Common Ailments
Aches and Pains - Aches and pains in general, while rarely life threatening, can greatly hinder one's joys. There are specific sources for varied pains, and each can be treated effectively. For crabbed hands, apply a salve of black cohosh. For aching muscles, a salve of wintergreen oil and menthol will help soothe pain.
Anxiety - Anxiety is quite easy to recognize, and can cause disruptions to one's sleeping habits and their performance at their duties. A tea consisting of chamomile, lavender, linden, lemon balm, and orange peel can help soothe during the day. A small satchel of lavender, or smelling salts infused with the same, can ease worries during the night.
Bruises - Bruises are caused by broken blood vessels in an area, typically the result of impact on the flesh. They can be tender, and cause discoloration, from a deep purplish black to a faded yellow green, depending on how old the bruise is. If the bruise is still forming, apply arnica salve to the area. If the bruise is already formed, mix comfrey root powder with water, into a mash, and apply in a cloth to the affected area. Crushed leaves of comfrey and hyssop are also beneficial.
Burns - Burns can be sustained in two main ways - exposure to the sun, and fire. They are exceedingly painful, and if left untreated can become infected and cause serious illness. A paste of comfrey leaves, lobelia, wheat germ oil, and honey can help form a temporary "skin" over the burned area. The gel from an aloe leaf can be squeezed on the burned area as well, to relieve the heat and ease itching.
Colds - Colds are characterized by coughing, sneezing, runny noses, fever, and rapid temperature fluctuations. While not life-threatening, they can seriously affect a person for up to seven days and leave them bedridden. An infusion of elderflowers, marshmallow root, coltsfoot, lungwort, and anise seed, mixed with honey and taken throughout the day, can ease pain.
Cramps - Cramps occur in muscles and can be very painful, making walking, carrying items, or even standing difficult. A compress of thyme, placed directly over the cramping area, will provide relief.
Digestion Troubles - Digestion troubles are oft characterized by an upset stomach, or a feeling of burning in the throat, especially when laying down. A tea of caraway seed, chamomile, peppermint, and anise seed can improve digestion. If you feel a burning, combine marshmallow root, hawthorn berries, and peppermint in boiling water. Drink the tea after each meal. Should digestion problems continue, two leeches placed on the abdomen for no more than thirty minutes after each meal will help.
Fatigue - Fatigue is rather unpleasant to deal with, and can present problems throughout the day. Avoid overlarge meals and excessive drinking of spirits. A cup of rosemary tea is useful in reviving someone to full wakefulness.
Insect Bites - Depending upon the insect bite or sting, painful swelling and itching can occur. For swelling, drink catnip tea. For itching and redness, apply a poultice of plantain leaves.
Jaundice - Jaundice is a symptom of problems in the digestive system, characterized by a yellowish tinge to skin and the whites of one's eyes. As it is indicative of larger problems, most remedies used to treat it are actually treating common digestive problems. A tincture of dandelion root, vervain, milk thistle, fringe tree bark, and boldo will help calm the system, and reduce the yellow coloration.
Nausea - Nausea is typically caused by one of three things - pregnancy, bad food, or overstimulation after eating. A tea of either ginger or peppermint can help soothe nausea.
Ringworm - Ringworm is an illness characterized by circular sores with raised edges. A wash of plantain twice daily to the affected area will clear up the disease. Leeches can also be applied to draw off toxic blood.
Sleeplessness - Sleeplessness can be the result of many things, most generally vague discomfort or pain. To encourage restful sleep, a satchel of lavender kept under the pillow is recommended. A valerian root decoction taken one hour before bed will also help to sleep.
Sprains - Sprains are the result of pulled joints and muscles, and can generally be avoided by stretching daily. Should a sprain occur, a poultice of bruised sage leaves and vinegar should be applied to help soothe the pain. A liniment of lobelia oil, St. Johnswort oil, wormwood oil, ginger oil, and cayenne oil may also be used, massaged into the afflicted area.
Teething Pain - Teething pain oft affects babies when their teeth first come in, growing more rare as more teeth are introduced. A tincture of valerian, rubbed directly on the gums, will help soothe and numb the area. Chamomile tea will also calm and soothe.
Vomiting - Vomiting is typically caused by eating something improperly cooked, or by an additional illness. Be certain to consult a Healer if vomiting persists. A mixture of anise seed tincture and ginger root tincture can be taken to calm a heaving stomach.