I’m looking forward to see what recipes are used and what the effects are. Maybe this post should be filed under a “food spoilage” thread, but there were certainly outbreaks of ergotism caused by a fungal rye pathogen which is the source of modern day LSD. This especially is documented in France, but I don’t know about the locality where this game is based. Nasty effects like vasoconstriction, gangrene, losing fingers toes and limbs, headeache, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, and death. Some suggest these outbreaks are tied to accusations of witchcraft and werewolves. So, even if you are poor… think twice before eating that moldy bread.
But back on topic, like @Ambaryerno said, herbalism is different from alchemy, though they often get lumped together. I swear I had a book called “Herbal Alchemy” with all sorts of recipes which depend on the season the plants are harvested and the lunar cycle…
Herbalism would be good for dealing with poison (like food poisoning or ergotism, hence my rant about it), sickness, infection, or temporary relief from fatigue, but I don’t think it would do much for a severed limb in battle.
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/1272611/black-knight-fight-o.gif