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. Today, I will write of one of the most familiar herbs one encounters on an everyday basis: Earthroot.
Second only to Peacebloom in how widely used and known the herb is, Earthroot is found outside most capital cities. Where Peacebloom grows in open fields, and Silverleaf grows nearest to trees, Earthroot will flourish best on cliffsides and in rocky soil and in areas with less then six hours of full sunlight. The plant is a knotted, thick, beige underground stem, of which roughly twelve inches grows above the ground in a loop and curled manner. The above ground half of the plant is narrow and ribbed, without leaf or flower. The apperance of this plant is what gives it it's name: 'Earth Root'. This small herb is rather a 'one trick pony' when used on its own, as all it tends to do is heal upset stomachs- though, when coupled with other herbs, such as Kingsblood, Mageroyal, Silverleaf or Peacebloom- the results can be...staggering. Such ventures, however, are best for learned Alchemists to dabble in, rather then the common housewife.
The forms in which Earthroot Products are found in most commonly are made from fresh or dried roots, or from steam distilled of the oil from the root. Making this available in extracts, powders, tinctures and of course, oils. The usages are as follows: For Motion SIckness, a spoonfull of powdered root in ones tea (Or sprinkled over ones meal if they are not a tea-drinker), will ease ones symptoms, be they from flying or traveling over sea. For pregnancy related Nausea and Vomiting, one should take about half of a spoonfull of the oil: A warning though, this will only eleviate some of the illness, but anymore then the perscribed doseage can pausibly harm the child within ones womb. Finally, sprinkling a dramfull of the oil distilled from the root into a bowl of steaming water, so that the scent fills the air and the lungs of those within a room, is a marvelous way in which to help hold back the nausia of many, should one find themselves in a housefull of those who are ill.
In closing, while Earthroot is not a versatile plant, it is the most sure manner of which to relieve upset stomachs, be it from pregnancy, motionsickness, or whatever else it is that makes one quesy. And, while it is relatively easy to harvest and prepare, however, I feel the need to remind that even healing herbs can turn poisonous if not prepared correctly and so, I would suggest visiting your local apothecary to pick up one of the many books available to the public, or ask for some instruction on the particulars.
