Muckbark

Muckbark is a colloquial tems for the branches of new Ashenwood trees that has had its bark stripped away. Ashewoood trees, often called Muck trees because they like to grow in loosely-packed, muddy soil, grow many thin finger-like branches during the warm, wet season. The tender flesh of the new growth is protected by tough scaled bark that must be stripped way to access the tender greenish white flesh beneath. This when gently dried and chewed acts as a powerful pain reliever and anti-inflametory. It is reportedly bitter and astringent in taste with a mild taste of citrus aftertaste, and smells sour like rotten milk. although the patients unlucky enough to need willow bark rarely complain about the taste for long.
Willow bark works quickly to relieve pain and generally the effects are felt for a few hours. Negative side effects can include drowsiness and a lack of awareness, unfortunately muckbark is a common source of allergies and some may break out in rashes and experience swelling of the mouth and eyes. Orcs do not possess the gene to be allergic to muckbark.

Manufacturing process

there are two common ways to consume muckbark. They both begin by cutting off a fresh branch and sharing the outer bark layer to reveal the gree-white flesh beneath, the wood is then tied with twine and hung in the sunlight for a few hours. this is to dry to outer layer and preserve the moisture within whilst making the effects more potent.
Alternatively the fresh peeled wood can be dropped into a bottle of 100 proof grain spirit and left to soak for at least three days. The chemicals in the wood are leeched into the spirit, then sips of the grain spirit can be administered. The liquid is faster absorbed and the mix lasts far longer than simply chewing on it. 
In orcish communities its common to boil the wood and inhale the vapors, this provides a much milder pain relief but take be taken more regularly with fewer harsh side effects. The remaining water can then be added to tea to further its use and can even be paired with Jester Weed tea to increase its potency.

Significance

Muck bark is significant in orc cultures as it has long been used to alliviate pain in their community it is also favoured by elders who suffer from athritis and joint pain, they may choose to chew on the bark directly or they may opt to boil the bark in an enclosed tent so that they can breathe in the vapors. Its considered a milestone of getting old when you are invited to the tent.

Item type

Drug / Narcotic / Medicine

Rarity

Muck Trees are fairly common to find and so muckbark as a form of medicine is accessable across the country. Physicians in lower wealth locations may opt to use it, but physicians of higher economic status may opt to use a refined version of the medicine by processing mukbark.