Apotheca Astera
A guide to FFXIV's herbal healing practices.
About
Welcome to the Apotheca Astera! This is a work-in-progress compendium of medicinal items & their uses in the world of FFXIV, as run by Indi. This is a one-man lore doc, so if I'm missing lore or you have a suggestion to add, please DM me on BlueSky!As of 7.3 I have updated these pages to the best of my ability.This guide is intended for RP-use. Some descriptions may include mentions of drug-use, injuries, and sexual health.Items are keyed as follows:
[No Symbol] Widespread Distribution
+ Aldenard
☾ Ilsabard
❀ Othard
★ Meracydia
𖦹 North Seas (incl. Sharlayan)
❉ Tural
▿ Norvrandt
∞ The Sea of Stars
** The World Unsundered
† Alexandria (incl. Living Memory)
Treatments
Treatments are sorted into categories. Note that some treatments may overlap, or be sorted into the "general" category due to a lack of an in-game description.
Respiratory Health
+ Rubycress Root: Treats Red Throat, respiratory infections, colic, croup, chocopox, and struma (inflammation of the thyroid)
Ginger: Aids in treating colds
Mint: Soothing for sore throats
+ Glimshroom: Used in the treatment of “Creeping Death”, a respiratory illness that often affects young hyurs.
❉ Eucalyptus: As an oil, can be used to relieve congestion
+ Camphorwood Tree: Used to make camphor, which can be used topically for respiratory illness when rubbed on the chest, to relieve congestion.
Topicals
★ Aloe: Soothes irritated skin and treats burns
Lanolin (Animal fat): Moisturization
Sage: Anti-inflammatory
Rosemary: Antimicrobial/antiseptic, sterilizing
Thyme: Antibacterial, sterilizing
+ Cloud Kelp: Antibacterial, sterilizing, filtration. Located in the Sea of Clouds
+ Fish mint: Can be made into a skin salve (likely to treat burns)
Sheepbur seeds: Antiseptic
❀ Amra fruit: Antibacterial
**Steelskin (balm): Protects the skin from caustic substances
+ Bigclaw Crayfish: Contains a substance that, when mixed with wine and the root of the mandrake, cures Greyscale, which is likely a skin condition.
+ Jade marimo: When mixed with clover honey and ahriman eyes, cures Gout, which is a known severe form of arthritis. It is assume that this is applied topically.
❉ Springstone: When this stone is heated, can be applied to skin like a warm compress. Aids in muscle relaxation
❉ Eucalyptus: As an oil, can be added to creams to alleviate joint pain
❉ Urqolupin: Used in treating bumps, scrapes, and bruises
+ Camphorwood Tree: Used to make camphor, which can be used topically to alleviate pain and itching. It can also be used for respiratory illness when rubbed on the chest, to relieve congestion.
❉ Mountain Herbmoss: Apply liberally to reduce inflammation.
❉ Yak T’el Moss: When crushed into a paste, this moss serves as the base ingredient for an effective healing ointment.
+ Mudstone: Used by the Ananta to create a balm that alleviates irritation of the skin.
Gastrointestinal Health
+ Gentian: Treats upset stomach
Periwinkle: Laxative
Ginger: Treats nausea
+ Trader Vetch(root): The thick taproot of the Trader vetch—a hardy shrub that commonly grows in deserts and other arid landscapes. Used in healing tonics for the digestive system.
☾ Amra (fruit): When infused into lassi, is very effective for settling stomachs & aether sickness.
☾ Agni Grass: Aids digestion
+ Bitterbite Pipira Scales: When mixed with alum and leaf of lavender, cures the Crimson Flux. There is little information on what CF is, but it is likely a gastrointestinal ailment as it is caused by contaminated water.
Wound Care & First Aid
+Thaliak’s Thumb: Stops bleeding
Gentian: Treats bleeding, and is used to make Mother’s Mercy. When Mother's Mercy is ingested, it coats the stomach to prevent blood clots from forming.
Dandelion: Pain relief/analgesic, but only when using roots and leaves
+ Chapuli Horns + Hornbill claws: Treats pain when ground into a powder and brewed as a tea
Landtrap leaves: Speeds up healing on burns or cuts
Antidote: Cures most instances of being poisoned. Created using rock salt and grass vipers.
+ Ala Mhigan Poison Remedy: A sour-smelling paste which acts as a substitute for the above.
❉ Sabotender needles: Although incredibly painful at first, needles have been noted to relieve old aches and recurring pains
+ Zeolite: A porous silicate that absorbs poisons.
☾ Singabera: The root of the singabera raises body temperature to expel toxins and other harmful substances from the body.
Mental Health & Mood
Sage: Aids in relaxation
Chamomile: Aids in relaxation
Lavender: Aids in relaxation
❀ Ginseng: Aids in relaxation + treats fatigue
▿ Elf grass: Treats fatigue
+ Cinnabar: Used in creating sedatives
+ Slumber Nuts: Treats insomnia or used as a sleeping agent
▿ Dream powder: Treats insomnia or used as a sleeping agent
Rosemary: Aids in focus
+ Dianthus: Petals must be fresh, relieves fatigue
Nymeia Lily: When turned into potpourri, it is known to soothe “the most troubled souls”
❀ Onokoro Crab Poison: When diluted, relieves anxiety “which accompanies long periods of convalescence (illness)"
**Hypnos: Ancient variety of sleeping potion
☾ Starfall Grass: From Thavnair, treats sleeping sickness
❉ Mate Tea Leaves: Creates a tea that is packed with nutrients & is great for fatigue
❉ Maca: Contains invigorating properties
☾ Talisman Needleleaf: The talisman needleleaf dispels negative thoughts, bringing a sense of calm to those who consume them.
❀ Yumemi Shell: Particularly magic-steeped shells have been used to create remedies for sleep sickness or comatose. It should be noted that Yumemi are dangerous hunt marks.
Sexual Health
+ Bitterdrake Root: Maintains child’s health during pregnancy
+ Thistle/Shroud Tea Leaves: Contraceptive
+ Winter Pennyroyal: Emmenagogue/abortifacient. This is a toxic plant in high doses, so please handle with care.
Landtrap Vine Sap: Aphrodisiac
General Use
+ Heavenspillar Sap: Antibacterial, multi-purpose
Sabotender: Many parts of the Sabotender are known for healing properties. Its flower petals treat hangover, when combined with honey. The fruit is capable of treating fevers. The needles have an interesting property of causing great pain initially, but ultimately curing old aches.
▿+ Muud Suud Horn Powder: Like bone broth, promotes general health. Muud Suud are classified as voidsent, but roam free in Ala Mhigo.
Wine: Used in some recipes, as a way of restoring vigor and numbing pain
Duskfall moss: Restores vigor
+ Purple Buckler (turtle): Restores vigor - either consumed directly or distilled into tonic
▿Serpent Pepper: Warms the body
❀ Watercress: Invigorates and fortifies the body against sickness
** Sideritis leaf: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial (when made into Tsai Tou Vounou or Mountain Tea)
+ Oschon Roselles (Wanderer’s Blood): A type of hibiscus purported to cure everything from the gout to bunions
+ Mun-Tuy: When brewed & fermented, rich in nutrients and “has an immediate effect on a man’s vigor.” Smells bad, and the brew is alcoholic.
▿Farside sprouts: Derived from a rare cactus in Amh Araeng, is used to treat a common problem in miners. Unsure of the ailment or preparation of this plant, but it is recommended to keep out of reach of children. It is noted that these can also cause hallucinations, so hand with care.
+ Phial of Thermal Fluid: This liquid can be applied, to great effect, as insulation. Likely made of Warmscale Pleco, as this is a related quest item and is capable of warming the waters around it.
❀ Kudzu Root:The root of the quick-growing kudzu vine is dug up and processed into kudzu powder which serves as a substitute for animal-based gelatins in Far Eastern desserts. It also is believed to exhibit healing properties, and can be found in most Hingan and Doman apothecaries. Most likely similar to agar-agar/kanten, which supposedly is a good source of minerals without added sugar or carbs. This plant has become invasive to the Black Shroud.
+ Yellow Kudzu Root: “This variety of kudzu not only exhibits the curative properties of its more common cousin, it has been observed growing almost twice as fast. It has also been observed withering and dying twice as fast.”
+ Orobon Whiskers: Used in some Gridanian potations (alcohol) and unguents(topical oils)
▿Unknown herb from Amh Araeng is known to treat fevers, but is not given a name.
+ Warmwine: Spiced wine that has been heated in the hot springs at Camp Bronze Lake. Said to have curative properties
+ Camp Bronze Lake: Waters said to have healing properties
+ Bleatwort: An herb mentioned in the leve “Hypocritic Oath” - required to save the life of a neglected patient. Actual use is not mentioned, however it can be inferred that the herbs name comes from its location - around a sheep’s pen. According to the Botanica Eorzea (listed under Notes) it is highly toxic to sheep, and will rupture their stomach.
+ Dravanian Scallop (Shells): Sought after for alchemical solutions but it is not specified why.
+Pinch of active ingredients: Powdered minerals that serve as active ingredients in Gyr Abandian remedies. Does not specify what the powder is made of.
∞ Moon Carrot: Has a variety of effects, usually indicated by their name. Are these things legal or safe??? There are also a variety of dishes made with these carrots, with similar properties
+ Quicksilver: Referenced in the levequest "Mercury Rising" as a cure for lice
☾ Soma: Has medicinal qualities, supposedly good for young children
+ Moor Leech: Used by chirurgeons to drain ill humors from patients
+ Cactuar Used to brew Cactus Tea, which involves drying the fruit and grinding it into a powder, then left to sit a full night under Menphina’s gaze to frighten away the spirit of the sabotender that dwelled inside the seeds. The powder is then added to boiling water and stirred until a foam forms on the water’s surface. The foam is given to break fever, the remaining liquid discarded under a rock found to the north of the patient.
❉ Ik’iit Ear: When dried and ground into a powder, this bracket fungus can be added to infusions to cure anything from loose bowels to night terrors, but is mostly believed to improve virility.
† Sungilt aethersand: A mineral from aetherial reductions with myrid medicinal usages and included in a number of alchemist-made potion recipes.
☾ Star Anise: Likely used in the brewing of arak, a Near Eastern spirit mentioned in the information provided for Date Palms (which are native to Garlemald). Aniseseed spirits in IRL medicine have been used in small amounts to treat congestion, aches and pain, and in compresses to reduce a fever.
The following items are described as having "medicinal uses", but no specified application
Hoptrap▿
Jessamine
Marjoram
Dill
Rhalgrs Streak +
Curefish +
Coneflower ❉
Cordia ❉
Cinnamon
Magicked Seeds▿
Mord's Arsefluff▿
Mugwort
Nutmeg ❀
Paprika
Tender Dill▿
Thanalan Tea Leaves +
Tiger lily▿
Thavnarian Perilla Leaves ❀
Serpent's Root +
Voeburtwort▿
Islewort +
Wyvern Tail +
Elysian herbs∞
Bilva ☾
Dawn Faetail▿
Whisperroot ❀
Aetheric & Dynamic Items
Potion of Harmony: “This innovative alchemical concoction assists the body in acclimating to Eureka’s discordant aetheric environment.”
+Kiss of the Morning Meadow: "When taken internally, this blend of rare forest herbs stimulates the mind, allowing for immediate recovery of MP…[Conjurers] use the potion in the field during battle when there is not enough time to recover naturally”
Silver: Known for aetherial conductivity.
+Spectrolium: A dust like substance that can be sparkled on an item made by someone to reveal the aetheric color residue. Also works on people to reveal their aether color.
☾ Giantsgall: Reknowned for its aetherial conductivity, it is a sought-after material for creating foci and alchemical brewing.
**Archestratus flower: Aether-dense and edible
**Elpis flower: Detects the strongest emotions of those nearby and displays them accordingly
❉ Calamus: A plant whose roots thrum with strong lightning energy.
𖦹 Sophora Root: Tendrils of a perennial plant replete with earth aether.
† Volcanic Grass: Raised in nutrient-rich volcanic loam, this rare herbage is densely packed with aether.
Poisons, Narcotics, and Stimulants
I have temporarily grouped these sections together to keep this site a little cleaner. "Drug" is a relative term, as many of the substances in other sections have adverse effects in larger quantities. Here I am highlighting more specifically addictive or controlled substances, or drugs that may be illegal.
NARCOTICS
𖦹 Fogweed: Used for relaxation and also pest control, must be finely chopped and cured with fire shards
▿Cloudpuff: A shrub whose sap is used in a pickling process by pixies to make a mildly intoxicating punch. The most potent strains of sap can leave a pixie in a drunken stupor for days on end.
+☾ Tobacco: Just like it's IRL counterpart, it is dried and smoked for relaxation
Somnus: Made with dream flowers, this drug is highly illegal and induces sleep. May be related to dreamweed, which is also very toxic.
+Pluto: A rarely-mentioned substance likened to a steroid. Hardens the body like stone, and likely has negative long-term effects. Smoked from a pipe.
+ Belladonna: Poisonous sleeping drug. Parallel to its IRL equivalent.
Moko Grass/Hemp: Most likely an Eorzean equivalent to marijuana.
STIMULANTS
†▿ Windsbalm Bay Leaf:: An especially fragrant herb used in medicinal tinctures. A tisane brewed from this exceptional bay leaf would afford a weaver enough energy to sew nearly three dozen muffed mets. Enjoy in moderation.
❉ Coffee: Increases focus, much like the IRL equivalent
† Energy Tonic: Though it’s unclear what it’s made of, these energy tonics can be formulated with different strengths. Increases mental clarity & focus much like caffeine
HALLUCINOGENS
+ Shriekshroom: A hallucinogen.
▿Farside Sprout: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children. Part of a rare cactus that grows in Amh Araeng. Induces hallucinations, and can be used for relaxation and pain relief.
+ Blackroot Rose: Seems to cause problems (i.e. fits of violence and ‘horrible visions’) in animals, likely humans as well.
POISONS
+ Soldier’s Sore Berry: Used as red face paint on Keepers of the Moon, but it's highly toxic when ingested
Rue: “A low-growing shrub recognizable by its tiny yellow flowers and faint odor. The leaves contain a mild irritant that, when rubbed against the skin, may cause minor reddening and swelling.”
▿Dream Algae: Can render a person unconscious by simply touching it. Handle with gloves (or not at all, preferably)
+ Wyvern's (or Dragon's) Wart: Toxic enough to kill a dragon. DO NOT TOUCH THIS.
▿ Moss Fungus: Moss fungus often grows on graves, and because of this, Kholusians believe it to be a most baleful thing, and a harbinger of death, disease, and all sort of other nasty things. Historically, it has been used as a slow-acting poison by nobility. It has a thick and fleshy cap.
Triffid: An aggressive seedkin native to Lakeland, with poisonous sap that gives off an acrid aroma.
+ Goldbile: A glowing 'venom' created when mythrite and sulphur veins combine. This golden sludge found in the Aurum Vale causes the skin to be eaten away.
Generally-poisonous plants include:
Arum
Foxglove +
Eye of Yx'Lokwa▿
Flamespore▿
Lily of the Valley
Morbols and other live Seedkin
Moss Fungus▿
Periwinkle
Dandelion (Stalks only)
Sweet Pea Seeds +For more toxicology, I highly recommend viewing the flashcards provided by Condor Toxicology
Herbal Lore
KNOWN ILLNESSES
Aether sickness: Very much like seasickness, and can be treated as such. Caused by an imbalance or sudden shift in aether, such as during aetheryte travel. Other symptoms include, "“...dizziness, paranoia, temporary paralysis, apoplexy, jaundice, blood in one’s stoo-ahem, and other unpleasant side effects.“
Aetheric imbalances can also cause symptoms based on the elemental aspect of the imbalance. E.g. A sensitivity to lightning in the presence of lightning-aspected aether may cause numbness, paralysis, or inability to speak.
“Ceruleum Eye”: A sickness in which the infected eye clouds a deep blue, causing temporary blindness, paralysis, nausea, and a slew of other symptoms. Can be treated with eye drops.
Gout: "After moons of research, Frondale's Phrontistery leeches have discovered that a certain species of freshwater moss contains a substance that, when mixed with clover honey and ahriman eyes, cures gout. The Phrontistery wishes to begin mass production of the tincture immediately, and requires large quantities of jade marimo from the cenotes near Camp Halatali." The IRL illness by the same name is noted as a severe form of arthritis, causing joint pain, tenderness, and swelling.
Greyscale: "After moons of research, Frondale's Phrontistery leeches have discovered that the shell of a certain species freshwater crayfish contains a substance that, when mixed with wine and the root of the mandrake, cures greyscale. The Phrontistery wishes to begin mass production of the tincture immediately, and requires large quantities of bigclaw crayfish from the cenotes near Camp Black Brush." I cannot find the appropriate source to back this up, but Greyscale may be a skin condition.
Lung Rot/ The Rot/ Green Rot: Although similar in name to the Green Death and Greenwrath, this disease seems exclusive to Limsa Lominsa, and has had changes in its lore since 1.0. It appears to be a severe pulmonary disease, manifesting as a cough and leading to death. No known cure as of yet.
Crimson Flux: A disease caused by contaminated water, specifically in the case where rodents defecate in a local water source. Equivalent to dysentery. Can be treated with Bitterbite Pipira Scales.
Redthroat: An severe throat infection documented in Ishgard's Brume, which causes an individual to vomit blood and faint. Equivalent to Tuberculosis. Can be treated with Rubycress Root.
Creeping Death: An ailment that decimated a large percentage of the Hyuran population in Gridania. A cure was discovered by an Ul'dahn alchemist, but it is unclear if this illness is still present in society or what this cure is.
Greenwrath, a.k.a Woodsin: While not a physical illness, Greenwrath is a form of bad karma (or a curse) inflicted upon Gridanian residents for living out of harmony with the Elementals. It is said to slowly cause insanity, and the wrath of nature is directed at the afflicted individual.
Green Death, a.k.a The Nymian Plague: A fast-acting disease incurred by the voidsent Bitoso, which decimated the people of Nym. The afflicted's flesh turns green, their limbs shrink, and their facial features are dissolved, until all that remains is a Tonberry.
Aetherspurn: Very little is known about this illness, and there appears to be no cure. The afflicted are unable to absorb aether from food. Symptoms include fever and weakness.Other known illnesses with IRL equivalents:
Crotch Rot (Herpes)
Kissing Disease (Mononucleosis)
Weeping Cough (Pertussis, a.k.a Whooping Cough)
Croup
Colic
Pox/Chocopox (Chickenpox)
Scurvy
Cancer/Tumors
Sleeping Disease (Which could refer to comatose or insomnia)
Blue Death (1918 Blue Death Flu)
Saint Allene’s Fire (Ergotism, “Saint Anthony’s Fire”)
OTHER KNOWN INFORMATIONHumours are still used within Ishgard and Sharlayan, though it is not specified if it’s the original 4 humors, or otherwise. (See More On Humours)
Hallowed Water: Water blessed by an anointed Halonic Orthodox priest. Used to exorcise evil spirits from worldly items. Equivalent to (and sometimes referred to as) Holy Water.
Silver: A good conductor for aetheric conductivity, and is (in real life) known for cleansing properties.
Peg legs are used in Eorzea, often made of wood, and can be replaced as needed.
Humours & Aether
(This is theory-crafted information based on FFXIV's given lore on humours, aetheric imbalances, and how they may relate. This is not canon, but anyone is welcome to use these headcanons and bend them for RP use!)
An interesting note I noticed while doing research for this carrd; the real-life humours are based on the 4 major elements. It is said, at least in Ishgard and Sharlayan, humours are still referred to in some medical practices. Sage abilities reference the humours as well. However, it is currently unclear if the humours being referred to are the same 4 as what we see in medical history. Since Eorzea has 6 major elements, one might argue that Eorzeans believe in 6 humors of the body.If this is the case, my theory is that Ice and Lighting don’t deal with a specific organ or fluid, as the other elements do. Since these elements are closest in relation to Darkness and Light, they would instead influence the activity of the other elements/humours. Ice would cause all 4 humours to become passive, while lightning would cause the humours to become active. For example, the “humours” in voidsent blood do not coagulate - this could be because their blood is too heavily dark-aspected. It is constantly moving. Sineaters, on the other hand, have the opposite problem. Their blood does not circulate.We later see in Dawntrail (spoilers ahead for Solution 9)
Headcanons
Why use alchemical solutions and herbal treatments instead of healing magic? Some ailments are not either not treatable by healing spells, only partially-recovered by healing spells, or don’t require such urgent/taxing treatment. For example, a sore throat is not urgent enough for healing magic, and severe wounds may only be partially healed for the sake of reducing further damage.It has also been established that fast healing may induce a fever, and that patients will still need to rest after being healed.Silver is a good conductor for aetheric conductivity, and is (in real life) known for cleansing properties. It may be good practice to use tools made of silver. If one wished to imbue an aetheric charge into a treatment, they could store it in a jar along with silver coins.Syrup of Ipecac - An IRL once-common anti-poison, might be able to be made using a variety of mistletoe or voidrake. These plants are known for being toxic/poisonous bother in-game and IRL, so it seems fitting to use them this way. Ipecac is an emetic, meaning the patient would vomit the poison, so it’s only really ‘helpful’ for ingested poisons that aren’t going to burn the throat.Dynamis is a newer concept in FFXIV lore, and therefore does not have a lot of information. I have kept “Dynamic” symptoms separate from mental/emotional ones, because they seem distinct, however related.
Sources
DISCLAIMER
This guide is ever-changing and being updated as I find info. I am fairly certain a large portion of herbs from are missing and I cannot guarantee that this guide is exhaustive or complete.Also, while I reference a few IRL herbal healing sources in this page, I'd like to make clear that these sources are used for inspiration and understanding the IRL history and herbal lore. Don't use them for medical advice.
Potions
+Company-issue Tonics:** Clears passageways blocked w/ blood or bile & recovers one from unconsciousness (described as an expectorant)
Warding Potions: Provides temporary resistance to afflictions such as paralysis, blindness, silence, poison, etc.
Poisons: Varying temporary effects, which include blindness, paralysis, internal bleeding (poison), etc. Can be created at varying strengths.
Smelling Salts: Rouses a sleeping patient
Echo Drops: Cures silence
Golden Needle: Cures petrifaction
Antidote: Cures poison.
Spine drops: Cures paralysis.
Onyx Tears: "This fragrant fusion of aromatic oils has long been used by the Brass Blades of Ul'dah to instantly rejuvenate both body and mind."
Potion of Harmony: "This innovative alchemical concoction assists the body in acclimating to Eureka's discordant aetheric environment."
Tinker's Calm: "A tonic commonly used by Disciples of the Hand to increase focus, allowing for enhanced results when deconstructing complex creations." Created using Virgin Basilisk Eggs, which are the first egg laid by any Basilisk, regardless of whether or not that egg has been fertilized.
Kiss of the Morning Meadow: "When taken internally, this blend of rare forest herbs stimulates the mind, allowing for immediate recovery of MP. Conjurers serving alongside Gridania's Wood Wailers and the Gods' Quiver often use the potion in the field during battle when there is not enough time to recover naturally. "
Elemental Warding Potions: Boosts resistance to the element’s damage. “What few people know, however, is that after long periods of disuse, the liquid undergoes a natural alchemical transformation that grants it the same coloring properties as common dye."
Phoenix Down: "The billowy plumage of the fledgling Phoenix─a legendary bird that, upon each fiery death, is said to rise from its own ashes in a literal "blaze of glory." When placed upon the body of one who is incapacitated, it will instantly revive the person. While some cultures insist that the tailfeather's restorative properties trump those of down, these claims have yet to be proven in any sort of scientific capacity."
Over-aspected Cluster/Crystal: "A large crystalline manifestation of aetheric energy exhibiting an extreme elemental charge. When released, the energy has been known to restore the corporeal and spiritual state of those otherwise incapacitated."
Other potions or potential recipes can be found in the Hunter's Handbook.