Rhus Toxicodendron (Toxicodendrum) is a genus of plants native to Africa, Asia and Europe. The plant family includes over 1000 species. Some of them are used in traditional medicine or have medicinal properties like:
The leaves are chewed for their laxative effect. They contain alkaloids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD).
They are used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, AIDS and other diseases.
The seeds are eaten raw or cooked as a spice. They contain alkaloids such as tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG).
THCV is known to be psychoactive while CBG is non-psychoactive.
In herbal medicines they are used to treat pain, inflammation, diarrhea, asthma and bronchitis.
The flowers are dried and made into incense which is burned as a religious rite. The oil from the flower contains anti-inflammatory properties.
The bark is used to make ropes and woven into cloth. It contains a chemical called urushiol which is also found in poison oak.
It causes allergic reactions such as rashes in some people.
They contain potent psychoactive substances like tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidoil.
They are used to treat nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain, anxiety, glaucoma and seizures.
They are used as a sedative.
They are used to treat fever, pain, inflammation and convulsions.
The bark is dried and boiled in water to make a tea. It is used to treat diarrhea.
The flowers and leaves are dried and steeped in alcohol to make a tincture. It is used to treat depression, anxiety, nerve pain, muscle spasms, cramps and tremors.
The fruits are eaten raw. They contain alkaloids such as tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The root is dried and ground to a paste. It is used in traditional African medicine for hemorrhoids and other cancers of the digestive tract.
The bark is dried and made into a tea or a tincture. It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and stomach pain.
The bark is dried and used to make a tea or tincture. It is used to treat asthma, colds, coughs, pain, fevers, headaches, rheumatism and tuberculosis.
The roots are dried and made into a tea. It is used to treat fever, headaches, pain and swelling.
The leaves are dried and made into a tea. It is used to treat asthma, tuberculosis and chest colds.
The leaves are dried and boiled into a tea. It is used to treat general pain and to ease child birth.
The flowers are dried and made into a tea. It is used to treat fever, headaches and bronchitis.
They contain small amounts of psychoactive substances such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The roots are dried and ground to a powder. A paste is made from the powder and applied directly to warts.
It is also used to treat liver and lung abscesses.
The leaves are eaten as vegetables when they are young and tender. They are also used to make green paint.
The bark is soaked in water or wine for several days, it is then filtered before bottling. It is used to relieve pain, coughs and rheumatism.
It is also used for stomach and digestive problems such as diarrhea, dysentery, cramps and vomiting. It also used to treat urinary tract infections and fever.
The bark is dried and boiled to make a tea. It is used to treat liver and lung abscesses.
The roots are dried, ground and boiled to make a tea. It is used to treat headache, pain, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis and fever.
The leaves are chewed and placed directly on the skin to treat irritation, skin sores, ulcers and lumps. It is also used to treat insect bites and fungal infections.
The leaves are chewed and place directly on the skin to treat pain and swelling. It is also used for treating infected wounds and skin sores.
It is also used to treat stomach problems such as diarrhea and as a general pain reliever.
The bark is dried and eaten in times of food scarcity. It is used to prevent starvation by reducing the sensation of hunger.
The seed is eaten as a source of fat and energy when food is scarce. It is also used to relieve symptoms of hunger and for general health and well-being.
The seeds are ground into a paste and used to relieve chest congestion caused by tuberculosis.
The roots are boiled until soft and then eaten, they have a sweet taste. The roots are also boiled to make a tea which is used to treat kidney problems and stomach aches.
The bark is used for making cordage and the leaves are used to make thatched roofs and for bedding.
The seeds are crushed and mixed with water to make an oil that is used for cooking and lighting.
The bark is used as a pain killer and to treat stomach problems such as diarrhea and dysentery, it is also used to treat lung and liver abscesses.
These seeds are not allowed to ripen properly and are harvested while still green. They have none of the psychoactive properties of the ripe seed.
The seeds are harvested when their sugars have turned to starch. They are roasted and eaten as a coffee substitute.
The dried roots are made into a medicine and used for treating fungal skin conditions such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch. It is also used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
The leaves are soaked in water to produce a green dye that is used to color clothing.
The milky sap can be used as glue and the leaves produce a black pigment that is used as ink.
The fiber is used for making cloth and rope. The leaves can be woven together to make mats and screens.
The bark contains a poison that can be used to tip arrows.
The fruits are rich in Vitamin A and contain small amounts of other vitamins. They are eaten by humans and livestock alike.
A syrup can be made from the fruit and used as a sweetener.
The oil from the seed is used as a lubricant and in soap production.
The seed is high in protein and can be roasted and eaten. The oil from the seed can also be used as a cooking oil and in soap production.
The seed also has medicinal qualities.
The wood is strong, heavy and durable; it is used in the construction of buildings and furniture.
The flowers are rich in nectar and are eagerly sought after by bees, they are used to produce honey.
The leaves are used as fodder for livestock.
The bark is good fodder for animals and it can also be used to make rope and cloth.
The root has potent medicinal qualities and is used to treat a variety of ailments. It is the main ingredient in the medication known as catnip.
The seeds contain oils that can be turned into diesel, they also have other industrial uses. They are also nutritious and considered a luxury food.
The wood is used to make furniture and flooring. It is very dense and is hard wearing.
Most parts of the plant contain a toxin that can be turned into a poison. In small quantities it can be used as a truth serum.
The leaves and stems contain chemicals that can be processed into a drug referred to as “nepenthe”. It causes the user to forget unpleasantness, and in this case, pain.
It is also a strong sedative.
The stems and leaves have many industrial uses. The plant can be grown in shallow water, even in stagnant pools, provided that the water is at least five centimeters deep.
The flower petals are edible and taste sweet. They contain many nutrients and vitamins, especially Vitamin A.
The name of this species of plant is called Felis Catus or more commonly known as the Common Housecat or Domestic Cat.
The term “Catnip” is commonly used to refer to the plant called Nepeta Cataria.
Catnip can be used as a recreational drug, but it has many other uses as well.
The seeds can be pressed to make cooking oil.
The flowers contain the sleep toxin that can be distilled out to make a more powerful version of the sleep toxin.
The stems contain a strong fiber that is used to weave strong cloth.
Catnip can produce a strong toxin that can be used to poison weapons.
The plant is native to Earth. It has been adopted by many other planets as a culinary ingredient.
The leaves and stems can be eaten, they are full of nutrients and taste similar to spinach.
The plant contains many nutrients and is high in vitamin C. It also has a sweet tasting fruit.
It is commonly found growing in the wild.
The plant contains a strong toxin, it can be refined to create a poison.
The seeds of the plant can be ground up and used as a coffee-substitute.
The flowers produce a sweet nectar that can be used to make sweets, alcohol or even medicine.
The root of the flower is where the medicine is found. It contains powerful painkillers and other bio-active chemicals.
The leaves can be chewed to ease pain from fresh wounds. They also act as a natural bandage and create a tourniquet effect by restricting blood-loss.
Two meters in diameter, these sturdy plants are often used as temporary shelter. Their large leaves can be woven together to create a reasonable quality tent.
These large trees provide a great amount of shade. They are often used as way-points for travelers.
The trees are often marked by travellers as a sign to others.
This small plant has a wide range of medical benefits. It is often used by doctors and researchers as a basis for new medicines.
The thick glossy leaves are rich in nutrients and vitamins, making them a nutritious snack food. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
The leaves on this plant have razor-sharp edges that are painful to the touch. They are often used as weapons in duels.
The bark of this tree is very flammable. It has a dry, fiery nature and can quickly set fire to nearby plants.
It is best used to start fires or as an ingredient in explosives.
These plants are often used for fishing. They have a peculiar taste, but are a good bait regardless.
This small tree has a sweet, delicious fruit. It can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in recipes.
It contains very little nutrients or vitamins however.
The fruit has a dry, spongy texture and slighty bitter taste. It is often used as animal feed as most animals seem to eat it.
This tree’s flowers have a sweet, pleasant aroma and contain a sugary nectar that can be consumed directly or turned into a sweet syrup.
The tree is often used as a location for hangings in the infamous Dorna prisons. The wood makes for a sturdy gallows and the Tree’s growth is easily manipulated by even the most basic farmers.
The leaves on this plant are soft and pillowy. Scholars believe that the leaves have a capacity to carry sounds, so that instead of hearing with the leaf, one hears with the ground.
The thick, rubbery leaves can be gathered with little effort. They are often used as general padding or to block out light.
The large roots of this plant tend to grow along the surface, making them easy to grab and walk on. These roots can hold great weight, but will numb the feet of anyone standing on them.
The large bulb of this plant is extremely poisonous. It can be crushed into a paste then applied to weaponry.
The milky sap of this plant is poisonous. It can be applied to weaponry or rubbed directly into the eyes.
The large, flat leaves of this plant can be used to cover anything, making it invisible to the naked eye.
These fruits have very hard shells, but are rich in nutrients and vitamins. It is often used as a healthy treat for children.
This small fish lives among the reeds and water plants of rivers. It is often used as bait due to its strong smell.
This insect lives on a diet of leaves and other forest plants. It can be used as bait due to its sweet smell.
The large flat leaves of this plant can be used as a shield or to block attacks.
This large, meaty insect can cause paralysis with its sharp teeth. It is often killed by farmers and the homeless.
This large, lumbering plant feeds on smaller plants. Its carnivorous lifestyle makes it an outcast among plants.
It traps its prey with its tendrils and injects it with toxins, liquefying the insides of its prey before feeding.
This small fungus has a beautiful, vibrant color scheme. It is usually found growing on dead trees or other damp places.
It is often used as a dye due to this.
This plant thrives in the darkness, as prolonged exposure to light will cause it to die. It is often used for quick getaways due to this.
This rare fungus can generate a protective, invisible shield that blocks most types of physical damage. Due to its rarity and usefulness, it is hunted and poached by many.
These large gelatinous bubbles can be created by boiling the sap of the correct trees and plants. It is often used by miners and foresters.
This small, spiky seed is extremely sharp. It can be thrown or planted and will grow into a small plant over time.
This large, furry rodent is usually active at night. The hairs are often used in bandages as they are surprisingly absorbent.
These berries are very sweet and full of nutrients. They are often used in desserts or to satisfy a sweet tooth.
This small, transparent creature spends its existence floating in the water. It is often used by fishermen as bait due to its attractiveness as a food source and scarcity.
This large rodent lives in underground burrows and surface mounds. It is usually herbivorous, but has been known to attack if it feels threatened.
Its teeth grow constantly, and can be collected for their value as weapons or tools.
This rare fruit grows only on very old cypress trees. It is often used as an ingredient in high-class food and drinks.
This tiny insect lives on the sap of trees. It is usually active at night, but will wander indoors if the weather is bad.
It is often crushed accidentally when collected.
The soft fur of this shy creature is usually kept to make upscale clothing.
This small, elusive rodent lives almost exclusively underground. It is said that the scent of a skunk mating season can be smelled from space.
This small, flightless bird is very protective of its territory. The scent of a male in the breeding season can be smelled from space.
The wings of this large, docile bird have a soft, down-like covering. The down is often used as a stuffing for pillows and mattresses.
This small, rodent-like creature lives among the rocks and stones of mountains. It is usually herbivorous, but will attack if it feels threatened.
Its teeth grow constantly, and can be collected for their value as tools or weapons.
This small rodent has long hairs that grow from its ears and tail. These hairs are sometimes woven into bracelets and other accessories due to their rarity and colorful appearance.
This large, flightless bird has a fearsome beak that is similar to an axe blade. The beak can be carved into weapons or tools with a fine edge.
This small, furry rodent is usually active during the day. It is often found in dry, scrub areas and is a popular choice for pet owners due to its friendly nature.
These large, docile quadrupeds are often used as beasts of burden due to their strength and size. The fur can be tanned into a soft leather and the fat rendered for a suet-like oil.
This small, rat-like animal is a common pest that infests many homes and restaurants. Their ability to reproduce at an alarming rate means that they are often used as a testing subject for various poisons and chemicals.
These small, slug-like creatures are often found in damp, poorly maintained areas. The mucus is often leaked into drinking water and causes many health problems.
It is however a popular makeup base, especially among celebrities.
These tiny insects often travel in dense colonies that cover almost any surface. It is believed that they originate from an alien world, possibly the cause of their highly invasive nature.
Their excretions are often used in energy bars and diet pills.
This small bird is very common and can be found in most environments, urban and rural. It is often a favorite among hunters due to its attractive feathers.
This animal hides in the garbage of urban environments. It spreads various diseases, making it a public health risk.
Due to this, most city-dwellers are encouraged to kill on sight.
This rodent has a large, bushy tail with soft fur that is often used in the creation of expensive coats. Its aggressive nature means that hunters are required to seek permission from property owners before exterminating colonies.
This large, flightless bird possesses a formidable set of talons and a beak that was built for shredding. It is territorial and will not hesitate to attack if provoked.
The bones are solid and heavy, making it a good weight for a club.
This reptile has a long body and large mouth filled with teeth. Due to its availability, the lizard is often a target of hunters and trappers looking to make a little money selling the hide or meat.
This small, furry mammal is often hunted for its fur and rapidly diminishing numbers. The fur is often used to make expensive coats.
It is believed that they could become extinct within the next decade.
This small, flightless bird is chiefly active at dusk and dawn. Its vicious talons and sharp beak make it a dangerous opponent if threatened.
Due to its low population and unknown origin, the bird is considered a symbol of a prosperous future by many cultures.
This is a furry, amphibious mammal that often travels around in family groups. Due to their adorable appearance and friendly nature towards humans, the animals are a popular choice of pet.
This large, flightless bird is chiefly active during the day. It possesses a thick layer of fat under its skin to protect it from temperature changes.
The fat can be rendered down for a number of industrial uses.
These small, winged insects inhabit most urban areas at night. Due to their nocturnal nature and tiny size, they often go unnoticed.
Their sugary excretions are used in a variety of different foods.
This large, furry mammal is hunted for its thick fur. It is believed that their numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate and protective measures are being taken to ensure the animals’ survival.
This large, burrowing mammal has a long, sticky tongue that it uses to latch onto its prey. It is a highly aggressive creature and will bite on to anything that steps onto its territory.
The tongue is tender and considered a delicacy.
These rare animals are sought after by hunters for their impressive pelts. They often live in herds and are fearsome if threatened.
Their numbers are dwindling rapidly due to excessive hunting.
These large birds are found in the mountains. They can easily detect a change in temperature and have exceptional sight during the day.
The birds are an important part of many mountain-clans’ culture.
These large fish can be found in the oceans. They often feed on Human waste that’s dumped into the sea, which has made them susceptible to infection from several diseases.
Their role in maintaining these plagues has led to widespread fear of the animal.
These large birds feast on the blood of live mammals. Their serrated teeth can easily cut through flesh and their claws can tear apart a human torso.
They often signal to one another using a high-pitched screech.
A doglike animal with a thick, tusk-filled jaw that lives in forests and swamps. It is known for its aggressive behavior and loud howl.
Hunters often attempt to lure the animal into an ambush.
An amphibious reptile that dwells in the swamps and lakes of the world. It has a long tail ending with a flat spine, which it uses as a whip.
The lizard is known to swallow its prey whole and store the body in its belly.
A bloodsucking insect that often nests in trees. When an arm reaches adulthood, it falls off and crawls into the grass where it searches for a host such as a human to feed on.
The arm will often try to crawl back to its tree and if successful, will grow into a new maw.
A large, aggressive sea creature with a row of long, sharp teeth. It is covered in a thick layer of blubber to insulate it from the bitterly cold water.
Despite its large size, it can swim at remarkable speeds.
This predatory fish is commonly found far away from land. The fish will often travel in large schools which allow them to easily surround and catch their prey.
A type of slug that has developed the ability to generate a large amount of electricity. It lives among rocks on the seafloor and can camouflage itself to avoid detection.
Swimmers in the water are not commonly attacked, but touching the sea floor or other objects can lead to a nasty shock.
A large, flightless bird with sharp talons and a hooked beak. It is commonly found near the mountains where it picks at the bones of dead creatures and eats anything it can find.
A small, flightless bird common in forests and swamps. It is a omnivorous animal and will eat almost anything if it gets hungry enough.
A tiny, fragile insect that often travels in large groups. They are attracted to bright lights and will swarm around nearby flames.
The insect’s body is rich in nutrients and its blood is highly valued as a healing agent.
A plant that grows in arid environments and lays motionless until it detects the vibrations of footsteps nearby. The cattail will suddenly lash out its tail to trip up potential prey.
Its tail is coated in a toxic irritant.
A fungus that has developed the ability to walk around on long, thin legs. The ‘foot’ at the bottom can secrete a strong adhesive to keep it from falling over.
Cloud-eaters will often stand near one another and form a circle to intimidate larger creatures.
A semi-intelligent insect that has a durable chitin exoskeleton and large claws. It often travels in swarms and are capable of tearing apart prey much larger than themselves.
They can easily be killed with poison, but their shells are very hard to cut through otherwise.
A tiny flying insect that feeds on the blood of living creatures. It spends most of its life lurking in the shadows before swarming its prey and sucking their blood.
A single bite causes the victim to feel faint within a few minutes.
An aggressive, quadrupedal rodent mammal with large incisors that live in forests and plains. A pack of wolves can easily bring down a deer ten times faster than a single wolf could.
A feathered reptile that lives near or in large bodies of water. It has a long neck, small head, and a long tail and claws.
A single razorteeth is little threat to a grown man, but they are commonly found in large groups.
A large hoofed mammal which roams the plains and valleys of Uldaric. The deer are timid by nature and will often run away from potential danger.
Sources & references used in this article:
In vivo study of the anti-inflammatory effect of Rhus toxicodendron by AL Dos Santos, FF Perazzo, LGV Cardoso… – Homeopathy, 2007 – Elsevier
Clinical and immunologic features of systemic contact dermatitis from ingestion of Rhus (Toxicodendron) by SH Oh, CR Haw, MH Lee – Contact Dermatitis, 2003 – Wiley Online Library
Rhus (toxicodendron) dermatitis by TL Tanner – Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 2000 – primarycare.theclinics.com
