Shopping For Herbs
This was actually Song Jia's first visit to the Treasure Pavilion in their city. Before this, the other members of the clan were the ones usually tasked to buy items here.
She took time looking around inside. She still had enough money left to buy a few inexpensive items.
'Jia! Those on the shelf! You don't have those in here. Although you can probably find those in the market like in that place, it's still good to plant it here. That way, if you can't reach any nearby stores, you can just get it from here!'
What Crystal said made sense. So she didn't hesitate and told the assistant that she'll purchase those herbs.
They had Ashwagandha which is used as both a sedative, an anti-inflammatory aid, and an aphrodisiac. It's a woody shrub that grows up to 36" tall and wide with small chartreuse flowers, and prefers full sun and consistent water.
Treasure Pavilion also has brahmi, epazote, feverfew, holy basil, marshmallow, mullein, indian tobacco, sorrel, fairywand and others.
Brahmi which is a herbaceous ground cover that loves lots of moisture, and can even thrive in a water garden. It's been used for centuries as an anti-anxiety, stress reliever, and pain reliever. It has lovely white blooms that grow 6" high and wide.
Epazote contains properties believed to reduce gas associated with ingesting bean dishes. It grows with green leaves and pale green flowers, and requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Feverfew is an aromatic herb that has small yellow and white flowers with a strong citrus scent. It's been used for ages as a fever and headache reducer. The medicinal parts of the plant are its flowers and leaves.
Holy basil treats a wealth of ailments including colds, flu, respiratory infections, and aches and pains. With green or red leaves and pink flowers that grow up to 18" tall.
Marshmallow has gray green leaves and small pink flowers. It treats inflammation and irritation.
Mullein is a rare herb that has yellow flowers. The leaves of this plant are thought to address lung issues, coughs, and laryngitis.
Indian Tobacco has yellow flowers. In smaller doses, it's considered a stimulant, but in larger doses, the effect is opposite, acting as a nerve depressant. Overdosing can lead to severe depression.
Sorrel is filled with many health benefits, and is said to be good for kidney health, reduce the risk of heart disease, improve eyesight and optimize the body's immune system. It could even kill certain types of cancer cells.
Fairywand has arching, plume-like spikes of tiny, densely-packed white or pink flowers. It is used to treat menstrual problems and improve fertility.
She also bought some that could be used for cooking as well.
Parsley improves blood sugar levels, and is a great source of Vitamin K, which can support bone and heart health.
Chervil has a licorice flavor and is a great balance for egg dishes. It is known for its antioxidant effects, chevil may play a role in treating diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Cilantro can give an extra boost of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Chamomile is known for its soothing effects and is said to help with sleep, ease anxiety, and help upset stomachs.
Anise hyssop adds a mild, minty, licorice flavor to salads and vegetable dishes. Fresh or dried leaves can be made into tea while the seeds are used as a substitute for anise in baking.
Starflower has cucumber flavored leaves that are commonly used for teas and other beverages. The bright, star-shaped blue flowers make an eye-catching garnish for salads, open-faced sandwiches, and dips while adding a hint of flavor.
Lettuce-leaf basil has brilliantly green leaves that grow up to 5 inches long and have a crinkled appearance like lettuce leaves. The milder, sweet flavor makes them excellent for wrapping chicken or fish for grilling, and their large size and subdued taste lend themselves for use in salads or on sandwiches.
Lovage has a bright and fresh celery flavor, leaves can be added to salads, used to flavor marinades, soups, chilis, and dips.
Stevia's leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar and can be used either fresh or dried.
Sweet cicely relieves stomach aches and coughs. The sweet anise-flavored leaves can be cooked like spinach or used raw in salads or egg dishes. Stalks can be chopped and used similarly to celery, and the roots are often boiled or used to make wine.
Toothache plants ease toothaches' pain. The leaves or attractive golden yellow flowers that can be chewed for a few seconds to induce a tingling or numbing sensation in your mouth.
Vietnamese coriander can be used as a replacement for peppermint and has a very strong, smoky flavor.
After looking around, she decided she's had enough. She called the assistant to settle the bill.
When the assistant gathered all of the items she selected on the table, she realized that she picked out too many. She wondered if the money she brought would be enough.
"Hold on, do you also buy or exchange items here?"
"Yes, Young Master, we also have an appraiser to examine the item..Would Young Master like to sell or exchange an item?"
"Hmm..Indeed. I have a few items here that I'd like to sell.."
"Great! Then I'll just call the Appraiser.." The assistant left quickly and came back not too long with a middle-aged man behind him.
"Elder, the Young Master would like to sell an item. If you could assist us.."
"Greetings, Young Master.. What would you like to sell?"
With a wave of her hand, a few jade bottles appeared.
She took out some of the Sanguis Draconis, Inedia Pill, Bigu Pill, and Essence Pill.
The appraiser easily examined the items. These were basic pills but they were refined well.
"All is good." Then he whispered words to the assistant who nodded.
The appraiser excused himself as he still had plenty of things to do.
"Young master, it will be…" The assistant gave her the grand total of the items she sold. He also gave her the total of the items she wanted to purchase. It was more than the amount of money she brought with her.
She sighed. " Alright. Then I'll sell those pills.."
The assistant calculated it and it was enough to settle the bill and still receive extra pieces of silver out of it. She was satisfied with the transaction.
"Young master, all of the items are inside this spatial ring. Many thanks for visiting Treasure Pavilion today. Come again soon!"
Song Jia put away the ring in her space and let Crystal rummaged through it so she could start planting the herbs in the Spirit Artifact.
They didn't linger anymore and left the Treasure Pavilion.
"You bought a lot today, young master.." Lu Ping was relieved that her mistress had items that she was able to sell earlier, if not, then it will be quite troublesome to ask them to return it.
"Yeah! I went ahead of myself picking so many items hahaha..that made me hungry.. Look at that! Let's get some of those.."
She saw a food stall selling dumplings and noodles.
"I'd like 2 servings of dumplings and bowls of noodles." She told the man behind the food stall who quickly named the price.
"Here.." As Song Jia was about to pay for the food, she noticed that the money pouch that was attached to her waist was gone.
Her brow knitted together in a frown. 'Darn it! How did I not notice it? Don't tell me the thieves in this world are extraordinary too? Tsk..I really want to eat the dumplings and noodles..'
"Here. And get me another 2 servings of the same.." A deep voice sounded close to her ear. A scent that she had the opportunity to smell not too long ago. She turned her head to look at the man beside her.