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I. TOOLS OF THE TRADE Before beginning, you must gather or fashion the following tools from the environment: The Mortar: A smooth, bowl-shaped stone or hollowed-out hardwood knot. The Pestle: A heavy, rounded stone used for crushing roots and bark into powder or paste. Boiling Vessel: A waterproof leather bag (dropped into hot stones) or a metal pot salvaged from the wreckage. Straining Cloth: A piece of clean fur, fine moss, or woven grass to filter liquids. Blade: A sharp knife for shaving bark, slicing roots, and cutting leaves. Storage: Hollow bones, sealed gourds, or waxed leather pouches to hold finished medicines. II. PREPARATION TECHNIQUES 1. The Poultice (Field Dressing) What it is: A soft, moist mass of crushed herbs applied directly to the skin. How to make it: Take fresh leaves, roots, or fungi. Chew them thoroughly (if non-toxic) or crush them with a pestle until fibrous and wet. Spread the paste onto a clean leaf or strip of cloth. Apply directly to the wound. Secure with a bandage. Best For: Infections, bleeding, burns, and muscle pain. 2. The Decoction (Strong Tea) What it is: A liquid extract made by boiling tough plant materials (roots, bark, seeds). How to make it: Crush the root or bark to break the fibers. Place in a pot with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the liquid volume reduces by half (concentrating the medicine). Strain the solids out. Best For: Internal medicine (fevers, pain, digestion) and sterilizing water. 3. The Infusion (Light Tea) What it is: A liquid extract for delicate materials (flowers, leaves). How to make it: Boil water separately. Pour the hot water over the leaves/flowers in a separate container. Cover and let steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink. Best For: Mild sedatives, vitamins, and respiratory relief. 4. The Salve (Ointment) What it is: A semi-solid mixture of herbs and fat. How to make it: Render animal fat (from hunted ice bears or wolves) until it is a clear liquid. Add crushed herbs (resins, roots, or dried powders) to the hot fat. Simmer on low heat for several hours (do not burn). Strain the herbs out. Pour the liquid fat into a container to cool and harden. Best For: Burns, chapped skin/fur, waterproofing wounds, and long-term storage. 5. The Powder (Preservation) What it is: Dried herbs ground into a fine dust. How to make it: Dry plants thoroughly over a fire or in the sun until brittle. Grind with a pestle and mortar until fine. Store in a dry pouch. Best For: Carrying large amounts of medicine easily. Can be mixed with water later or packed into wounds.
