Herbal Theories

**Herbal Theories** is a a book written by several human herbalists working in collaboration, containing a number of collective treaties on potent alchemical flora. The work is well-spread and has seen wide use in more common circles, yet is commonly critiqued by scholars for lacking proper sourcing and peer-reviewed research. Despite this there are many amateurs and professionals alike who swear by the work.

## Excerpts of Various Herbs

### Adder's Tongue

- Grows exclusively in Northrend, imported. Rare.

- Oily, not easily dissolved in water. Has a bitter taste.

- A potent stimulant, sharpening reflexes and focus for a short period of time. Chewed if one can stand the foul, bitter taste, otherwise swallowed as a distilled tonic, usually sweetened with honey. Stains the inside of the mouth, tongue especially, a distinct dark green. The effect is not permanent.

### Arthas’ Tears

- Native to the Plaguelands, formerly known as the Stratholme Lily (?) Uncommon.

- For mental fortitude.

### Blindweed

- Found near stagnant water, native to the plaguelands. Uncommon.

- Good against headaches, especially those associated with magical or otherwise mental strain.

- Restorative and calming, mildly addictive

- Ironically enough one of the side effects of repeated use is headaches.

- When dried and burned, releases a very thick, stinking smoke, hence the name. Often used to clear rodents and other animals out of old barns.

### Bloodthistle

- Grows only in the Eversong woods. Uncommon outside of it.

- Only used by the bloodelves

- Magical stimulant with strong withdrawal symptoms. Magical users feel effects more strongly

### Briarthorn

- Often found at the base of trees, bountiful in forests. Common.

- The herb is used in a number of elixirs of various kinds and is a good plant to use as a base in almost any tonic, poultice or the like. Acts like a mild stimulant and draws out fever.

### Bruiseweed

- Found near structures, man-made or otherwise, or on hillsides. Wants some shelter. Common.

- The plant juices have a quite a distinct smell, sour and not so pleasant.

- For bruises and swelling, and stiffness. However, it does not relieve pain.

### Deadnettle

- Grows exclusively in Northrend, imported. Rare.

- Meaty leaves with jagged edges. Like its less potent relative, the plain nettle, its stem is covered in barbs which will cause stinging, itching and swelling.

- Stimulant, enhances endurance for as long as it is taken regularly. Inhibition builds up quickly and larger and larger doses are soon needed.

- Brings with it increased aggression, overdoses lead to rage; severe withdrawal to violent despair.

- Bans have been considered in both Stormwind and Ironforge for its aggressive effects and apparent numbing of empathy. A foul combination.

### Dragon's Teeth

- Found only in the Badlands, in the charred scar left behind by Deathwing. Rare.

- Cooling, acts as a fire-repellant both on skin, clothing. An ointment of the plant’s juices will protect most materials  for a short time, even against an open flame. Its juices dissolved in salty water is a very good treatment for burns or wounds affected by fever.

- Minty flavour/scent.

### Dreamfoil

- Grows in open, flat areas. Uncommon.

- A distilled draught sends the sleeper into a deep, dreamless sleep. Overdoses can lead to a comatose state, even death. Sometimes used in large or distilled doses to release the dying from pain.

- Fresh and chewed, the herb is said to bring inspiration, popular among artists.

- Dried and smoked, placed in a censer or incense, it soothes the mind

- The plants grown in Outland are more potent.

- Mildly addictive, though the craving is of the mind rather than the body. Vivid nightmares common during withdrawal.

- Import of this herb is monitored and heavily taxed in most major cities.

### Earthroot

- Found in crevices and cliff faces, grow in tight spaces where moisture might remain longer. Less common.

Prefers mean soil.

- Used as a coagulant to stop bleeding, rich in iron and stimulates blood production

### Fadeleaf

- Almost exclusively found under bushes or similar cover, prefers moist soil. Native to the Plaguelands. Uncommon.

- Fadeleaf's main use in herbal medicine is for all weaknesses of the eyes that cause shortness of vision. Oil pressed from seedheads is used for this.

- However, the herb’s popularity lies in its hallucinogenic properties when inhaled (spores, dust and especially smoke)

- Potentially illegal, certainly addictive, valuable

### Flushbloom

- Lord Perenolde of Alterac was known to be addicted to this particular herb

### Golden Sansam

- Seeks the shelter of walls and trees, likes shade. Uncommon.

- Restores energy but also acts soothingly and reduces stress. Is said to increase powers of concentration and resistance to disease. Well sought after for these abilities, old medicinal herb ascribed with a great deal of properties, all which have not been proven. Very popular for its ability to increase lust in both men and women.  It’s a go-to reagent for any love potion worthy of the name.

- Some experience nausea and insomnia after a large intake.

### Goldthorn

- Found on the top of small hills, enjoys sunlight. Uncommon.

- For weakness

- The bramble juices of the goldthorn plant have important medicinal uses, making goldthorn one of the most respected medicinal plants found.

- Stimulates skin regeneration.

### Grave Moss

- The bristly moss grows on graves and in tombs, not fond of light. Uncommon.

- Is used in certain wards against dark magics, in rituals or in incense and the like. The smoke is thought to chase away evil spirits and influences of the mind.

### Gromsblood

- Found in most places tainted by demons. Sure sign of a demonic presence. Rare.

- Consumed to increase violently strength and endurance for a period of time, strong effect, blocks nearly all pain for its duration and lowers inhibitions. (Acts as adrenaline) Great fatigue usually follows.

- Repeated use not recommended as the side effects are very varied, including but not limited to; addiction, despair, foul mood swings, aggression, suicidal thoughts, paranoia, trembling.

- Bans have been considered because of the herb’s unholy origin. Many times has the Church of the Holy Light complained, warning of corruptive properties. Darnassus allows no trade with the herb.

### Khadgar’s Whisker

- Grows near the base of trees, especially old trees and is native to the plaguelands. Uncommon.

- An emetic when fresh, a laxative when dried and effects both in large enough quantities.

- Acts cooling in a poultice

### Kingsblood

- Grows in flat areas such as fields or plains, may be hard to find among tall grasses despite its distinct flowers. Native to the more open areas of the plaguelands. Uncommon.

- Traditional usage of the herb is for coughs and colds, usually dried and placed in steaming water for inhaling.

- Nowadays it is usually separated into the leaves and flowers; dried leaves for pain, particularly wound pain and itching wounds; the flowers may be brewed into an easing tea for restful sleep.

- Soothing properties.

### Liferoot

- Found near fresh water, is a good indicator of whether a water source is safe. Can be found in the plaguelands. Less common.

- A plant with ubiquitous healing properties; acts restorative and refreshing.

### Mageroyal

- Found on plains, preferably in somewhat arid soil. Best picked after a session of rain, when the plant will reach its full potential. Dries and keeps very well. Less common.

- Acts as a stimulant for the mind, good in teas. Flavoursome.

### Mountain Silversage

- Found on cliff sides, often requires a bit of climbing to get to. Uncommon.

- If administered as a poultice or ointment the herb will soothe aching muscles.

### Peacebloom

- Grows in open fields, enjoys sunlight and a temperate climate. Common.

- This remedy is taken for bruising, swelling and soreness, to ease pain, and to speed recovery, for example, after an injury or operation.

### Silverleaf

- Found near trees and bushes, likes shade. Common.

- Acts cleansingly and drives out infection. The leaves can be used as a mild painkiller if ingested, and have numbing properties.

### Sorrowmoss

- Found wild exclusively in the Swamp of Sorrows, though it may be raised elsewhere in very damp, heavily nutritious soil if kept in near constant shade. The so-called ‘tame moss’ is less potent, however. Uncommon.

- Has purifying abilities.

### Steelbloom

- Notorious for growing in places unusually difficult to reach, such as steep slopes, cliff sides etc. Uncommon.

- For severe pain, feverishness and restlessness.

### Stranglekelp

- Found under/near water, native to the plaguelands. Common.

- Essence of stranglekelp, for surgeries, sometimes called chloroform

### Sungrass

- Open areas, native to the plaguelands, needs ample sunlight. Less common.

- Edible, can with good results be fed to horses and cattle for additional endurance and a finer coat

- Dries quickly and is a good drying agent in turn, can be used to cleanse air of moisture and ill humors. Best used boiled in a poultice where it may help prevent minor scarring

### Swiftthistle

- Parasitic in its growth, has a slight preference for dry soil. Found clinging to mageroyal and briarthorn most often. Uncommon.

- Swiftthistle is a tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, emetic and emmenagogue. Stimulates all senses and gives a short-lasting but distinct burst of energy. Causes increased flow and production of all bodily fluids.

- Overdose may cause vomiting, diarrhea and thinness of the blood.

- Repeated use might cause unsteadiness of hand and spells of anxiety. Mildly addictive

### Pandarian Poppy

- Imported from pandaria. Rare.

- Opiate, very effectively relieves pain. Used in laudanum (emetic, analgesic, very potent), can also be smoked. Good against a cough and a potent narcotic. Much stronger effect than the poppies native to the kingdoms.

- Addictive

- Side effects include euphoria, dysphoria, sedation, itching, constriction of the pupil, a dry mouth, constipation, mild to severe respiratory troubles, psychological and physical dependence.