Angelica Archangelica, Hemlock and human baby fat.
The drug produced an ecstatic trance with a powerful sensation of flying, images of otherworldly creatures and a primal sexual hunger. These hallucinations are at the core of the mythology of witches, where they fly to the sabbath at Blåkulla or Brocken to have sex with the devil and other witches in unholy rites. In the eyes of the medieval church this was more than illusions, the drug created a link to the devil so he could bring the spirit of the witch into his domain, so while her body may remain in the physical world, she was still guilty of fornicating with satan.
So, the image of witches flying can be traced back to the use of HEXENSALBE, but why on a broomstick? The ointment was so poisonous that eating it would be directly fatal, instead it was applied to other soft membranes of the body, armpits and more commonly the genitals.
Because of the erotic effects of the high, the salve would often be rubbed directly onto a phallic object like the end of a staff or a broomstick. And so, the witch did not ride the broomstick like we picture her today. She actually -really- rode it. There are records from the 1200’s and forward where women have been found naked in a delirious trance, pleasuring themselves with the spicy devil’s dildo.
Given which aspects of the HEXENSALBE story have influenced the modern perception of witches, and what has been suppressed, it would seem that the one thing even more terrifying than witches or devils is female sexuality.
Top Notes: WORMWOOD, SALTY LICORICE.
Middle Notes: TUBEROSE, ROSEMARY, ANGELICA, BELLADONNA.
Base Notes: BLACK HEMLOCK, LICHEN, PATCHOULI.
- 30ml Eau de Parfum
Details
Fragrance NotesTuberose, Rosemary, Patchouli, Hemlock, and Angelica,
PerfumersTomas Hempel
ConcentrationEau de Parfum
Year Released2023
GenderNeutral
Stora Skuggan
“It happened many seasons ago. Of course to explain it you would have to be here. We had all been used to only the same smells, the same architecture. Until the monsoon came. At first we were weary. What did she want with us? But then we became dizzy. The allure became a way of living. Without it we were dust.”
FAQ
If you have specific questions about the product, contact our customer concierge to talk with an expert.
Why shop with us?
ZGO is a small business based in San Francisco owned and staffed by people passionate about fragrances.
We pride ourselves on service and integrity. We're an official stockist with all our brands and sell only authentic products.
We love helping people find their perfect fragrance. When you message or call us, you get to speak with a passionate staff member or one of the owners based in San Francisco.
Free samples
How do I earn free samples?
We offer free samples to encourage our customers to try and discover new fragrances.
Every $100 of product in your cart earns you a credit for a free sample.
The free sample credits need to be redeemed within the same order. Unfortunately they can't be saved for a future order.
We don't automatically choose samples for you. Select the samples you like by going to fragrances and adding the sample size to cart. The credits will then apply automatically.
Delivery and Returns
When will I receive my order?
Products ship within 2 to 3 business days.
2-day and next-day delivery are available.
How much is delivery?
$8.95 flat rate.
If you spend $100 or more, then delivery is free.
2-day and next-day delivery rates vary. At checkout you can have the rates calculated based on your
What is your return policy?
Purchases must be returned within 30 days of purchase date.
Whether or not you can return a purchase depends on its condition.
Unopened: full refund minus the return shipping fee.
Opened and unused: 50% refund minus the return shipping fee.
Opened and used: cannot be returned.
We do not resell opened products.
We carefully package orders, but in the unfortunate event that you open your purchase and discover it to be broken, we will replace it.
In compliance with health codes, tea products cannot be returned.