by Cyda Gwae'nóna
In a time where it is considered easier to make your way to an Alchemists Lab, or the nearest Cathedral or Temple to cure an illness, often the simplest tried and true methods of tending common ailments have been all but forgotten. In this and the following articles I will be writing to share with those who would lend an ear, or at least wish to save a little gold, how to use the most common treatments with the highest efficiency and best outcomes. This article will not, however cover any particular herb, but rather, several different remedies for an upset stomach.
Hallow’s End is approaching fast, already children run through the streets of the various cities and small towns that dot the landscape of Azeroth in the beginnings of their costumes and dream of all the candy they will consume. Mothers wring their hands at the thought of the cries that will follow the laughter and the joyous sounds of their little ones gorging themselves sick on the sweets... and no doubt, a number of you readers too will rampage over the land to steal whatever sweets you may find in the Innkeepers' buckets. My first suggestion is to remember that too much of something ‘good’ tends to be bad. The first step to curing something, is to not put yourself in a position to need the cure. However, no doubt my warnings will go unheeded...
The first thing one could attempt while feeling ill from too much candy, is of course Peacebloom tea. It is amazing how versatile this simple, small herb is. Though, in this case I would also suggest adding ginger and mint to the blend as they are both powerful anti-nausia plants. The combination of these three will also help if you are prone to growing ill during long flights.
Another cure that is somewhat less appetizing in sound, but as sure a cure as anything an apothecary could suggest, is clay. To prepare this, all one needs is a glass of warm water and a spoonful of clay from clean earth (It is unwise to take anything from a land that is plagues into one’s body). Drop the clay into the glass. Stir until the clay is dissolved completely and drink deeply. Try not to think of what you are swallowing though, as it may be enough to make you purge your body, which leads to the next ‘cure’.
When all else fails, allow your body to purge the filth you’ve consumed. The act of vomiting is merely another way your body protects itself from toxins, ranging from bad fish, to alcohol poisoning, and anything in between. Though, as with all things, it is a dangerous thing to indulge in too often as the acids in a person’s stomach will tear their innards, weaken the heart and at times cause bleeding within. These are of course extreme cases, but something to keep in mind. After all, if you’re ill from consuming too much candy, you’ve obviously no self control to begin with.
And finally... slightly burnt toast. Something solid and bland in a person’s belly tends to do wonders for settling it and the burnt charcoal dusting over the toast will neutralize the toxins within. Granted, one would have better results if they found an actual stick or block of charcoal to chew on. However, I’m certain that the mere thought of it will set you, my reader’s stomach rolling once more.
In closing, there are numerous means to curing an ailing stomach from too much candy, and most of them rather unpalatable in the minds of my readers and so, for the final time, I strongly urge you to remember that candy will keep! You do not need to shovel as much of it down your throat in a single sitting.
