Unguentum Populeon

Unguentum Populeon was a popular healing salve in the Middle Ages, created in the 13th century by Nicolas de Myrepse. It was used to relieve pain, and also believed to stop malicious gossip. Recipes for the ointment contain herbs like belladonna and poppy in addition to poplar buds, which were added for their anti-microbial properties. This salve, with its baneful ingredients may have influenced ideas about the witches’ flying ointment based on its prevalence during this time period. This ointment is infused with white poplar buds and benzoin resin, giving it a sweet, warm and rich scent. Bezoin, or storax has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also regenerates and heals the skin, and is an anti-fungal skin protectant. Benzoin is relaxing and anxiolytic. It heightens awareness, and protects during spirit flight. Benzoin was burned in ancient times when harvesting frankincense for protection from the poisonous flying serpents that protected the trees. Poplar also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, it is analgesic and can be applied to soothe pain. Poplar is an axis mundi, or world tree associated with the Underworld. In folklore it is a tree of the graveyard. White poplar is said to grow along the river banks in Hades. Groves of poplar are sacred to Persephone and Hecate. It can be used to connect with chthonic forces, and even journey to the Underworld oneself. Poplar was a common ingredient in medieval flying ointment recipes. Use this ointment to descend into the roots of the world tree for ancestral wisdom, connecting with land spirits and the energy hidden within the earth. This ointment has the added benefit of being protective against harmful spirits while traveling out of body.