Bristleberry Oil

Common to the valleyed regions of Kur'Taloth, the 'berries' that grow on the Bristleberry plant can be refined into a versatile oil that is used for medicinal purposes, the creation of paints and (more commonly) a fuel source for lanterns.
Other vegetable or animal-fat oils may also be used for lantern fuel as well, but by far the most popular is Bristleberry Oil.

Properties

Material Characteristics

The oil is often transparent with a deep red-gold colour to it. The consistency of Bristleberry oil is almost silky to the touch, but isn't as dense or heavy as other oils.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Bristleberry oil is highly-flammable but slow-burning, making it ideal for use as lantern fuel. It is also used in cooking (especially as a binding agent) and in the creation of paints.
It's natural preservative properties make it very attractive for food purposes. Large quantities of barley and other grains being stored are often coated in Bristleberry oil.
Medically, the seeds and oil of the Bristleberry plant possess remarkable laxative qualities.

Compounds

The oil can be added to a mix of paint pigments and other materials to make a longer-lasting paint with a desirable consistency.
It is also used in medicinal remedies, due to its laxative properties, useful in relieving intestinal issues.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Fuel

By far, the most common fuel for lanterns is Bristleberry oil. It is readily available and affordable, and is slow-burning while not producing unpleasant smells. There are certain concontions where the scents of various flowers or herbs have been mixed into it, creating a pleasant fragrance as it burns in the lamp.

Binding Agent

For paints, adhesives and cooking, nothing beats the use of Bristleberry oil to keep a smooth, silky consistency to your mixture.

Preservative

Large stores of grain, predominantly barley, are lightly coated in Bristleberry oil to prevent them from rotting.

Lubricant

Bristleberry oil has better low-temperature viscosity properties and high-temperature lubrication than most vegetable oils, making it useful as a lubricant in mechanical creations. This has applications that include metal toys for children, maintenance of tools, wagons (anything with wheels) and even siege machines (ballistas and catapults).

Emolient

Perhaps not as well known are the moisturising properties of Bristleberry oil. It is mixed with other more fragrant oils and balms to create a cream that prevents the skin from drying out. This application is more common amongst the upper classes of Isturian society.

Laxative

As previously mentioned, the oil has laxative properties that, when mixed into food or drink, can aid in the relief of intestinal or stomach problems. A number of common medicinal remedies use Bristleberry oil as a complementary and binding ingredient to the compound.

Industrial Use

Being an efficient lubricant and lantern fuel, Bristleberry oil has been picked up by those burgeoning industries in Isturoth. Almost all indoor sources of light will utilise the oil (while outdoor ones have recently taken to more experimental compounds involving crude oil) and the new technological innovations that make use of gears and mechanisms will have need of Bristleberry oil to keep the machine running smoothly, from clockwork devices to siege machines.

Refinement

The fruit of the Bristleberry grows in small bunches. The "berries" themselves are not edible, but eventually they will dry and crack open, releasing the seeds contained within. These seeds can be cooked, processed and refined until the oil itself can be collected.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

All the by-products created from the creation of Bristleberry oil can be used in the production of fertiliser and high-protein animal-feed.

Environmental Impact

The production of Bristleberry can be carried out in a fairly environmentally-friendly way, provided by-products are sold on or disposed of.
However, recent industrial advancements in Isturoth have had negative effects on the farming of Bristleberry plants, which has had a negative effect on the output of the oil industry.

Type

Organic

Color

Red-gold