Soldier's Weed

Here, use these leaves. Crush them and put them in the wound. It'll stop the bleeding and lower the chance of infection.

Although it doesn't look like much with its tiny white to purple flowers, Soldier's Weed is a widely known and commonly used medicinal plant. As the name suggest, it's a godsend for soldiers to use in wounds. It will stop bleeding in smaller cuts and prevent infection, among other medicinal effects.

Soldier's Weed is one of the oldest medicinal plants on Shireon, and it has been used through all known history. It's grown in all well-stocked medicinal gardens, like the Garden of Healing in Mynelion, and on sale in every herbalism shop with a decent inventory.

The plant itself consists of a thin stalk ending in a collection of small flowers, up to 4 mm in diameter. One stalk can have up to a couple hundreds of these flowers. Soldier's Weed has strange, feather-like leaves placed seemingly evenly on alternating sides of the stalk. The leaves can be up to 5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.

Basic Information

Biological Cycle

Soldier's Weed starts germinating as soon as the ground thaws after winter. The flowering period starts late in the month of Love's Glow, and lasts until the end of Sun's Warmth. The plant produces a large amount of seeds, so if Soldier's Weed grows in a garden it might take over other plants' space if the gardener isn't watchful.

Soldier's Weed can survive being covered in snow, and live almost indefinitely if it's not killed by being over-harvested or completely dried out. Frost without snow won't kill all of these plants, but already weakened plants might succumb to frost.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Soldier's Weed has many uses, especially as a medicinal plant. It has antiseptic properties, and stops light bleeding. It even helps healing wounds, and soothes light pain.

The weed seems to help against infections inside the body as well. A tea made from Soldier's Weed is always a safe bet for a painful or upset stomach, since it will help stopping diarrhea, bleeding and infections in the gastrointestinal system. Soldier's Weed will increase production of urine, and in that way help the body getting rid of toxins and bladder-related infections.

Finally, the weed helps the body to sweat, so it will reduce fever if used as tea or in a bath. Additionally, it will help the body get rid of stuff produced by the common cold, influenza and other respiratory infections and illnesses.

Both the flowers and leaves of the plant is used as medicine. The rest of the plant isn't used as much.

Magical properties

Soldier's Weed is a part of the traditional recipe for many divination brews, and as a magical component for some divination and healing spells. Its energies will also help in warding magic, especially against outsiders and undead.

Uses in food and drink

Soldier's Weed is one of the ingredients in gruit, which is a herbal mixture used to give beer flavor and bitterness.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Soldier's Weed is found in the Great Plains area and in the southern parts of Inmalenor and Enarion, growing up to 1400 m above sea level.

Lifespan

Perennial

Conservation Status

Seeing how widespread Soldier's Weed is, and considering that the plant can grow in poor soil and in harsh weather, there is no need to protect this plant in any way.

Average Height

20 - 60 cm

A drawing of a Soldier's Weed, from A Concise Guide to Medicinal Herbs.