Display More[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:
[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net…ies-31827216-1024-768.jpg[/img]
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.
1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.
Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.
These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1261…o-CAT-ATTACK-facebook.jpg[/img]
Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
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Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.
[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...
[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.
[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh.
Posts by kululukitty
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[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net…ies-31827216-1024-768.jpg[/img]
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1261…o-CAT-ATTACK-facebook.jpg[/img]
Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
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Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
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Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=318]http://www.listofimages.com/wp…kitten-fluffy-animals.jpg[/img]
Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net…ies-31827216-1024-768.jpg[/img]
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=318]http://www.listofimages.com/wp…kitten-fluffy-animals.jpg[/img]
Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
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Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
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Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
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Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
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Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
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Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
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Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
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[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net…ies-31827216-1024-768.jpg[/img]
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1261…o-CAT-ATTACK-facebook.jpg[/img]
Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=339]http://25.media.tumblr.com/tum…a770ntu1qcyvd5o1_1280.jpg[/img]
Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=318]http://www.listofimages.com/wp…kitten-fluffy-animals.jpg[/img]
Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://s3.media.squarespace.co…dreamstimefree_521103.jpg[/img]
Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net…ies-31827216-1024-768.jpg[/img]
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1261…o-CAT-ATTACK-facebook.jpg[/img]
Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
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Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net…ies-31827216-1024-768.jpg[/img]
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=318]http://www.listofimages.com/wp…kitten-fluffy-animals.jpg[/img]
Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net…ies-31827216-1024-768.jpg[/img]
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=318]http://www.listofimages.com/wp…kitten-fluffy-animals.jpg[/img]
Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
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Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
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Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
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Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Display More
[size=30pt]The Medicine Cat's Guide![/size]
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:[size=20pt]~ The Medicine Cat Code ~[/size]
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Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
[size=20pt]~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~[/size]
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Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
[size=20pt]~ Injuries ~[/size]
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Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
[size=20pt]~ Common Healing Herbs ~[/size]
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Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.[size=20pt]~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~[/size]
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...[size=20pt]~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~[/size]
[img width=510 height=382]http://s3.media.squarespace.co…dreamstimefree_521103.jpg[/img]
Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.[size=20pt]~ Caring for Herbs ~[/size]
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
Sending the 123,000 FK now!
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Oh really? Give me the links and I'll check them out. C:
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Welcome back! I believe the deltas are waiting and I posted the test for Earthtruth. No need to rush with filling it out; just reminding. :P
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Can I get Tuvo X Illusion kit 1? I'll send the FK right away.
Edit: Can I also purchase Tuvo x Torara Kit 4 and Haji x Kamio Kit 5? :3
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Display More
[fancypost bgcolor=transparent; bordercolor=transparent; borderwidth=2px; font-size: 7pt; font-family: Georgia; text-align: justify; width: 400px; cursor:url(http://cur.cursors-4u.net/cursors/cur-9/cur834.cur), auto; color: white;];]The Medicine Cat's Guide!
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:~ The Medicine Cat Code ~
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.
1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~
Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
~ Injuries ~Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
~ Common Healing Herbs ~Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~
Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.~ Caring for Herbs ~
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh. -
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[fancypost bgcolor=transparent; bordercolor=transparent; borderwidth=2px; font-size: 7pt; font-family: Georgia; text-align: justify; width: 400px; cursor:url(http://cur.cursors-4u.net/cursors/cur-9/cur834.cur), auto; color: white;];]The Medicine Cat's Guide!
All kits and apprentices want to be warriors one day. They admire their strength and loyalty; the adventures they always have. What about medicine cats, though? A lot of things make medicine cats special. They're important aspects of every clan. They know how to heal physically and mentally injured cats. They can walk among Celestialclan in their dreams while having mystical prophecies presented to them. Many cats see them as wise, counseling figures with amazing advice. Even though many warriors forget about a medicine cat's bravery, they still all know deep down that medicine cats are just as important. Medicine cats serve their clan just as loyally and strongly. Maybe your destiny is to become one.
Here are some useful tips for medicine cats, their apprentices, and cats who wish to join their ranks:~ The Medicine Cat Code ~
Got excited didn't you? Well, we won't be mean and try to sell you on wanting to become a medicine cat just like that. It's actually quite hard, especially on an emotional level. A job like becoming a medicine cat shouldn't be taken so lightly. It might not be for you; it might be. Read the code and maybe that will help you decide.
1. A medicine cat cannot take on a mate.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits.
3. A medicine cat cannot let personal feelings get in the way of his or her's duties.
4. Medicine cats are outside of their clan and clan rivalries.
5. A medicine cat may be trained as a warrior before becoming a medicine cat and learn warrior skills in their medicine cat training for safety, but a medicine cat can't become a normal warrior unless they leave their post for special, complicated reasons.
6. Medicine cats are outside clan rivalries, but they must still learn basic fighting and hunting skills.
7. A medicine cat must be able to interpret signs from Celestialclan.
8. Medicine cats cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat must be able to give his or her life to save another cat.Along with the code, it is their job to do certain things:
1. Know as many healing herbs as they can and store a supply of them in their den.
2. Treat all wounded and injured cats in their clan.
3. Assist queens while they are pregnant, giving birth, or nursing kits.
4. Regularly check up on the health of all clan-mates, especially elders, queens, and kits.
5. Visit the Celestialfalls every half moon to seek guidance from Celestialclan.
6. Interpret visions and prophecies from Celestialclan and share them with the leader.
7. Upon the death of the clan leader, accompany the deputy to the Mooncave to be appointed as the new leader.
8. Train an apprentice to become the clan's next medicine cat.
9. Bear the knowledge of basic fighting and hunting skills in case of an emergency.
10. Check up on Celestialclan on a regular basis, even if they do not answer.These rules and tasks can be broken, but at a price.
~ Known Sicknesses, Diseases, and Conditions ~
Chest Infections
Cough - Coughs are the beginning to the much deadlier white cough and green cough. Getting the proper remedy during this stage will prevent it from getting worse. Eating catmint or chickweed will easily cure it. Tansy is preferred in this kind of minor case. Eating lavender prevents it from becoming a fever or cold.
White cough - Not curing simple coughs in time results in getting white cough. It's a mild, but still annoying chest infection that is common during leaf-fall and leafbare. It is highly contagious, but catmint or chickweed will stop it.
Green cough - When white cough isn't cured in time, it becomes green cough. Green cough is fatal to any weak cat, kits, and elders. It is highly contagious and must be cured immediately. Catmint is the best herb to treat green cough, but in harsh times, chickweed can be used as a substitute. Be prepared for a tough battle against it.
Black cough - Black cough is a long forgotten chest infection that hasn't been seen in a long, long time. The symptoms contain coughs worse than green cough, a high fever, and expelled blood. The "cure" is rumored to have been extinguished from the forest after rapid use during the first and last epidemic.
Rat Born Infections:
Rat Sickness (Carrionplace disease) - A weakening disease that makes cats incredibly angry, lethargic, and sleepy. Only few cats have been known to catch the disease in the past since rats are rare in the land of Earthtruth. The cure is unknown.
Rat bite - A bite from a creature that is rare to the land. They are known to become infected very fast. A burdock root poultice is the best thing to fight against the germs inside a rat bite.
Loss of Sensory:
Blindness - Eye sight is generally lost as a cat ages. Or it can be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits born blind don't live long. Celandine juice can be trickled into an injured eye to soothe it.
Deafness - Some cats become deaf as they age. It can also be caused by an accident, infection, or birth-defect. Kits that are white with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Deaf cats often don't live long.
Muteness - Its rare for cats to lose their voice as they age, unless their throat is clogged up. Cats that have their throats slit often don't live long enough to see if they are mute afterwards. Throat infections can heal without much trouble to the voice. Kits born mute must learn to use more tail signals, but it should not stop them from becoming a warrior in the future.
Other Simple Ailments:
Joint aches - Most cats associate aching joints with elders. It is true joints degenerate as a cat ages, making it hard and painful for them to move. Damp environments can enhance the symptoms of aching joints, so apprentices have to be careful when gathering fresh bedding. A variety of herbs can be used get rid of the pain. Water therapy is also said to help.
Toothache - A toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, cavities, or an infection in the mouth. Chewing on alder bark can help.
Fever - Fever is an abnormally high temperature of the body. It is not a disease in itself, but it usually signs the presence of an infection, such as greencough or an infected wound. If needed, it can be treated with feverfew, borage or lavender.
Chill - Chills are mostly associated with cold weather or being submerged in cold water for a long period of time. Although this condition is mild and is not a disease, it has claimed the lives of many. Kits and elders are more at risk of dying when they get a chill. Licking a cat's fur the wrong way gets the blood flowing again. A poultice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is also a good remedy.
~ Injuries ~Wounds:
Minor - Minor wounds heal on their own in no time, but still need care so they don't become infected. Make sure to at least disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. Depending on what it is, use the right herbs accordingly.
Major - Severe wounds must be seen and treated by a medicine cat right away. The treatment must include licking it thoroughly with the tongue, stopping the bleeding by pressing cobwebs on it, and applying poultices to prevent infection and help it to heal. Herbs used in the poultices could include goldenrod, marigold, burdock root, and wild garlic. If the wound becomes infected, chervil or horsetail is used as well. The pain can be eased with poppy seeds or willow bark.
Broken Bones:
Minor - The most common minor break for a cat is one of their legs. And while medicine cats try to bind the bone with cobwebs, the injury usually results in the cat remaining crippled for the rest of his or her life. Not many cats make it through.
Major - The most common major break for a cat is when they is break their backbone. This results in the cat being unable to feel or move parts of their body. If the break is bad enough, the cat will be killed shortly after the break. When most cats break their backbone, some of their legs can begin to no longer function. Cats who make it out of a severe break like that often have to sit around in their nest all day. When this happens, fluid will begin to fill their lungs from not exercising and they will die.
Other Injuries:
Sprains - Sprains are injuries to ligaments of a joint, caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. It causes severe pain and decreased ability to move the joint. The cat must rest for several days and eat lots of herbs that serve as pain killers.
Joint dislocation - Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal joint. Medicine cats treat this condition by first feeding the patient poppy seeds to make them sleepy so they don't feel it as much, and then forcing the limb back into the joint.
Cracked paw pads - The paw pads may crack while walking long distances on hard surfaces, or due to cold weather. Elders are especially prone to this condition. It is treated with a poultice of coltsfoot or yarrow. Dock leaf poultices are also used to cool cracked pads.
Poisons:
Deathberries (Yew) - Yew is a plant with dark green leaves and scarlet berries that most clan cats call Deathberries. One berry will kill any cat without immediate medicine cat help. If a cat has ingested them, often a kit, the berries left in their mouth must be scooped out. Then, they must swallow yarrow which will cause them to throw up the remaining hazardous berry pieces. They will be sick for the next few days.
Water hemlock - A leafy, dark green shrub with a cluster of white flowers at the top. Any cat who eats them must swallow yarrow or another herb that can prevent it. It causes writing and foaming at the mouth, a sign not to be confused with rat disease.
Holly berries - Holly is a healthy, leafy bush with bright red berries. The berries are not as dangerous towards older, fitter cats, but still leaves them sick for a few days. They are mainly a threat to kits and elders. Eating Yarrow and pain-reducing herbs are helpful against it's effects.
Foxglove seeds - Foxglove seeds are often mistaken for poppy seeds. They are known to be a dangerous medicine. They heal the heart, but too much at one time can easily cause paralysis and heart failure. They are to only be used in extreme cases by expert medicine cats.
Nightshade - Nightshade has dark green leaves and dark purple or red berries, depending on the kind. They grow well in wet places. And just like Deathberries, any cat who eats Nightshade must eat yarrow immediately.
~ Common Healing Herbs ~Treatment of Wounds:
Blackberry leaves - Description: Leaves from the prickly blackberry bush. // Location: Almost anywhere since they are a hardy plant. // Usage: Chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Eases the swelling of bee stings.
Burdock root - Description: A tall stemmed thistle with a sharp smell and dark leaves. // Location: Grows best in dry areas. // Usage: The root is dug up, the soil is cleaned off, and then it is chewed to a pulp. // Effect: Lessens and heals the pain of infected rat bites.
Celandine - Description: A yellow flower with four petals. // Location: Grows better in Rowanclan territory, but will still grow at the edge of Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: Juice is trickled into the eye. // Effect: Soothes damaged eyes.
Chervil - Description: A sweet smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers. The roots are knobbly and brown. // Location: In forest areas with rocky soil. // Usage: Chewed to extract the juice from the leaves or the root. // Effect: For infected wounds and bellyache respectively. It can also be used during kitting.
Comfrey root - Description: It has large leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, which are pink, white, or purple, and fat black roots. Smells like tangy. // Location: Damp, grassy areas. // Usage: Roots are chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Helps repair broken bones or soothes wounds. Also used for wrenched claws, itching, or inflammation on stiff joints.
Dandelion - Description: Common yellow-flowered plant with long, hollow stems. After flowering is finished, the flower transforms a sphere made out of hundreds of smaller white florets with seed heads at the bottom that connect to the flower head. // Location: Almost everywhere. // Usage: The white liquid can be applied to bee stings. The leaves can be chewed. // Effect: It can soothe and heal bee stings. It's leaves can be chewed to act as a pain killer.
Dock - Description: Common, large leafed plant with a tangy smell. // Location: Doesn't grow well in rocky, mountainous terrain. However, it does best in leafy areas. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Fennel - Description: Thin, spiky leaves. // Location: Found in numerous places, especially on dry soils near riverbanks. // Usage: Chewed up and applied to scratches. Similar to sorrel. // Effect: Soothes scratches but can sting when being applied. Also soothes sore pads.
Goldenrod - Description: A tall plant with bright yellow flowers. // Location: Grows well in open spaces like moors and fields. // Usage: Chewed into a poultice. // Effect: Good for healing wounds.
Horsetail - Description: A tall, bristly-stemmed plant referred to have fleshy stalks. // Location: In just about any place with moist soil. Very common near marshes. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to wounds. // Effect: Treats infections and stops bleeding.
Marigold - Description: A low-growing flower with bright yellow to orange petals. // Location: Mainly grows near water. // Usage: Petals or leaves are chewed to a poultice. The juice can be used as well. // Effect: Stops infection and bleeding. It is also used for inflammation of stiff joints.
Oaks leaves - Description: Round, cartoon-like ruffled leaves. // Location: They can be found all over the forest floor and are mainly harvested in leaf-fall. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice. They must be stored in a dry place. // Effect: Stops infection from setting in.
Ragwort leaves - Description: Tall shrub with yellow flowers. Tastes very foul. // Location: Almost anywhere, especially cool areas with lots of rainfall. // Usage: Crushed and chewed. If mixed with juniper berries, it can help aching joints. // Effect: Treats aching joints and keeps a cat's strength up.
Rush - Description: It has long narrow leaves and lavender colored head stalks. // Location: Often grows in infertile soils with a variety of moisture conditions. // Usage: Used to bind broken bones. // Effect: Helps hold a broken limb in place.
Snakeroot - Description: Tall shrub with tiny white flowers at the top. // Location: Grows mainly in warmer areas, but can survive in cooler locations. Likes rocky soil even though it will grow just about anywhere. // Usage: Applied to wounds. // Effect: Heals some poison and is the best herb to fight against snake bites.
Stinging nettle - Description: It has green, spiny seeds. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: The seeds are eaten by a cat who has eaten poison. The leaves are chewed into a poultice for wounds. // Effect: Induces vomiting or brings down a little swelling. Can be mixed with comfrey to help heal broken bones. Helps with wounds.
Tormentil - Description: A small plant with yellow flowers. Has a very aromatic scent, but a sharp taste. // Location: Found in most cool, shaded places. However, they are found in most two-leg's gardens. // Usage: Root is chewed and applied to a wound. // Effect: It's root is good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild garlic - Description: A low growing leafy shrub. Due to is strong smell, it is good for hiding the scent of cats. // Location: Near forest edges and some two-leg gardens. // Usage: One must roll in it. When used in healing, its is rubbed onto the wound. // Effect: Prevents infection, especially rat bites.
Willow bark - Description: Bark of the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: It is crushed up and ingested? // Effect: Eases pain.
Treatment of Disease:
Catmint - Description: A leafy and delicious-smelling plant. // Location: Rarely found in the wild, but grows in many two-leg gardens. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Best remedy for the deadly green-cough, which infects many elders and kits during leaf-bare. Can also be used against white-cough.
Chickweed - Description: Tall-stemmed plant with many fat, almond shaped leaves. // Location: In forest areas, especially in rocky soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: An alternative herb for treating green-cough.
Lavender - Description: A small purple-flowering plant. // Location: Mostly found in two-leg gardens, but can be found in sunny areas with sandy or gravely soil. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Cures fevers and chills. Also a plant to hide the scent of death.
Sweet sedge - Description: A pant with a thick green stem and long buds at the top. // Location: Grows all through leafbare and mainly grows around Cascadeclan territory. // Usage: One must eat the sap. // Effect: Eases infection.
Tansy - Description: The tansy plant has round, yellow leaves, and a very sweet and strong scent, making it good for disguising a cat's scent. // Location: Found in the forest and two-leg gardens. // Usage: To be consumed, but in small portions. // Effect: Cures minor coughs and eating it can prevent one from getting green-cough. It also helps with soothing throats and heals some wounds and poisons.
Treatment of Other Things:
Alder - Description: Bark of the alder tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Is chewed on. // Effect: Relieves tooth ache.
Beech leaves - Description: Large, broad leaves that can be serrated entirely or sparsely toothed. // Location: Grows in almost any soil that isn't water logged. // Usage: Medicine cats use the leaves to carry other herbs. // Effect: None.
Bindweed - Description: Arrow-head shaped leaves with pale white or pink trumpet shaped flowers. // Location: Grows almost anywhere. // Usage: Fastens sticks to broken legs to keep them in place. // Effect: Unknown.
Borage leaves - Description: It is easily distinguished by its small blue or pink star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. // Location: Grows best in forests. // Usage: It is chewed and eaten by nursing queens. // Effect: It produces more and better milk. Also helps to bring down fever.
Burnet - Description: Has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Stems grow 50-200cm tall, with large clusters of small flower buds on top. // Location: Usually found in dry, grassy meadows. // Usage: Used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Stops minor bleeding and keeps a cat's strength up.
Catchweed - Description: A plant with fuzzy green burrs on long stems. // Location: It is commonly found among hedges and other low, shrubby vegetation. // Usage: The burrs are put on the pelt where poultices are. // Effect: Stops poultices from being rubbed off without hurting the skin.
Chamomile - Description: A small white flower with a large, yellow center. // Location: Can be found in two-leg gardens, some forest areas, and meadows. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Strengthens the heart and soothes the mind, making most cats feel mellow. It is also used as a traveling herb.
Cob nuts - Description: A smooth brown nut with a hard outside shell. It is a type of hazel nut. // Location: In, under, or near hazel trees that grow in sunny areas. // Usage: Made into ointments. // Effect: Unknown for now.
Feverfew - Description: A small bush with flowers resembling daisies. Has a sharp tangy smell and soft leaves. // Location: Grows best along the water. // Usage: Eaten. / Effect: Reduces the temperature of cats with fever. Also heals pains and aches, especially headaches.
Heather nectar - Description: Nectar found in purple or red bell-shaped flowers. // Location: Best grown in open, sunny areas. However, it is said the best tasting heather comes from shady spots. // Usage: Included in herbal mixtures. // Effect: Makes swallowing easier and sweetens mixtures.
Honey - Description: A sweet golden-colored liquid made by bees. // Location: In fallen honeycombs or bees nests up in the trees. // Usage: Eaten or given by soaked moss. // Effect: Soothes infections, smoke-damaged or sore throats, helps cats swallow other concoctions, helps soothe coughing, and gives energy. Often given to kits as a treat.
Ivy leaf - Description: leaves from the ivy vine. // Location: Grows best in forests and near Rowanclan camp. // Usage: Used as cover for some dens and to shelter herb stocks. // Effect: None.
Juniper berries - Description: Purplish-blue berries from the dark green,spiky-leaved juniper bush. // Location: Grows best in places that are not always wet. // Usage: Chewed and eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache and helps troubled breathing. It also helps to calm the mind.
Lamb's ear - Description: A soft, fuzzy green shrub. // Location: Commonly found in the mountains and on rocky terrain. // Usage: Eaten. Mainly used as a traveling herb. // Effect: Gives a cat strength.
Mallow leaves - Description: Large, fuzzy three-nubbed leaves from a purple-flowering shrub. Smells similar to a rose. // Location: Grows best near any shore and is often picked at sun-high when they are dry. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Soothes bellyache.
Mint - Description: Downy, serrated leaves ranging from green to purple yellow in color. Flowers are small and white or purple in color. Has a nice, refreshing smell. // Location: Grows here and there in forest terrain. // Usage: Rubbed onto the body. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Parsley - Description: A long-stemmed plant with ragged-edged crinkly leaves. It has sharp scent and tastes cold and fresh; fresh or dried. // Location: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and full sun. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops a queen from producing milk if her kits die, don't need milk anymore, or if too much milk is being produced. Also used to cure bellyache.
Poppy seeds - Description: Tiny, round black seeds that are shaken out of a dried poppy flower head. // Location: All over the forest. // Usage: Chewed on and swallowed. // Effect: They can help a cat sleep, sooth shock or distress, and ease pain. They are not recommended for nursing queens.
Ragweed - Description: Ragged-leaved plant that resembles a fern. // Location: Thought to be commonly found in rocky terrain and mountains. // Usage: Chewed on. // Effect: Gives strength to traveling cats. Used as a traveling herb.
Raspberry leaves - Description: A tall shrub with dark red berries and green leaves that are soft to the touch but have jagged edges. // Location: Found on raspberry bushes that grow mainly in the forest but just about anywhere. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Eases some pain and stops internal bleeding. Commonly used for kitting.
Rosemary - Description: A tall shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. // Location: Commonly grows in Rowanclan territory, especially near their camp. // Usage: Put on a cat's pelt. // Effect: Hides the scent of death.
Sorrel - Description: A short, green leafy shrub. // Location: Grows best in hot, sunny spots. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Used as a traveling herb.
Thyme - Description: A vibrant shrub with small, delicate, thick, sticky leaves that have a fresh taste. // Location: Grows in forest areas, but mainly in wet, boggy terrain. // Usage: Leaves are chewed on. // Effect: Calms anxiety, nervousness, and shock.
Watermint - Description: A green leafy plant clusters of small, purple flowers towards the top. // Location: Usually found in streams or damp earth. // Usage: Is is usually chewed into a pulp and then eaten. // Effect: Eases the suffering that originates from the bellyache.
Willow leaves - Description: Long slender leaves from the willow tree. // Location: Grows in forest areas, especially by two-leg nests. // Usage: Eaten. // Effect: Stops vomiting.
Wintergreen - Description: A shrub with small, dark green leaves and bright red berries. // Location: In the woods, usually by oaks and pines. Prefers high terrain. // Usage: Chewed to a poultice and applied to the wound. Can be eaten. // Effect: Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Description: A white-petaled flower with a long stem. // Location: Mainly in forest areas. Prefers to be in hard or rocky soil. // Usage: Its leaves are chewed to a poultice and can then be either eaten or applied to a wound. // Effect: Extracts poison from wounds and will make cats vomit up toxins. The ointment will also help soften and heal cracked paw-pads.~ Healing Remedies and Mixtures ~
Traveling herbs - Chamomile, burnet, daisy leaves, or sorrel. Lamb's ear and ragweed can also be used.
Chill poultice - A poutlice of lavender, catmint and feverfew is good to fight chills.
More coming later...~ Healing Treatments Without Herbs ~
Sticks - Having a cat bite down on a stick helps them from biting their tongue when in pain. It also helps with kitting.
Cobwebs - Cobwebs keep wounds together. They help with major wounds and broken bones.
See if bone is broken - Gently poke or nip at the broken area. If they do not feel it, then it is broken.
Mouse bile - The only remedy for ticks, mouse bile is horrid smelling, and is stored in moss. When carefully dabbed onto a tick, the tick falls off. The smell can be masked by wild garlic or by washing one's paws in running water. If accidentally swallowed, it can leave a foul taste in one's mouth for days. Medicine cats must always remember to wash up after using mouse bile.
Licking the fur - It helps clean wounds, bring down shock, and warm a cold cat. It also helps feverish cats cool down and queens while kitting.
Moss soaked in water - This helps weak or injured cats drink without having to move to a water source. It also helps cool down feverish cats and queens while kitting.
Rosemary and mint - To place these herbs around a dead cat helps them smell fresh.
Sweetening herbs - To get a kit, apprentice, or other cat who doesn't like to eat herbs, sweeten them honey, nectar, or fresh-kill blood.
Water soaking - Soaking swelling wounds in cold water helps the swelling go down. It also soothes scraped paw pads.
Water therapy - Having a cat with weak bones or muscles wade in water helps strengthen them.
Wailing and yowling - If a cat does not have a sore throat, it helps for them to yowl or wail to clear the throat and chest.~ Caring for Herbs ~
It is important to keep herbs dry. If they are wet, let them dry in the sun.
When a herb stock runs short, it is good to go gather fresh herbs.
Leave enough leaves/berries/etc. on a plant so more will grow. When you go back to that specific plant, you will see it has enough stock.
Check the herb store often, make sure everything is sorted, and throw out weak herbs.
Wrapping honey in dock leaves and rhubarb keeps it fresh.
Use bark to finish making a leaf sack to keep herbs inside fresh.