Next time, read it.
It is possible to eventually fail your first run running out of food and resources. Since you're eating raw food, you're well on your way to failing the mod already by running out of resources. Running out of food is not an option. Starved party members in this mod die.
The mod is best played with a practice party for a couple of hours with at least 1 farmer. A farmer can cook and mine without books.
Then when you understand the basics of the mod and made your way to ratling town, it's usually the best time to restart the mod with a good party without a farmer

You will come across plenty of nasty situations that will be agonizing hard if you don't properly plan for it

Speed and efficiency in your looting runs from the base are essential.
The slower you play, the harder you will make it for yourself. Everything is currency (even time to some sorts)
And all currency/items you come across should be exchanged into red gems and then buy herbs with these red gems to become a stronger party.
Holy water I believe is to cure yourself from "curse" It's a nasty permanent debuff where your character stops receiving experience and becomes weaker. And a lot of harder enemies will simply inflict it on you by hitting you.
The only thing you can do is not get hit or you're fucked.
Same with the flying enemies giving permanent blindness = fucked as well.
Most of the stuff you come across is also optional.
And I suggest to read through this entire topic to get more info