[SA/Mod] - Natural Medicines

[Draco122 411]

Since the mods latest patch 1.7.7 and its hotfix 1.7.7.1, Infection seems to still be an issue. Many people insist on increasing the spawns of Antibiotics, I however have a solution.

The implementation of Natural Medicines in the mod and potentially in the standalone itself.

How they will work:

Natural Medicines would be a kind of crafting element, you'd need some specific tools in order to create said medical concoction in order to cure yourself. The effect for game play purposes would be less effective than the antibiotics you would find in a hospital.

These natural remedies would for example only have a smaller percentage chance of healing you instantly and certainly would not cure you on the first dosage unlike Anti-Biotics. However all is not lost, for each continuous dosage you take, the infection gradually decreases in it's potency (Loose less blood, takes longer to kill you). With each dose (set after a cool down period between each one) would gradually decrease the effect of infection on the player until the Infection was completely elimanated.

You'd be able to make three known types, for the mod, I recommended method #3 only as it's possibly the simplest to do, given the modifications possible restrictions and to save time creating additional content.

• Powders - With a special tool, herbs can be grounded up into a fine powder, taken on their own or added to certain food items, to give them a bonus medicinal effect upon their consumption which aids in fighting infection.
  

• Ointment - With the use of a special item in the crafting process, an ointment can be created, storing it in a suitable container and can be used regularly, applied to open wounds or bandages to give them an infection fighting effect.
  

• Infusion - With a suitable container and a series of steps involving multiple tools, a player can create a herbal tea by combining the herbs with boiled water giving it a bonus in fighting infection.
  

One of these "special items", is a Pestle and Mortar, relatively common to uncommon and possible more common in rural areas where modern medicine is often in short supply.

In regards to Method 3, the Infusion, here are the steps required to make it:

1. Collection of prepared herbs (crushed with the pestle and mortar)
   
2. A fireplace
   
3. A Canteen of purified/boiled Water
   
4. A suitable container to store them in (Empty Canteen)
   
5. A suitable container to cook them in (Tin Can/Soda Can)
   

The Herbs:

Many medicinal herbs have been used for centuries, being used to fight Infection. Here are some fairly common herbs which can be used:

• Garlic -
  

Garlic has been used worldwide for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. This wonder plant treats everything from a simple earache to pneumonia, MRSA, Helicobacter pylori, the flu and even the black plague.

Contemporary research has confirmed that garlic possesses numerous antioxidants that kill bacteria and free radicals in the blood protecting the immune system and making it stronger. Garlic's active ingredient allicin can also attack and destroy a variety of viruses -- unlike modern antibiotics -- as well as fugal infections, such as candida. Taking garlic supplements as a prophylactic may help to protect against various pathogens and prevent the onset of disease

• Echinacea -
  

Echinacea has been used for hundreds of years to strengthen the immune system and fight a variety of infections. Traditionally, echinacea was used to treat open wounds, diptheria, cellulitis, blood poisoning, syphilitic lesions and other bacterial-related diseases. Although it's mostly used today for fighting colds and flu, this potent herb possesses the ability to destroy the most virulent bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus which causes deadly MRSA.

• Sage -
  

Common sage is grown in parts of Europe for distillation of an essential oil. Salvia and "sage" are derived from the Latin salvere (to save), referring to the healing properties long attributed to the various Salvia species. It has been recommended at one time or another for virtually every ailment by various herbals. Modern evidence shows possible uses as an antisweating agent, antibiotic, antifungal, astringent, antispasmodic, estrogenic, hypoglycemic, and tonic.

Where could they be found?:

Any of these herbs could be found anywhere in Chernarus, it would give players another incentive to use the woods other than hunting for Pigs and Rabbits.

[spinager 152]

Would be pretty cool. How would we find the herbs? Spawned loot? Certain areas in the map? Certain shrubs? Would be cool if people controlled the areas lol

[dutch_miller 159]

Penicillin as well. I like the idea, as well as Berkut's idea of having them be area specific - in essence a limited resource that could be controlled by groups of people.

[Rhomeozon 3]

I love this idea, natural medicine, use of crafting system, and use of herbs around the map, I really hope they add this!!

[joe_mcentire 2073]

how about:

camomille, stinging nettle, honey

[Michaelvoodoo25 3120]

Great idea, I hope the SA crafting element includes such ideas.

I would love this in game, would add a further dimension to being a medic. Infected leg? just piss on it. I wonder who would do that stop motion animation.

[LoulouMekna 10]

Yeah, I am thinking of something. Have you ever seen the movie Into the Wild ?

The main character has a book upon all plants he could find in the area he wants to go (Alaska).

Why not implement a in-game book, which contains all kind of plants and vegetable, the way to prepare it, and advices to recognize them

We could find too the dangerous one, which can be lethal or just bad for the health.

In the movie, (yes i'm spoiling but I think most of the people saw it), Alexander died because he thought one plant (edible) was another (lethal), and this is why he died, he found his error at the next page of his book !

It would increase the realism in game, and for example, in a team, only one of the player could become a specialist of plant, and prepare all the things while his friends are looting.

And then it adds an interest to have basecamp.

Edited June 20, 2013 by LoulouMekna

[Schmeddy 9]

I was literally thinking of this idea a few days ago! But yeah with the new crafting system in SA this better be in!

[DemonGroover 8836]

Chicken soup = cures all known diseases

[enforcer1975 1111]

Good idea but it isn't done with just "adding water and let it sit for 3 minutes" even if it is a game otherwise the sickness wouldn't have an impact on the players life. And i don't think you can't use it every 5 minutes, something with immunity like with antibiotics etc...

Edited June 20, 2013 by Enforcer

[Farkinob 19]

I think it would be gnarly and give incentive to travel around the map in the woods

[nabehobby 13]

Sounds good!

I really like the idea of herb medicine. 

[Rkelt 46]

I like the idea

[SalamanderAnder (DayZ) 1747]

You forgot Elderberry. Elderberry tea is proven to help fight the flu.

[NagsterTheGangster 388]

im liking it, itll be nice to hear people are mugging for herbs lol