Restoration has always been a very strong talent tree for Shamans. The tree improves the Shamans' healing spells which have always been a very strong aspect of the Shaman class. As this talent tree was in a very good shape in Burning Crusade it hasn't received such a major overhaul like the Elemental or Enhancement trees. The existing strengths were expanded and a few gaps in the Shaman's arsenal were closed.

Shamans have always been able to imbue their weapons with special enchants, increasing their combat performance. Unfortunately there had never been an enchant of any value to a healing Shaman. Wrath of the Lich King introduced Earthliving Weapon, a weapon enchant that not only boost the healing spellpower but also able to add a heal over time effect to the target if it triggers.

As this enchant was not enough to close the gap of a missing HoT spell the Shaman received such a spell with his new 51 point talent. Riptide is an instant spell with a respectable heal followed by a 15 second heal over time effect. This HoT can be consumed for a 25% buff to Chain Heal, if the Chain Heal is targeted on the player with the Riptide HoT. To make this spell even more valueable the Shaman receives a haste bonus for his healing Wave spells whenever he casts Riptide - provided he get the necessary talent for this effect.