Snakeroot

The plant known as snakeroot is widely used across the Sundered Lands as a powerful painkiller.
The long, tangled roots of the snakeroot bush are carefully harvested and untwisted. The end of the root where it is connected to the root ball is slightly enlarged and bulbous, increasing the serpentine appearance from which it gains its name. The above-ground bush has little use, but the leaves and berries can be used to create a weak tincture which is safe for children.
The root is a pale greyish-white and the useful sections are the diameter of an adult's smallest finger. After being soaked in a mixture of reagents which act to both preserve the plant matter and increase its effects, the roots are sliced into sections the length of a finger joint, then dried. The result is a hard and somewhat rubbery lump with the consistency of meat jerky, and the size of each piece is carefully measured to ensure its uniformity before being packaged.
Snakeroot is used by being slowly chewed upon, much like jerky, and the compounds within the root mix with saliva to form a potent analgesic. Prolonged use turns the tongue, mouth, and lips a grey colour, and is instantly recognisable. It is notable amongst the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, but is usually somewhat frowned upon.
Overdosing on snakeroot can inhibit breathing, and it is not unknown to commit suicide by chewing a large quantity while falling asleep. The effect is to gradually drift into an easy sleep from which the sufferer does not wake, as they slowly suffocate. Poisoners have experimented with using snakeroot on victims, with limited success - the compound breaks down in the stomach, and must be absorbed through the mouth and gums for greatest effectiveness. This in particular makes it an extremely successful sovereign remedy for toothaches and mouth infections.
Tinctures are sometimes made of snakeroot by soaking the treated roots in alcohol for a number of weeks. The resultant liquid can then be applied to wounds such as cuts and burns, relieving the pain of the wound, cleansing it, and reducing infection.
One group of halfling traders and travellers known as the Nimigar Nomads have created their own variety of the reagents for snakeroot preparation, which they keep a close secret. The Nomads are known for almost constantly chewing snakeroot, being extremely tolerant of its effects. Their entire bodies are turned pale grey by the plant, but they view this as a badge of membership in their group. Should they be waylaid in some of the dangerous regions where they travel, the Nimigar spit at their attackers. Their snakeroot-laden grey saliva is extremely potent, and the compounds within it are absorbed through the skin. Those exposed to it are rendered either greatly slowed, paralysed, or completely insensate, leaving them easy prey for the halflings.