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Herbs

Adder's Tongue - I didn't recognize this at first, I have seen it more often called "Snowdrop", this has few medicinal properties but is sometimes used in poultices to reduce swelling. Mostly just a pretty flower in the Lily family.

Agrimony - blooms from June to September, mostly in England and Scotland, in dryer areas. a.ka. 'Cockeburr,' 'Sticklewort' or 'Stickwort', Heals skin wounds, warts, and other light skin afflictions, also helps in tea-form for coughs and upset bowels. Good liver herb, it stimulates circulation and cleanses the liver. Magickally, many believed that Agrimony induced sleep when placed under one's head.

Aloe - dark green, thick leaves...juices are good for burns especially, small cuts, and other light superficial skin wounds. This herb can cause birth defects if injested in the early stages of pregnancy, so pregnant women should generally avoid it throughout their term.

Angelica - grows in cool, moist places. A "cleaner", often used to cleanse the system of toxins and poisions. When fermented, often used as part of alcoholic brews. A good "lung" plant, often used to cure coughs and colds, though it is dangerous when given to diabetics.

Anise - Magickally, is used for protection and purification (averts the "Evil Eye"). The oil is said to aid in clairvoyance. Mostly used as a spice to flavour foods, is also good for dry coughs to bring fluid up and out of the lungs. For pregnant women, the seeds relieve morning sickness.

Ash - Magickally, it is said that wands made of ash unlock magick. This tree grows in many forms and has many different "relatives", such as Bitter Ash. Ash bark is often used in a tonic form to treat fevers and rhuematism in older people, but it is bitter-tasting and should be mixed with other herbs. The leaves have few useful medicinal properties, but is known that if livestock eat ash leaves, the butter becomes rank, so it was once believed ash was poison to animals.

Balm - ...what kind of balm? lemon balm? Lemon balm is also called melissa, because of it's sweet smell. This is often used in tea-form in tonics for the flu and other high-fever infections, but is also used as a "women's herb" for females to increase hormone production and balance the cycle. Often helpful for pregenant women suffering late pregnancy pains, but should not be taken by women in the early stages of pregnancy.

Barberry - usually, only the root and bark of this plant are used. While the pale yellow flowers are pretty, they are regarded as generally useless. The berries are used to flavour some foods, but in moderation because the berries can be strong and bitter-tasting. It is used as a stomach tonic, to induce vomiting and diarreah, this is a good cure for constipation. The gyptians used the berries, boiled down into juice, to prevent fevers.

Basil - often used as a spice, magickally oil made from basil is said to promote harmony and keep evil spirits at bay. Basil grows wild almost anywhere, mostly on hillsides and higher ground. Alone, it has few medicinal purposes, but can be used in tonics with other herbs for lung infections. This should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.

Belladonna - powerful poison. Belladonna is also called 'Deadly Nightshade', and grows mainly in southern Europe. Also called 'Devil's Herb'. A relative to mandrake, I will personally never use or grow belladonna for anything because it is a powerful poison when swallowed. However, in very small doses it causes deep, deep sleep without dreams, and can be used on the skin to lessen painful joints and deep irritations under the skin, like sprains. Children can injest more than adults, and it can be used in the very young to help cure the croup. Once again, though, it is a very potent poisonous plant and even small doses CAN KILL.

Bilberry - Bilberry strengthens the muscles around the eye, good for those with poorer vision.

Bittermourn - did you mean Bittersweet? Bittersweet is usually called 'Woody Nightshade', this plant is "related" to henbane and deadly nightshade, and looks something like them. This plant is mostly a narcotic, like its relatives, but is not so dangerous as the other poisonous plants in this species. It grows all year long. It was called "bittersweet" because first it tastes bitter, then sweeter. Mainly this is used for skin problems, like sores and ulcers, but in tea-form can be used to cure most coughs. Eating enough of the berries of this plant, however, can kill young children.

Black Cohash - The root of the plant is widely used as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, as it helps to balance hormones. Also used for painful periods. However, this should be avoided during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.

Black Haw - helps prevent miscarriage, calms the uterine muscles eases uterine contractions during childbirth.

Blackroot- grows mainly in meadows and woodlands. The fresh root is used for all heart troubles, and as a tonic the dried root helps the entire digestive tract. The fresh root, however, often loosens blood clots and helps blood flow, and might cause abortion in pregnant females.

Blessed Thistle - Helps strengthen the heart & lungs; increases circulation.

Borage- something of a "weed", borage grows everywhere. The flowers are used to increase spirits and bring happiness, which is why borage is often used in alcoholic drinks. The leaves, in tea-form, work as a kidney tonic and in poultices applied to the skin, it descreases swelling and pain.

Burdock -another "weedlike" plant, this grows all over the place in England. The name "burdock" comes from the burrs of the plant that have a tendancy to come off and stick to clothing and wool (sheep have lots of trouble with this plant, as the burrs get entangled on them). Medicinally, the root is used and often only after it has been left to dry for many weeks, burdock is one of the best blood purifyers and also a good "skin" herb that cures rashes and itching when applied to the skin. The leaves can be used in poultices to reduce swelling and soreness.

Calcena Mushroom - I am unfamilliar with mushrooms...I don't know if this actually exists.

Cinquefoil -"five leaf grass" a spell herb, often used in love spells. A pretty creeping plant, usually grows in shadowy places. Cure fevers, inflammations, and itching sores.

Coltsfoot - A weed, it grows all over England. This cures coughs, especially the smoke of the plant when inhaled.

Comfrey -"blackwort" "slippery root", grows best in shadier areas, helps stomach and digestive problems, the root is good for bleeding of the lungs and consumption, helps all internal bleeding. The leaves are great externally for everything from sprains to bruises, and it eases pain. It's not a good idea to injest too much of this, because it can be toxic, but it is good in poultices.

Cow Parsnip - thinking of cowslip maybe? Also called "mayflowers", cowslip is a sedative solving restlessness and insomnia, headaches, and as a liquid used for facial wash it can drive away wrinkles.

Cramp bark - the best herb to prevent miscarriage.

Crystal turtle dove flower (karsadia only)- used for persons with lack of mana or magick placed on them to counteract the effects .. found in the colder regions of karsadia

Dandelion - one of my favourite herbs, only dandelion greens and roots are used. The flower part is good for making yellow dye, but little else. While dandelion can be eaten, it doesn't taste very good. Dandelion can grow anywhere, everywhere, usually in hotter months, and is one of the best herbs for women there is. It is also good for the urinary tract and to help cure bladder infections. Even in large quantities, dandelion is never poisonous. The juice from the stem can be made into a tea to relieve cramping from women's ails, and in a poultice the leaves placed directly on the lower stomach relieve pain. It is also good for all upset stomach and liver problems, in general, but since it is so mild, is safe for women even in the late stages of pregnancy and helps relieve nausea and keeps down food.

Deadly Nightshade - all parts are poison. See belladonna.

Dong Quai - Taken internally for menopause symptoms, PMS. Also used to increase women's energy. Should not be used by women with fibroids, breast cancer or who are pregnant.

Dragontears - dragon's blood, maybe? cures syphillis.

Dragonwort -dropwort, maybe? Dropwort is also called "Water fennel". The fruits ease the pain of bronchitis and asthma, but injesting too much has a drugging effect that produces vertigo and lightheadedness. Eating a great amount of fresh leaves can produce paralysis in both humans and animals. Mostly found in watery, shady locations.

Echinacea - one of my favourites, echinacea is one of the best herbs ever. It increases the immune system against any and all infections, and echinacea is often one of the ingredients used for infections like colds, flu, and even very serious infections and diseases. It helps drive away fever and increases the strength of other herbs when used in a mixture. Drinking a tea with echinacea as one of the ingredients in a tea on a daily basis will promote general health and vitality, though lesser doses should be used for the very young or very old.

Elder - thought of by many cultures as a magickal tree, it is considered a protective tree against evil. The bruised leaves give off an odor unpleasant to insects, and can be boiled into a paste that will keep bugs away from human skin and other plants. The outer bark of the tree, in tea-form, will cause strong vomiting to relieve the body of poisons or bad food. The inner, green bark of elder will cure serious coughs, especially in young children who suffer from the croup. The flowers when boiled with water can be used to lighten the skin, and many Ladies use it to take away sun damage. A tea made from the flower relieves irritation in the eyes. Externally, poultices with elder flower relieve inflammations and pain, and is especially good for hemorhoids. The flowers can also be made into a lotion that soothes the skin and keeps insects away. The juice from the berries eases sort throats, and Elderberry Wine is popular for its sweet taste and its sleep-inducing affects. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid this herb, however, because it can cause miscarriage.

Fennel - Grows wild almost anywhere, but is especially strong along the coast and riverbanks. Used mainly as a spice, fennel is common in many kitchen gardens. Fennel can be used to help coughs and clear blockages in the liver, but mostly fennel is good for women who have just given birth. Fennel increases mother's milk, and makes it more nutritious. It also helps relieve morning sickness during early stages of pregnancy.

Garlic - known for its strong taste, garlic is primarily used to flavour foods (and drive away vampires!). It grows best in moist, sandy soil. The raw juice of garlic, mixed with water, is a wonderful antiseptic for cleaning wounds and often prevents infections. It cures leprosy and smallpox sores. When injested, tea or juice made from garlic cures most all respiratory infections and problems. Lowers cholesterol, reduces blood clotting, lowers high blood pressure.

Ginger - Mainly used as a spice, it is also used to treat nausea, indigestion, cramps, migraine headaches and to lower blood cholesterol and as a blood cleanser. This should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.

Gingko - The oldest living tree species on earrh and only found natively in China. Improves short term memory, increases blood flow and blood vessel tone and increases the immune systen functioning. Can be dangerous for pregnant women.

Goldenseal - Excellent wound disinfectant. Used as a gargle or rinse for mouth for throat sores or irritation. Taken as a capsule to aid digestion and purify the blood. Excellent when used with Echinacea.

Hops - One of the ingredients in ale and beer, fermented hops has a slightly narcotic effect. Hops can also cause sleep. It require deep, dry soil to grow. It also improves the appetite, so people suffering from deep sadness who cannot sleep or eat can benefit strongly from a hops tea. It is bitter-tasting though, and should be mixed with chammomile in tea for depression. A mixture of warm hops, when placed externally against the mouth or ear, will cure a toothache or earache. This herb can cause birth defects if injested in the early stages of pregnancy, so pregnant women should generally avoid it throughout their term.

Henbane - another strong poison. A weedlike plant, it is found in chalky ground and particularly by the sea. In very small doses, it produces strong sleep. The leaves can be used externally to relieve minor aches and pains, and a small dose when injested relieves headaches. But taking more than a little henbane can cause delerium and even death.

Hyssop - Regulates blood pressure, purifies the blood and promotes circulation, excellent aid for the eyes, hoarseness, lungs, mucous buildup, nervous disorders and skin problems. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid this herb, because it can cause miscarriage.

Juniper - mostly the berries of this plant are used. Juniper grows on hillsides mainly, in England. When injested, juniper relieves stomach and bowel problems caused by nervous tension. The berries can cause birth defects if injested in the early stages of pregnancy, so pregnant women should generally avoid it throughout their term.

Lady's Mantle - Grows in cooler places, mostly at high altitudes. Used externally, it is a good antiseptic and heals wounds quickly. It helps dry moist skin sores and stops bleeding. Also used for toning the uterus, helpful in reducing the chance of hemorrhage in childbirth, and eases morning sickness.

Lovage - This plant can grow anywhere, but grows best in moist soil with lots of sun. Good for children because of its sweet taste and gentle properties, lovage helps upset stomaches and cramped bowels. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid this herb, because it can cause miscarriage.

Lungwort - no truly important medicinal qualities, Lungwort in hot tea form can ease painful lungs and mild coughs.

Mandrake - also called "Satan's Apple". The leaves, used externally, are cooling and soothing for inflammed joints, sprains, and skin wounds. In small doses, it works as a sedative. Taking too much of it will put someone to sleep for ever. There have been many, many superstitions about mandrake, and many believe it is bad luck and even touching the plant will cause early death.

Marigold - In tea form, marigold flowers eases the spirits. Externally, it eases the pain of bites and stings, and swelling to a lesser degree. Magickally, it is said to increase psychic powers.

Marjerome - you mean Marjorjam? Grows in light soil in hot climates. Used externally, it works well on sprains and bruises. It has few interesting medicinal properties, but is a pretty flower. This should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.

Marsh Mallow - Grows in salt marshes and other damp, deep places. Used for sore throats and lung irritations. Is also especially useful in urinary problems. Makes a good cough syrup for childrenbecause of its light, sweet taste.

Masterwort - found in moist meadows, masterwort is mostly a stimulant to be used with other herbs. It brings out the properties of other plants and makes them stronger, work better. It is also a good herb for women, lessening the pain of menstral cycles and helping to balance the female system. Should not be used in pregnant women, though, as it may cause some light bleeding in that case.

Milkworte - you mean Milkweed? Mostly called "Asclepias", its juices are mostly poisonous. The leaves, powdered and made into tea-form, cure typhus.

Milk Thistle - Treats liver disease and is a protectant against liver disease.

Base Mullien - you mean Mullein? Mostly called Great Mullein or Hag's Taper, it grows everywhere, mostly on gravel, sand or chalk. It relieves bleeding in the lungs and bowels when injested, and the whole plant has slight sedative power. It very good when applied to consumption, and smoking the leaves relieves the racking cough this disease can cause. It also cures diarreah. Oil made from mullein cures earaches and clears up discharge and infections in the ear. A bone, flesh and cartilage builder; it aids in healing respiratory ailments, asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, sinus congestion; soothing to any inflammation and relieves pain; acts to relieve spasms and clears the lungs.

Mugwort - a.ka. "Saint John's Plant", grows mostly on hedgebanks. Used often in flavoring alcoholic brews. Many wore crowns or laurels of mugwort to guard against evil spirits and possession. Internally, mugwort helps control nervous conditions like epilepsy and palsy and hysteria. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid this herb, because it can cause miscarriage.

Nettle - Can grow in most any ground, nettle can be found in most all regions. The leaves of the plant should never be touched with the bare hands, because it will cause the skin to break out in a wicked rash, which is why this plant is often called "Stinging Nettle". Burnt and inhaled or taken in tea-form, nettle helps coughs and lung problems. It has also been used as an antidote to the poisons Henbane, Hemlock, and Nightshade. Drinking nettle tea daily for a week often helps those suffering from diabetes, to bring the system back into the balance needed for this disease. Drinking cold nettle tea will help stop hairloss, and a lotion from nettle applied to the scalp will promote hair growth. Vitamin-rich, it is good and safe for pregnant women, and can aid in cases of hemorhagging during childbirth.

Parsley- moist soil, in a partially shaded position, works best to grow this herb. Mostly used as a food flavouring, parsley is used as part of many herbal teas for sickness. It drives out infection and works best when mixed with other herbs as a cure for internal illnesses. Pregnant women, however, should stay far away from parsley, as it dries up the mother's milk. This should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.

Pennyroyal - needs mostly moist soil to grow. Works as a blood purifyer, and a garland of pennyroyal worn around the head takes headaches away. Pennyroyal can be applied to many infections like upset stomaches, inflammed joints, and upset nerves. The oil ofpennyroyal can be fatal, but rubbed on the skin it relieves women's cramps. However, if a woman is pregnant or trying to become pregnant, it should be avoided entirely and not even used externally.

Peony - will grow almost anywhere, sun or shade. The root is the only part of this plant used in medicine. In tea-form it is said to help with nervous disorders, and was used in very old times for those who seemed to suffer from madness. It also lessens blockages in the liver and kidney systems.

Peppermint - Excellent for digestion, upset stomachs. It also has mild anti-spasmodic effects. For infants it works very well in very, very dilute amounts in water. Very safe. Also, because of its nice taste, it can be mixed with other herbs in teas and makes the teas easier on the stomach.

Plantain - grows everywhere. Externally it helps all inflammations and skin wounds, and stops bleeding in wounds, but does nothing for internal bleeding. It eases the pains of bites, rashes, and all skin irritations. It has few uses as an internal medicine, but is wonderful when used in a poultice for external wounds.

Primrose - made into an oil and rubbed on the lower back, it relieves women's cramps and helps irregularity.

Purple Dragonflower (karsadia only)- Used for powering runes during creation and hieghtening spells with more mana. Found in more temperate regions near waterfalls mainly in Asgard, Aezyder and Nippon

Red Raspberry- thought to aid fertility in men and women when combined with Red Clover, considered safe during all phases of pregnancy, it tones and nourishes the uterine muscles, enrichs and increases the flow of milk, and aids in restoring the system following childbirth.

Rose Hips - The fruit (hips) makes excellent tea for colds. Teas are good for Morning Sickness, also.

Rue - grows almost anywhere, but best in dryer areas. The juice in a warm tea will ease nightmares, and when applied to the temples it eases headaches. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid this herb, because it can cause miscarriage.

Saffron - mostly used as a spice, grows in strong, flat soil. Has few medicinal qualities, but can be used for pregnant women who suffer from bleeding during their pregnancy. It stops hemoraging in the uterus. This should not be used during early stages of pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.

Sage - can be grown anywhere, but naturally occurs in hilly, rocky areas. Used mainly as a spice. Helps sore throats and bleeding gums when swallowed or swished around in the mouth. It is good for weak digestion. Pregnant women, however, should stay away from sage even in food, as it (like parsley) decreases the flow of mother's milk. Magickally, it is said sage grants wishes. This should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage and birth defects if injested in the early stages of pregnancy, so pregnant women should generally avoid it throughout their term.

Sanicle- called "Wood Sanicle", it grows best in shady, moist locations. Usually given to treat blood disorders. Internally, it treats all lung problems. Also lessens internal bleeding an as a mouthwash, sore thorats.

Shepherd's Purse - grows everywhere. Used for internal bleeding of all kinds, especially in the kidneys.

Silverthorn- could this mean Silverweed? Also caled "Prince's Feathers", it is wonderful for cramps of the heart and stomach. Made into very hot tea, is also loosens lockjaw. As a mouthwash, it helps mouth ulcers, bad gums, and loose teeth.

Snakespike - maybe Snakeroot? A stimulant, it works well with other herbs. In large doses, it causes great pain in the stomach and bowels. It helps dispel fevers.

St. John's Wort- Excellent for depression, anxiety. DO MOT MIX WITH KAVA.

Strawberry - Works as a laxative and the juice, when held in the mouth distilled with water removes stains from teeth. The leaf helps prevent miscarriage, and eases fevers.

Thorn Apple - a.ka. datura. Grows well in rich, sunny spots. A poison when injested, it can become a powerful hallucenogenic when it comes into contact with skin. This is a very powerful sedative and works to loosen and relax the muscles of the body. This is best used for serious problems like setting broken bones when the patient needs to be asleep and out of pain. A very powerful painkiller and muscle-relaxer, too much of this will kill when injested. It will relax the muscles of the lungs and heart to the point they can no longer function. Rubbed on the skin long enough, it does cause wild hallucinations.

Thyme - grows best in light, sandy gravel in lots of sun. Used mainly as a spice, it also works for chest problems and weak digestion. Drinking it before bed eases nightmares, and it soothes headaches as well. This should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.

Unicorn root (true) - grows mainly by swamps. While the fresh root is something of a narcotic and should be avoided, the dried root is very good for women. Dried and injested, true unicorn root prevents miscarriage.

Valerian - grows well anywhere, but best in rich, moist soil. A strong sedative, valerian helps soothe all nervous conditions. This herb kills pain and helps induce sleep. Large doses, however, can cause a stupor. It has been used as a remedy for cholera. It also helps with circulation and can be used for heart palpitations and those with weaker hearts.

Vervain - grows mainly in sunny pastures. Very good for fevers, vervain helps with almost any ailment. As a poultice, it decreases headaches. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid this herb, because it can cause miscarriage.

Wild Yam - Roots used for pelvic pain, also used for menopausal symptoms.

Witch Hazel - Astringent, used for burns, boils, wounds; has good anti-viral activity as well for skin wounds and infections. This should only be used externally.

Wood Sorell - grows in moist, shaded areas. Stops fever. Helps in urinary disorders. Works as a blood cleanser, and will strengthen a weak stomach, produce an appetite, and check vomiting. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid this herb, because it can cause miscarriage.

Wormwood - this plant likes shaded places best. Works as a tonic for dizzy spells, and also helps those with weak stomachs.

Yarrow - this herbs grows everywhere. Yarrow tea is good for colds and fever and is good for children to purify the blood of infections at the start of colds, measels, and other children's diseases.

Yellow Dock - Best used for diseases of the blood, like scurvy. It is also a good tonic for stomach problems and the body's system in general. It works well to protect the body against diseases and stop serious diseases from spreading.

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