Herbs

Gorean medicine is not simply and ruthlessly allowing disease its natural course, for all medicine involves compassion for those suffering and ameliorating the disease course, modifying painful conditions, and prevention of disease. It may be looked at as being attuned to technology, but not primarily driven by it, aware of the natural processes in both illness and health, and the value of the community in contributing or detracting from the health of the individual. Health is equated with fulfillment of one's natural essence. Goreans seem to be able to take responsibility for their own actions and despise self-victimization (feeling addicted or compelled to continue destructive habits) however, quiet compassion and assistance to one otherwise destitute or unable to care for themselves is more often than not the healer's response.

Natural medicine involves an understanding of not only disease, but the maintenance of health; an appreciation of personal responsibility to health and wellbeing.

A basic herbal medicine repertoire contains elements one can easily gather from the market. Following are a few suggestions and recipes for the basics.

Note on preparation:

Tinctures are made with alcohol. Use only one type of herb per jar, they can be blended with other later on if need be. Tinctures are nice because, not only does the alcohol extract the herb’s active ingredients, but it also acts as a preservative. Tinctures can be kept for up to 2-3 years and you can carry them with you, using a dropper to dispense them.

Oils are simple to make, but need to be carefully tended to prevent scorching. The best way to make them is by using a double boiler method, using a large pot of hot water and a bowl set inside it. Cram a goodly amount of plant material into the bowl and pour the oil over it. Use fresh oil, such as olive, almond etc. Pour just enough to coat the plant material but not so much that your herb is swimming in it. Set the pot on the heat and keep the water at a nice slow simmer. Occasionally feel the temperature of the oil, it should be nice and warm, not hot. Now and again, stir the mixture. This process takes about 3-4 ahns to complete. When ready the oil will be deep in color. Then you need to strain off the herb through a cloth bag and store the oil in a tightly closed jar or bottle. Oils have a shelf life of about 2 years if kept in a dark cool place.

Infusions are usually created by steeping 1 - 2 handfuls of the dried herb in boiling water for about 10-15 ehns. Use a ceramic or enameled container when you can; metals tend to corrupt the flavor and usefulness of herbal preparations. Infusions will last for a couple of days placed in the chillery, but they are best if made fresh daily.


A basic retinue of a herbalist:

Chamomile. [Chamamemelum nobile, Matricaria recutita].
Used in herbal teas, chamomile is a smooth muscle relaxant that soothes upset stomachs and quells menstrual pains (the uterus is made of smooth muscle). The plant is very easy to grow outside, and forms a fast-growing ground cover that has the scent of apples.

Oil. The whole flowers are used fresh in distilling chamomile oil (over 20 pounds of flowers have to be used to express a half ounce of oil) or dried in tea. They also have a slightly sedative effect which is very useful in soothing restless souls at night, and relieves headaches. Infusion. Flowers Drink a cup at night for insomnia, anxiety, or stress. Add a cup or two of the strained and cooled tea to a baby's bath water at night to encourage sleep. Mouthwash. Use a cup of the cooled infusion to wash teeth after brushing.

Cloves [Syzygium aromaticum].
The flower buds are the parts that are used. The essential oil was once primarily used as a dental anesthetic (the active component is called eugenol and is still present in commercial preparations such as Anbusol brand oral anesthetic). Generally, cloves from Madagascar are considered of a higher quality from those coming from elsewhere, but this may be simply tradition. Look for firm, round cloves and unbroken stems and a dark color.
Infusion. Use 3-4 cloves per cup of boiling water, steep and then strain. The infusion is a powerful anti-nausea treatment and the cooled infusion may be used as a mouthwash to quell the pain of canker sores and fever blisters, as well as over the skin for light sunburn (Noxzema brand skin cream contains clove extract). Add a cup of the cooled extract to cool bathwater.

Ginger [Zingiber officinalis].
Available fresh almost everywhere, the root can be chewed sliced and raw against motion and morning sickness, nausea, and menorrhagia (heavy periods). The powder makes a very effective tea against congestion and coughs, and is used to treat the appetite loss of flu in some cases where food can be tolerated. Be cautious about using on the skin; ginger oil in the raw form or in tincture is a powerful skin irritant to some and may lead to blistering. Use sparingly in early pregnancy. Avoid in cases of peptic ulcers. Root. Fresh : Slice 1-2 slices from the root and simmer in a cup of water. Add a pinch of cinnamon if desired. Dried: take 1 to 2 200 milligram capsules of the dried root before a journey for motion sickness or morning sickness. Ginger oil has been used on a drop-by-drop basis on sugar cubes to relieve menstrual cramps or stomach upsets.

Garlic or onions. [Allium spp.]
Few herbs have received as much attention as these members of the onion family. Garlic's healing qualities have been known for centuries; its oils are effective against both Gram-positive bacteria (such as staphylococcal and streptococcal infections), Gram-negative and acid-fast organisms (tuberculosis, caused by the hybrid fungus/bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosum, was once treated with inhalation of garlic fumes by the Russians -- phew). Garlic oil in its raw state (not the "deodorized" variety) has been said to be most effective in lowering elevated blood sugar levels as well as moderating high blood pressure; the oil penetrates skin readily and moves through the bloodstream quickly. If you rub a clove of garlic on your feet you will smell it on your breath in an hour (although why you would want to is a mystery).

Cloves:
Split a clove and eat it raw for colds, flu and any other acute infections. Garlic bread is a good beginning, but heat destroys many of the active allyl (onion family oil) compounds in garlic; onion soup still has, however, antimicrobial qualities and is a very good adjunct treatment for bronchitis. Excess garlic consumption may lead to severe heartburn and nightmares in some susceptible individuals; limit your intake of raw garlic until you know how much you (or others) can tolerate.

Blackwine. [Coffea arabica]
Coffee too has medicinal qualities, evidenced by the fondness for Gorean blackwine (strong coffee prepared like espresso). Recent studies have suggested that even simply the aroma of coffee may have anti-oxidant properties, leading to longer life for cells (oxidation increases cellular degeneration). Coffee is a strong stimulant (obviously) and diuretic, and the frequent user can develop a tolerance effect to higher doses. (Caffiene is a chemical in the alkaloid group, in the same chemical family as morphine, strychnine, quinine, ephedrine, and nicotine).

v Bazi tea (similar to [Camellia sinesis]), is uncured tea and also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Gorean herbs in culinary use:

Kalda:
Kal-da, a hot, mulled Gorean wine).
1 dried red chili peppers (Cayenne)
1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 T Cardamom 1 T ground ginger 10-12 black peppercorns
Grind together coarsely in a coffee mill and add sparingly to two cups of dark wine (such as Merlot). Heat until it just begins to steam; drink. Very spicy, encourages sweating (!) and cleanses the system. Useful for getting rid of the chills and winter blahs. [ The above excerpt is from Silk and Steel's "Herbalism in Gorean Medicine " ]

Agrimony
Agrimonia eupatoria
MEDICINAL: An infusion of the leaves is used to treat jaundice and other liver ailments, and as a diuretic. It is also used in treating ulcers, diarrhea, and skin problems. Externally, a fomentation is used for athlete's foot, sores, slow-healing wounds, and insect bites.

Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
MEDICINAL:Eliminates retained water, relieves urinary and bowel problems, helps in treating recuperation of narcotic and alcohol addiction. Used in treating anemia, fatigue, kidneys, peptic ulcers, pituitary problems, and for building general health.

Allspice
Pimenta dioica
MEDICINAL:Allspice is used as a paste to soothe and relieve toothache, and as a mouthwash to freshen the breath.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, Aloe spp.
MEDICINAL: The gel of the inner part of an aloe leaf is used to treat burns, skin rashes, and insect bites, as well as chafed nipples from breastfeeding, when applied to the affected area externally. Internally it can be used to keep the bowels functioning smoothly, or when there is an impaction, although it can cause intestinal cramping when taken internally, and there are other herbs that do this job better. It aids in healing wounds by drawing out infection, and preventing infection from starting. The fresh gel is best to use, rather than "stabilized" gels found in the stores. The fresh gel was used by Cleopatra to keep her skin soft and young.

Amaranth
Amaranthus spp.
MEDICINAL:Amaranth is used to battle stomach flu, diahorrhea, and gastroenteritis. It was used by Native Americans to stop menstruation and for contraception. To be applied externally, it can reduce tissue swelling from sprains and tick bites. Not to be used by pregnant or lactating women.

Angelica
Angelica archangelica
MEDICINAL:Angelica is a good herbal tea to take for colic, gas, indigestion, hepatitis, and heartburn. It is useful to add in remedies for afflictions of the respiratory system, as well as liver problems and digestive difficulties. Promotes circulation and energy in the body. It is often used to stimulate the circulation in the pelvic region and to stimulate suppressed menstruation. Angelica should not be used by pregnant women or diabetics.

Agrimony - An antibiotic salve used to prevent infection to wounds.

Arro :
Part Used : Aerial parts.
Preparations & Doasage : Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsp of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. When feverish it should be drunk hourly. Tincture: take 2-4 ml fo the tinture 3 times Daily

Bergament :
Anti-inflammatory salve used to provide relief from the effects of itching and rashes.

Brak bush -(noun):
a shrub whose leaves have a purgative effect when chewed; traditionally branches of it are nailed to house doors during the Waiting Hand to discourage the entry of bad luck into the house for the New Year. Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 211

Black Pepper - When sprinkled on a cut will stop bleeding though it does cause discomfort in the process.

Blood Transfusions :
"I sprang to my feet and ran to the door. Flaminius! I cried.
Flaminius! A slave running past stopped on my command. Fetch Flaminius! I cried. He must bring blood! Sura must live! The slave hurtled down the hall. Flaminius came in but a few moments. With him he carried the apparatus of his craft, and a cannister of fluid." ( Assassin of Gor pg. 380 )

Blue short grass :
Grows under the water of the falls. When dried and crushed, it has numbing qualities. The powder aids in comfort and pain.

Brak bush :
A shrub whose leaves have a purgative effect when chewed.

Breeding wine :
A sweet beverage which counteracts the effects of slave wine, making a slavegirl fertile; also called second wine.

Capture scent :
Chloroform; it will render a person unconscious when inhaled.
"She opened her eyes, and shook her head. What is this? she said. Capture scent, I said."..."Shall I hold again the vial beneath her nose? I asked. Soaked in a rag and scarf and held over the nose and mouth of a female it can render her unconscious in five Ihn. She squirmed wildly for an Ihn or two, and then sluggishly, and then falls limp. It is sometimes uesd by tarnsmen; it is often used by slavers. Anesthetic dart, too are sometimes used in the taking of female; these maybe flung, or entered into the body by hand; they take effect in about fourty Ihn; she awakens often, in a slave kennel." ( Marauders of Gor pg. 115--116 )

Cayenne Pepper :
Also referred to as stinging spices. Levels out blood pressure. When made as a tea it helps stop internal bleeding. When applied as a paste, it stops external bleeding.

Chamomile :
Crush the leaves of this flower. Pour a cup of boiling water into a mug filled with 1-2 teaspoons of the dried flower and stir. A mild sedative that aids in sleep, especially during pregnancy.

Dried Sunflower Leaves
Dried, crushed, and smoked in a pipe. Acts as an antihistamine, helping with a cold by clearing the head.

Emetics :
Mix the powder with water, drink. --Dancers of Gor, page 238. (See Laxatives) This powder induces vomiting.

Frobicain :
"They seem very quiet," I observed.'We permit them," said Flaminius, deigning to offer a bit of explanation, "five Ahn of varied responses, depending on when they recover from the frobicain injection. Mostly this takes the form of hysterical weeping, threats, demands for explanation, screaming and such. They will also be allowed to express their distress for certain periods at stated times in the future."--Assassin of Gor, page 126.
"The man with the thief's scar again emerged from the ship, this time with a syringe. He injected a tiny bit of serum into each girl, entering the needle in the girls back, on the left side between the hip and backbone, passing the needle each time into a small vial he held in his left hand."..."They will not awaken now, said the man with the Thief's scar, for better than an Ahn."..."We began to go up to the third level. They seem very quiet, I observed. We permit them, said Flaminius, deigning to offer a bit of an explination, five Ahn of varried responses, depending on when they recover from the frobicain injection." ( Assassin of Gor pg. 99 & 126 )

Gieron :
A drug, an allergen, which causes a yellowing of the whites of the eyes; in combination with Sajel, it reproduces the symptoms of the Bazi plague. Non infectious.

Healing Salve :
"The ointment will soon be absorbed," she (vika) said. "In a few minutes there will be no trace of it nor of the cuts." "The Physicians of Treve," I said, "have marvelous medicines." "It is an ointment of Priest Kings," she said. --Priest Kings of Gor page 64

Hemp :
When ingested, functions like dopamine, increasing blood pressure

Honey :
Applied on a wound helps promote healing. There is honey on Gor.

Injections :
The use of needles is found in Captive of Gor pages 93-95, and Fighting Slaves of Gor.

Kanda :
A shrub of the Gorean desert; a lethal poison can be extracted from its roots, while chewing the leaves has an addictive narcotic effect. Rolled leaves, chewed for pain relief. They are not to be swallowed. Kanda is NOT used.

Lavenia :
Parts Used : Flowers
Preparations & Doasage : Infusion: To take Internally, pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 tsp of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Then 1-3ml to be taken by mouth for pain.

Laxatives - (noun):
a powder which, when mixed with water and taken internally, induces bowel movements. Book 22: Dancer of Gor, page 238 "Some girls I have been told sometimes try to swallow small coins but this is foolish. The coin can be produced swiftly enough in such cases by emetics and laxatives." --Dancer of Gor, page 238.

Lyptus :
Parts Used : Leaves and the oil distilled from them.
Preparations & Doasage : An infusion may be made with 1-2 tsp of the leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let infuse for 10-15 minutes. The dose of tincture is 1ml. 3 times a day.
Exernal Use : Put 5 drops of the oil in a hot bath or 6 drops in boiling water, put towel over head and inhale the vapors

Ost bites :
Immediate death. Its venom is a neurotoxin, there is NO anecdote. Massive tissue necrosis mentioned in Outlaws and Assassins

Sajel :
A drug which causes harmless pustules to erupt on the body; in combination with Gieron, it reproduces the symptoms of the Bazi plague. Non-infectious. (See Gieron for more description.)
"The drug was a simple combination of sajel, a simple postulant and gieron, an unusual allergen. Mixed, they produce a facsimile of the superficial symptoms of the bazi plague" --Explorers of Gor, page 153

Shock :
Common symptoms include - Pale, sweaty, or clammy skin. A drop in blood pressure and elevated pulse rate. Rapid, shallow respiration. "Sometimes, said Flaminius... shock cannot be so easily prevented. Indeed sometimes the lash itself drives the girl into shock. Then sedations and drugs are called for." --Assassin of Gor, page 128.

Sip root :
A bitter root whose extract is the active ingredient in slave wine. Red Savages make their slaves chew as a means of birth control. (Red Savage of Gor)

Slave wine :
A black, bitter beverage that acts as a contraceptive; its effect is instantaneous and lasts for well over a month; can be counter-acted with a another, sweet-tasting beverage. Book 9: Marauders of Gor, pages 23 and 83-84 Book 22: Dancer of Gor, page 174

Stabilization Serums :
A series of medical injections which, among other things, retards the aging process; an invention of the Priest-Kings, approved by them for use by humans; administered in 4 injections. Book 3: Priest-Kings of Gor, page 124 Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 30 and 31 Book 7: Captive of Gor, pages 93 - 97 Book 11: Slave Girl of Gor, page 282 Book 22: Dancer of Gor, pages 472-474

Tassa powder :
A reddish powder, usually mixed with red wine, which renders the consumer unconscious.

Teslik :
A plant whose extract is the active ingredient in breeding wine.

Valerian :
WARNING! This is a very strong pain killer. Use it with care.
v Parts Used - Phizome, Stolons, and Roots
Preparations and Dosage, Infusion - 1 teaspoon of the dried herb and 1/2 cup of water for 10 minutes. This is the most widely used method of administering Valerian.
Preparations and Dosage, Tincture - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon is given and ingested up to 2 teaspoons at one time.

Willow bark :
pain killer. Parts Used - Bark, Leaves, and Buds
Preparations and Dosage - Chewing on the bark. Teas brewed from the leaves or inner bark serve as a pain killer.