Herb Lore - Aspen to Birthwort
Herb 17: Aspen
Common Name: Aspen (also known as Poplar, Trembling Poplar)
Latin Name: Populus tremula
Medicinal Parts: Bark, Buds, Leaves
Habitat: Cumberland Forest, New Hanover. Prefers moist woods, thriving in cooler, transitional zones.
Medical Use:
Bark and leaves are used for urinary tract infections and to treat hot fevers.
The bud oil is analgesic and anti-inflammatory (used for rheumatism).
Preparation Methods:
Decoction: Bark boiled in wine (diuretic).
Oil: Buds infused in oil.
Herb 18: Avens
Common Name: Avens (also known as Herb Bennet, Geum)
Latin Name: Geum urbanum
Medicinal Parts: Root, Herb
Habitat: Heartlands, New Hanover. Grows in shaded, grassy places, hedges, and light woods.
Medical Use:
The root is strongly astringent and antiseptic.
Used for stomach pain, diarrhea, and bloody flux.
The root scent is said to keep away the plague.
Preparation Methods:
Decoction: Root boiled in wine/water.
Tincture: Root infused in spirits.
Herb 19: Balm
Common Name: Balm (also known as Lemon Balm, Meliss)
Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Flowering Tops
Habitat: Scarlett Meadows, Lemoyne. Thrives in rich, well-drained soil in sunny locations, often near gardens/settlements.
Medical Use:
Greatly comforts the heart, cheers the mind, and relieves anxiety and melancholy.
Used to treat fevers (sweating), headaches, and to soothe bee stings (when applied fresh).
Preparation Methods:
Infusion/Tea: Leaves steeped in water.
Tincture: Leaves/tops infused in spirits.
Poultice: Fresh leaves bruised.
Herb 20: Balsam Root
Common Name: Balsam Root (also known as Sunflower Balsam)
Latin Name: Balsamorhiza sagittata
Medicinal Parts: Root, Leaves, Seeds
Habitat: Big Valley, West Elizabeth. Common in dry, open meadows and rocky slopes.
Medical Use:
Root has strong antiseptic and expectorant properties.
Used for coughs, colds, and respiratory ailments.
Chewed root or leaf poultice applied to wounds and burns.
Preparation Methods:
Poultice: Chewed root applied to wounds.
Decoction: Root boiled for coughs.
Herb 21: Barberry
Common Name: Barberry (also known as Holy Thorn)
Latin Name: Berberis vulgaris
Medicinal Parts: Bark, Root Bark, Berries
Habitat: Grizzlies East, Ambarino. Found in rocky, mountainous areas and open woodlands.
Medical Use:
Cleanses the liver and treats jaundice.
The berries are highly cooling and stop bloody flux.
Root bark decoction is a specific remedy for gall stones and liver blockage.
Preparation Methods:
Decoction: Root bark boiled in water.
Syrup: Berries pressed into juice/syrup.
Herb 22: Basil
Common Name: Basil (also known as Sweet Basil, King of Herbs)
Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum
Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Seeds, Essential Oil
Habitat: Saint Denis, Lemoyne. Requires a warm climate and is usually cultivated in gardens.
Medical Use:
Warms and comforts the heart and relieves melancholy.
The scent is said to expel headaches.
Seeds relieve water retention (diuretic).
Used to clear coughs and strengthen the stomach.
Preparation Methods:
Infusion: Leaves steeped for a tea.
Sniffing: Fresh, bruised leaves held to the nose.
Herb 23: Bayberry
Common Name: Bayberry (also known as Wax Myrtle, Candleberry)
Latin Name: Myrica cerifera
Medicinal Parts: Root Bark, Berries
Habitat: Bluewater Marsh, Lemoyne. Thrives in wet, sandy soil and swampy areas near the coast.
Medical Use:
Stimulant and Astringent, used for colds, flu, and sore throats.
Acts as a powerful emetic (causes vomiting) and diaphoretic (induces sweating) to break fevers.
Gargle for ulcers of the throat.
Preparation Methods:
Decoction: Root bark boiled in water.
Tincture: Alcohol extract of root bark.
Herb 24: Bay Leaves
Common Name: Bay Leaves (Sweet Bay, Laurel)
Latin Name: Laurus nobilis
Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Berries
Habitat: Scarlett Meadows, Lemoyne. A Mediterranean import, cultivated in warmer, temperate regions.
Medical Use:
Warming and antiseptic. Used for coughs and short breath.
Helps with colic and promotes delayed menstruation.
Oil from the berries applied to relieve joint pain and bruises.
Preparation Methods:
Infusion: Leaves steeped for tea.
Oil: Berries pressed and mixed into an oil/ointment.
Herb 25: Bearsfoot
Common Name: Bearsfoot (also known as Fetid Hellebore)
Latin Name: Helleborus foetidus
Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Root
Habitat: Tall Trees, West Elizabeth. Found in shady, moist woodland and thickets.
Medical Use:
Powerfully cathartic and vermifuge (expels worms).
Historically used for neurological issues, but considered highly poisonous today.
Note: Extremely toxic; use only with extreme caution or not at all.
Preparation Methods:
Decoction: Leaves boiled (use in extremely small doses).
Herb 26: Bedstraw
Common Name: Bedstraw (also known as Lady's Bedstraw)
Latin Name: Galium verum
Medicinal Parts: Whole Plant
Habitat: Big Valley, West Elizabeth. Common in dry grassland, meadows, and dunes.
Medical Use:
The herb and flowers are astringent and diuretic.
Used to stop bleeding and cleanse the blood.
Applied externally to staunch the bleeding of wounds.
Preparation Methods:
Infusion: Herb steeped in water or ale.
Poultice: Fresh herb bruised and applied.
Herb 27: Belladonna
Common Name: Belladonna (also known as Deadly Nightshade)
Latin Name: Atropa belladonna
Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Berries, Root
Habitat: Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover. Found in shaded, calcareous, and disturbed forest soil.
Medical Use:
Highly effective analgesic and antispasmodic (relieves cramps and pain).
Used externally for neuralgia and rheumatism.
Note: Extremely poisonous. Internal use is highly restricted (primarily an ophthalmic agent).
Preparation Methods:
Tincture/Oil: External application only.
Herb 28: Betony
Common Name: Betony (also known as Wood Betony)
Latin Name: Stachys officinalis
Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Flowering Tops
Habitat: The Heartlands, New Hanover. Prefers dry grassland, heaths, and open woodland.
Medical Use:
An excellent cure for headache and nervous ailments.
Used for coughs and short breath; opens liver and spleen obstructions.
Prevents decay of teeth.
Preparation Methods:
Infusion: Leaves steeped for tea.
Powder: Dried herb mixed with honey.
Herb 29: Beet
Common Name: Beet (also known as Beet Root, Mangel)
Latin Name: Beta vulgaris
Medicinal Parts: Root, Leaves, Seeds
Habitat: The Heartlands, New Hanover. Primarily cultivated in rich, fertile agricultural land.
Medical Use:
Highly nutritive and diuretic.
Juice is used to clear stomach and kidney obstructions.
Applied externally to treat skin eruptions and wounds.
Preparation Methods:
Eaten: Cooked root or leaves (nutritive).
Juice: Root grated and pressed.
Poultice: Cooked root mashed and applied externally.
Herb 30: Bilberry
Common Name: Bilberry (also known as Huckleberry)
Latin Name: Vaccinium myrtillus
Medicinal Parts: Berries, Leaves
Habitat: Grizzlies West, Ambarino. Found in acidic soil and moorlands at high altitudes.
Medical Use:
Highly effective for diarrhea and dysentery (bloody flux).
Leaves used to regulate blood sugar (mildly hypoglycemic).
Improves vision and night blindness.
Preparation Methods:
Eaten: Raw or dried berries.
Decoction: Leaves boiled for tea.
Herb 31: Birthwort
Common Name: Birthwort (also known as Heartwort)
Latin Name: Aristolochia clematitis
Medicinal Parts: Root, Herb
Habitat: Bluewater Marsh, Lemoyne. Prefers damp ground, thickets, and waste places.
Medical Use:
Used to provoke delayed menstruation and to help with difficult childbirth (hence the name).
Helps expel retained placenta.
Note: Highly toxic; do not use.
Preparation Methods:
Decoction: Root boiled in wine.