Terra Artemisia

In my herbal practice, the thing that draws me in the most is the Poison Path. Toxic and potentially deadly plants, Datura, Belladona, Mandrake, among others, often called baneful, that cause horrifying experiences when used recreationally, and glowing experiences with profound revelations when approached with respect, was something I found fascinating and even a bit anxiety inducing.

This lead me to the discovery of flying ointments, something I had seen before, but usually with mugwort and wormwood and lavender, a very gentle version of the traditional, folkloric ointments of the past. These flying ointments are essentially salves, extracts of baneful plants, nightshades like Belladonna, Datura, Henbane and more, to be applied topically so that the alkaloids within may be absorbed, allowing for plant spirit communion without the risks of internal consumption. I experimented with flower essences of poison plants, both of these products offering interesting insights, but even then I desired a more forward experience, a deeper communion with poison plants.

Enter Emporium Black, a trans and queer-owned shop with offerings of gorgeous chocolate truffles made with small amounts of Nightshade and poisonous plants. Made and sold by Seamus Black, a retired chocolatier and artist, they are crafted with respect and with very small doses that are comfortable. These are not trip-out truffles, instead they are an experience you need to go inwards to feel. The blends chosen for each truffle are very well thought out and harmonious. They also taste delightful and hold up well to moderately warm weather, but are best preserved when refrigerated or frozen.

For newbies to the truffles, it is recommended by Seamus to have half of one, wait 15 minutes, and then see if you would like the other half. I think this is a perfect method, its important to gauge for yourself and more does not necessarily mean a stronger spiritual experience will occur.

First truffle I tried contained belladonna and rose, beautiful experience. I got shy at one point and I said “you’re pretty” to the Belladonna spirit impulsively, maybe a reflection of her seductive qualities, but overall the theme was a deep feeling of universal love. At the end of the experience, I felt like I came home from a sunny day at the beach, just a feeling of heart’s contentment. I also felt hyper-aware of the living nature of plants at one point, they were more animate than I’ve ever seen before. Rose is a beautiful and healing medicine on its own, but with Belladonna the effect is amplified and harmonious.

Second day I tried the Sacred Healer truffle, with a touch of datura and henbane. In the beginning I felt sad, but not a personal sadness, it felt like a collective sadness. As it progressed I found myself having more objective observations of the world around me, colours were more vivid and I felt more accepting of things that would usually bother me. I ate a meal later on and it tasted incredibly good, my awareness of the tastes and sensations was heightened in a way that I had never experienced before. My field of view was vivid and electric, and I had a glowing realisation, after years of hard work, I could finally say to myself with honesty that I had healed my inner child from the aspects of trauma that therapy couldn’t address. 

In short, experiencing controlled doses of baneful plants is a fascinating way to self-reflect, in a way that differs greatly to psychedelics. I was pleasantly surprised by how mild yet interesting these experiences were.