Herbs

Herbs

These pages are for the many plants of Ispar and Dereth that have either medicinal, culinary or other uses.

Bistort
Polygonum bistorta

Also known as Snake root & Easter ledge, the common name of Bistort is derived from two words bis meaning twice and torta meaning twisted. A decoction of the root may be used for diarrhoea, dysentry, jaundice, arthritis, rheumatism, coughs, sore throats, as a mild sedative and as a mouthwash for ulcers. An ointment made from the stems and leaves can be used for eczema, ulcers and psoriasis. Used externally and applied to the wound, dried root powder will stop bleeding and nosebleeds. A compress of roots or leaves may help to alleviate bruises and bites. The berries are intensely poisonous however.

Intonation verb: Yanoi
Life magic uses this to slow down the regain of Health, Stamina and Mana.

Comfrey
Symphytum officinale

Also known as Knitbone & Bruisewort, Comfrey's botanical name Symphytum, comes from a word meaning to join and for centuries Comfrey has been used to knit together or mend broken bones. Comfrey poultices are also a traditional home-remedy of long standing for sprains, bruises and cuts, and the herb was commonly grown in cottage gardens. Comfrey not only promotes healing, but further speeds up the process by reducing inflammation. Comfrey's remarkable healing powers have been attributed to its high content of allantoin, a substance that promotes the growth of tissue, bone and cartilage.

Intonation verb: Shurov
Item magic uses this for Recall spells.

Damiana
Turnera diffusa, Turnera aphrodisiaca

Damiana has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Gharu'n women may have taken a Damiana infusion an hour or so before the sexual act. It is believed by some to have a tonic effect on the sexual organs and the central nervous system. Damiana strengthens the nervous system and the hormonal system. It is useful in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Its reputation as an aphrodisiac may come from the fact that alkaloids have a testosterone-like action. It may be used to strengthen the male sexual system and alleviate nervous problems of a sexual origin. Warning: long term or excessive use may damage the liver.

Intonation verb: Feazh
Life magic uses this for Draining spells, taking energies and giving them to the caster.

Dragonsblood
Dracaena draco

Also known as Dragon Tree, or Dragons Tears, derives its name from the word drakaina which means 'female dragon'. The skin covering the berries is meant to resemble a dragon. The Dragon Tree was worshipped for many centuries as a sacred tree by a solitary tribe of Gharu'n, who used the resin for embalming. It was considered to be a plant with magical properties. Merchants brought the plant back to Aluvia, where it was used in love charms. At one time Dragon's Blood was used in the treatment of syphilis.
The resin, burnt by an open window for seven nights, would bring back a straying lover. Put a piece of Dragon's Blood under the mattress to cure impotency.

Intonation verb: Quavosh
War magic uses this to form Slow moving wall (creeper) spells, whilst Item magic uses this for the Portal Tie spell.

Eyebright
Euphrasia officinalis

As the name suggests, Eyebright is the traditional remedy for eye problems. The purple veined white flowers with yellow spots were likened to a bloodshot, diseased eye - and were designated the cure for eye problems. Eyebright juice was taken in white wine, as a tea, and even made into an ale.

Intonation verb: Volae
When used in war magic it creates outward waves and downward area blasts.

Frankincense
Boswellia thurifera, Boswellia carteri

Also known as Olibanum or Olibans, Frankincense is a gum obtained from the Boswellia thurifera tree. The Gharu'n know its name as meaning 'luxuriant incense'. It has been used as a religious and magical herb for thousands of years. Frankincense is useful in the treatment of skin problems, catarrh, colds, bronchitis, respiratory problems and asthma. It can be used to treat heavy periods, calms the nerves, eases cystitis and promotes the healing of stubborn wounds.

Intonation verb: Ozhur
Frankincense is not currently used in Isparian magics.

Hawthorn
Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus monogyna

Haw is an old word for hedge or enclosure, and the hawthorn is considered the ideal tree for hedge planting. Many superstitions also grew up around this small tree: witches were said to shelter in hawlthorn hedges, and to cut the wood down would bring either fairies or bad luck into the house. Hawthorn is particularly valued for its strengthening and normalizing effect on the heart. In research, the berries lowered blood pressure by helping dilate clogged arteries.

Intonation verb: Zojak
Linear war magic attacks such as bolts and streams are caused by Hawthorn.

Henbane
Hyoscyamus niger

Also known as Stinking nightshade and Hog's bean, Henbane leaves have valuale sedative, pain killing and muscle-relaxing properties. Smoking Henbane seeds seems to be a good remedy for toothache and rheumatic pain. Ther results of this cure prove unpredictable, however, and instances of delirium, convulsions and insanity have been recorded.
Henbane, like Hemlock (the herb variety), was formerly an official sedative and analgesic. It is no longer used internally because of the risk of poisoning. All parts of the plant, especially the leaves, are poisonous.

Intonation verb: Othoi
Henbane is not currently used in Isparian magics.

Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop's scent has been described as medicinal, and the earliest recorded use of the plant was as a strewing herb to cleanse the air in sickrooms. In the home, too, Hyssop helps to disguise unpleasant smells. Its strong, sharp taste is a popular flavouring for meats and stews. Hyssop is rarely in use by today's chefs, on account of its pronounced minty and rather bitter flavour (not to mention being one of the major magical components!) but its reputation as a valuable medicinal herb has been sustained. A syrup of the flowers and leaves, which contain an expectorant and antiseptic volatile oil, is a traditional home remedy for chest complaints, and herbalists still recommend a Hyssop infusion for coughs, bronchitis and catarrh. Externally, a Hyssop poultice is recommended for black eyes and bruising - something which is quite common in Dereths rowdy taverns!

Intonation verb: Malar
When used in item magic, Hyssop increases item properties such as damage, accuracy, speed, difficulty of appraisal, armour level and strenthens locks. Life magic adds to health, stamina and mana with such spells as revitalise and heal. Creature magic uses it to boost skills, but not ones capacities for health, mana or stamina.

Mandrake
Mandragora officinarum

Mandrake is a poisonous, hallucinogenic plant, long associated with magic. According to references, the root was a favourite ingredient of witches' brews. The plant also had a reputation as a love potion and it was employed as a fertility charm. According to legend, uprooting it was a perilous undertaking, since the plant uttered a piercing shriek that meant certain death. The task of pulling it up was, of necessity, entrusted to dogs. Human shaped roots were thought to bring prosperity and changed hands for large sums.

Mandrake root has painkilling properties. It was sometimes infused in wine and administered as an anesthetic during surgery. For its soporific effect, mandrake was used as a sedative and to ease rheumatic pains, convulsions, and nervous disorders. Today, without alchemical treatment, mandrake is considered unsafe. The unrelated mandrake - May Apple, Podophyllum peltatum, was once used as a laxative. Note: Both types are poisonous!

Intonation verb: Equin
Opposite to Hyssop, Mandrake decreases item properties, such as reducing their damage, speed and accuracy, weakens locks and armour. Life magic uses this to reduce a creatures energies, such as harming it, taking its stamina and mana. Creature magic uses this to weakens skills.

Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris

Also known as Moxa, the Aluvian name of the plant [Mugwort] is said to reflect its old use as a flavouring for home-brewed ale. In the Sho lands, bunches of Mugwort are hung in the home during the Dragon Festival in the belief that they would drive out demons.
For centuries Mugwort has been valued for its regulating effect on the menstrual cycle, and a Mugwort compress was used in childbirth to aid expulsion of the placenta. Externally, dried Mugwort eases aching muscles, and relieves rheumatic pain. Sho acupuncturists burn cones made from the downy leaf fibres close to the skin to stimulate acupuncture points, a technique known as moxibustion. To be avoided during pregnancy.

Intonation verb: Boquar
Life magic increases the rates at which health, mana and stamina are regained when this is used.

Myrrh
Commiphora myrrha

The name Myrrh is derived from the old Gharu'n word mur which means 'bitter'.
Ancient Gharu'n tribes used to use it in the embalming process, and burnt it as an incense during funeral rites. They also used it as a rejuvenating face mask.

Intonation verb: Jevak
War magic uses Myrrh to project multiple projectiles in attacks such as volleys and streaks.

Saffron
Crocus sativus

Also known as the Saffron Crocus. The dried stigmas yield an orange dye that has long been an important and costly item of trade. Gharu'n kings and holy men wore robes dyed with Saffron, and both colour and fragrance were highly prized by the ancient Gharu'n and Sho alike. Saffron is often used as a hair dye and is sometimes considered an aphrodisiac.
Saffron is a fragrant and very expensive spice. Tumeric is often substituted, but purists consider saffron essential for certain classic dishes. Saffron has always been an expensive spice owing to the fact that it takes at least sixty thousand flowers to make one pound of spice!

Intonation verb: Puish
When used in Life magic, Saffron can transfer health from the caster to a recipient, and also change energies within the caster from one state to another, for example exchanging stamina for mana.

Vervain
Verbena officinalis

Also known as Herb of grace, Holy herb & Enchanter's plant, Vervain has a long association with mysticism and magic. Back on Ispar, many people wore necklaces of the fresh plant for luck, and blieved that Vervain would protect them from headaches and snakebites. Herbalists also consider Vervain helpful for headaches, particularly migraine-type headaches accompanied by nausea, and the herb is said to have a strengthening effect on the nervous system. Avoid during pregnancy.

Intonation verb: Tugak
Warmagic uses this to project multible projectiles outward from the caster.

Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium

Also known as Absinthe, wormwood has been used medicinally to expel intestinal worms for over 3500 years! Absinthium, the plant's specific name, denotes the traditional and most celebrated use of wormwood - in the potent drink absinthe, reputedly first prepared by witches. However absinthe is rather habit forming and has some dangerous effects, including convulsions. Wormwood is also used to flavour vermouth.
Wormwood is an old remedy for stomach ailments. Its bitterness helps to improve a poor appetite and alleviates a wide range of digestive problems. Externally, a compress of the leaves is applied to painful rheumatic joints, to stimulate poor circulation, and to hasten childbirth. In the home, wormwood is used as a traditional insect repellant, and is strewn over floors and placed among clothes and linen. For its bitter taste, Wormwood is used in brewing beer in the absence of hops.

Intonation verb: Helkas
Life magic uses this to increase a beings natural resistance to certain types of attack.

Yarrow
Achillea millefolium

Also known as Milfoil, Soldiers Woundwort, Carpenters weed & Nosebleed. The ancient Sho threw yarrow stalks when consulting a celebrated and long since lost, book of divination, called the I Ching, and employed the herb medicinally. The common Aluvian names, Soldiers Woundwort and Carpenters weed, are testimony to Yarrow's great reputation as a domestic wound healer. Its astringency helps to stem the flow of blood, and yarrow is still being used to treat wounds to this day. Yarrow leaves were also inserted into the nostrils to stop bleeding, hence its country name Nosebleed. Some tribes applied the herb to cuts, wounds and bruises, and drank Yarrow tea for fevers and sickness. Yarrow also promotes sweating and hot yarrow tea is a traditional home remedy of long standing for severe colds. Herbalists consider yarrow a valuable remedy for feverish colds and flu, often in combination with Elderflower and Peppermint.

Intonation verb: Roiga
Item magic uses this for summoning portals. Life magic uses this for energy conversion in others - however isparians cannot cast these spells.


	Herbs These pages are for the many plants of Ispar and Dereth that have either medicinal, culinary or other uses.


	Amaranth Amaranthus hypochondriacus Also known as Love-lies-bleeding, Lady bleeding & Prince's feather, the name Amaranth comes from the word amaranton, which means unwithering - because the flowers retain their shape and colour when dried. Medicinally, the colour of the flower was thought to signify blood, a clear indication that the plant would stop any kind of bleeding. The herb does in fact possess astringent properties and herbalists have recommended an amaranth infusion for diarrhoea and as a mouthwash for ulcers, Amaranth has also been employed to check excessive menstrual flow. The young leaves are often eaten as a vegetable. Intonation verb: Kedrak Amaranth is not used in Isparian magics at present


	Bistort Polygonum bistorta Also known as Snake root & Easter ledge, the common name of Bistort is derived from two words bis meaning twice and torta meaning twisted. A decoction of the root may be used for diarrhoea, dysentry, jaundice, arthritis, rheumatism, coughs, sore throats, as a mild sedative and as a mouthwash for ulcers. An ointment made from the stems and leaves can be used for eczema, ulcers and psoriasis. Used externally and applied to the wound, dried root powder will stop bleeding and nosebleeds. A compress of roots or leaves may help to alleviate bruises and bites. The berries are intensely poisonous however. Intonation verb: Yanoi Life magic uses this to slow down the regain of Health, Stamina and Mana.


	Comfrey Symphytum officinale Also known as Knitbone & Bruisewort, Comfrey's botanical name Symphytum, comes from a word meaning to join and for centuries Comfrey has been used to knit together or mend broken bones. Comfrey poultices are also a traditional home-remedy of long standing for sprains, bruises and cuts, and the herb was commonly grown in cottage gardens. Comfrey not only promotes healing, but further speeds up the process by reducing inflammation. Comfrey's remarkable healing powers have been attributed to its high content of allantoin, a substance that promotes the growth of tissue, bone and cartilage. Intonation verb: Shurov Item magic uses this for Recall spells.


	Dragonsblood Dracaena draco Also known as Dragon Tree, or Dragons Tears, derives its name from the word drakaina which means 'female dragon'. The skin covering the berries is meant to resemble a dragon. The Dragon Tree was worshipped for many centuries as a sacred tree by a solitary tribe of Gharu'n, who used the resin for embalming. It was considered to be a plant with magical properties. Merchants brought the plant back to Aluvia, where it was used in love charms. At one time Dragon's Blood was used in the treatment of syphilis. The resin, burnt by an open window for seven nights, would bring back a straying lover. Put a piece of Dragon's Blood under the mattress to cure impotency. Intonation verb: Quavosh War magic uses this to form Slow moving wall (creeper) spells, whilst Item magic uses this for the Portal Tie spell.


	Eyebright Euphrasia officinalis As the name suggests, Eyebright is the traditional remedy for eye problems. The purple veined white flowers with yellow spots were likened to a bloodshot, diseased eye - and were designated the cure for eye problems. Eyebright juice was taken in white wine, as a tea, and even made into an ale. Intonation verb: Volae When used in war magic it creates outward waves and downward area blasts.


	Ginseng Panax ginseng, Panax pseudoginseng Ginseng takes its name from renshen, a Sho word meaning man-root, after the curiously human-like root with its two legs. On account of its shape, Sho herbalists pronounced ginseng a herb of well-being and it was extensively employed in Sho medicine for centuries. Particularly fine specimens were valued more highly than gold. Ginseng seems to have acquired a reputation as a cure-all and many extravagant claims have been made for its powers, from improved memory function to longevity. It works by strengthening the whole body so that it can more easily deal with stress and infection, and it has no demonstrable effects on a healthy system. Herbalists advise that ginseng should be treated with respect and taken only in times of stress, as an occasional helper. Intonation verb: Cruath Life magic uses this to cause vulnerabilities in a creatures natural armour.


	Henbane Hyoscyamus niger Also known as Stinking nightshade and Hog's bean, Henbane leaves have valuale sedative, pain killing and muscle-relaxing properties. Smoking Henbane seeds seems to be a good remedy for toothache and rheumatic pain. Ther results of this cure prove unpredictable, however, and instances of delirium, convulsions and insanity have been recorded. Henbane, like Hemlock (the herb variety), was formerly an official sedative and analgesic. It is no longer used internally because of the risk of poisoning. All parts of the plant, especially the leaves, are poisonous. Intonation verb: Othoi Henbane is not currently used in Isparian magics.


	Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop's scent has been described as medicinal, and the earliest recorded use of the plant was as a strewing herb to cleanse the air in sickrooms. In the home, too, Hyssop helps to disguise unpleasant smells. Its strong, sharp taste is a popular flavouring for meats and stews. Hyssop is rarely in use by today's chefs, on account of its pronounced minty and rather bitter flavour (not to mention being one of the major magical components!) but its reputation as a valuable medicinal herb has been sustained. A syrup of the flowers and leaves, which contain an expectorant and antiseptic volatile oil, is a traditional home remedy for chest complaints, and herbalists still recommend a Hyssop infusion for coughs, bronchitis and catarrh. Externally, a Hyssop poultice is recommended for black eyes and bruising - something which is quite common in Dereths rowdy taverns! Intonation verb: Malar When used in item magic, Hyssop increases item properties such as damage, accuracy, speed, difficulty of appraisal, armour level and strenthens locks. Life magic adds to health, stamina and mana with such spells as revitalise and heal. Creature magic uses it to boost skills, but not ones capacities for health, mana or stamina.


	Mandrake Mandragora officinarum Mandrake is a poisonous, hallucinogenic plant, long associated with magic. According to references, the root was a favourite ingredient of witches' brews. The plant also had a reputation as a love potion and it was employed as a fertility charm. According to legend, uprooting it was a perilous undertaking, since the plant uttered a piercing shriek that meant certain death. The task of pulling it up was, of necessity, entrusted to dogs. Human shaped roots were thought to bring prosperity and changed hands for large sums. Mandrake root has painkilling properties. It was sometimes infused in wine and administered as an anesthetic during surgery. For its soporific effect, mandrake was used as a sedative and to ease rheumatic pains, convulsions, and nervous disorders. Today, without alchemical treatment, mandrake is considered unsafe. The unrelated mandrake - May Apple, Podophyllum peltatum, was once used as a laxative. Note: Both types are poisonous! Intonation verb: Equin Opposite to Hyssop, Mandrake decreases item properties, such as reducing their damage, speed and accuracy, weakens locks and armour. Life magic uses this to reduce a creatures energies, such as harming it, taking its stamina and mana. Creature magic uses this to weakens skills.


	Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris Also known as Moxa, the Aluvian name of the plant [Mugwort] is said to reflect its old use as a flavouring for home-brewed ale. In the Sho lands, bunches of Mugwort are hung in the home during the Dragon Festival in the belief that they would drive out demons. For centuries Mugwort has been valued for its regulating effect on the menstrual cycle, and a Mugwort compress was used in childbirth to aid expulsion of the placenta. Externally, dried Mugwort eases aching muscles, and relieves rheumatic pain. Sho acupuncturists burn cones made from the downy leaf fibres close to the skin to stimulate acupuncture points, a technique known as moxibustion. To be avoided during pregnancy. Intonation verb: Boquar Life magic increases the rates at which health, mana and stamina are regained when this is used.


	Myrrh Commiphora myrrha The name Myrrh is derived from the old Gharu'n word mur which means 'bitter'. Ancient Gharu'n tribes used to use it in the embalming process, and burnt it as an incense during funeral rites. They also used it as a rejuvenating face mask. Intonation verb: Jevak War magic uses Myrrh to project multiple projectiles in attacks such as volleys and streaks.


	Saffron Crocus sativus Also known as the Saffron Crocus. The dried stigmas yield an orange dye that has long been an important and costly item of trade. Gharu'n kings and holy men wore robes dyed with Saffron, and both colour and fragrance were highly prized by the ancient Gharu'n and Sho alike. Saffron is often used as a hair dye and is sometimes considered an aphrodisiac. Saffron is a fragrant and very expensive spice. Tumeric is often substituted, but purists consider saffron essential for certain classic dishes. Saffron has always been an expensive spice owing to the fact that it takes at least sixty thousand flowers to make one pound of spice! Intonation verb: Puish When used in Life magic, Saffron can transfer health from the caster to a recipient, and also change energies within the caster from one state to another, for example exchanging stamina for mana.


	Vervain Verbena officinalis Also known as Herb of grace, Holy herb & Enchanter's plant, Vervain has a long association with mysticism and magic. Back on Ispar, many people wore necklaces of the fresh plant for luck, and blieved that Vervain would protect them from headaches and snakebites. Herbalists also consider Vervain helpful for headaches, particularly migraine-type headaches accompanied by nausea, and the herb is said to have a strengthening effect on the nervous system. Avoid during pregnancy. Intonation verb: Tugak Warmagic uses this to project multible projectiles outward from the caster.


	Wormwood Artemisia absinthium Also known as Absinthe, wormwood has been used medicinally to expel intestinal worms for over 3500 years! Absinthium, the plant's specific name, denotes the traditional and most celebrated use of wormwood - in the potent drink absinthe, reputedly first prepared by witches. However absinthe is rather habit forming and has some dangerous effects, including convulsions. Wormwood is also used to flavour vermouth. Wormwood is an old remedy for stomach ailments. Its bitterness helps to improve a poor appetite and alleviates a wide range of digestive problems. Externally, a compress of the leaves is applied to painful rheumatic joints, to stimulate poor circulation, and to hasten childbirth. In the home, wormwood is used as a traditional insect repellant, and is strewn over floors and placed among clothes and linen. For its bitter taste, Wormwood is used in brewing beer in the absence of hops. Intonation verb: Helkas Life magic uses this to increase a beings natural resistance to certain types of attack.


	Yarrow Achillea millefolium Also known as Milfoil, Soldiers Woundwort, Carpenters weed & Nosebleed. The ancient Sho threw yarrow stalks when consulting a celebrated and long since lost, book of divination, called the I Ching, and employed the herb medicinally. The common Aluvian names, Soldiers Woundwort and Carpenters weed, are testimony to Yarrow's great reputation as a domestic wound healer. Its astringency helps to stem the flow of blood, and yarrow is still being used to treat wounds to this day. Yarrow leaves were also inserted into the nostrils to stop bleeding, hence its country name Nosebleed. Some tribes applied the herb to cuts, wounds and bruises, and drank Yarrow tea for fevers and sickness. Yarrow also promotes sweating and hot yarrow tea is a traditional home remedy of long standing for severe colds. Herbalists consider yarrow a valuable remedy for feverish colds and flu, often in combination with Elderflower and Peppermint. Intonation verb: Roiga Item magic uses this for summoning portals. Life magic uses this for energy conversion in others - however isparians cannot cast these spells.