A Herbology Compendium
Year One Review
Asphodel
Royal Staff
Asphodel is a member of the lily family. It has white flowers with a brown streak.
Ancient Greeks associated Asphodel with death. It is sacred to the Goddess Persephone. She is Goddess of spring and of the Underworld.
Uses
Asphodel can be used in cooking:
- The leaves wrap bur rata cheese.
- The flowers make honey.
- The buds infuse olive oil.
Asphodel is an ingredient in the:
- Draught of Living Death
- Wiggenweld (awaken from magically induced sleep)
Bouncing Bulb
Resilio bulbus
Bouncing bulb is a magical plant. To care for the plant it likes a neutral pH.
The bouncing bulb likes a bright room.
The bouncing bulb likes to be watered with centaur tears.
Caution
The hazard for this plant is that it is jumping. It needs to be restrained. It grows to be very large (like a door).
It could cause you some damage. The bulb is aggressive it will jump towards the face.
The plant is useful for the pomion potion. This potion turns a head into a pumpkin. It is just temporary.
For protection it is important to learn some spells.
The Knockback jinx is used to subdue the smaller bulbs. The incantation is Flipendo. The wand movement is complicated. It is a check mark, a hill and a valley.
The Incendio Spell is needed for the larger bulbs. The incantation is Incendio. The wand movement is a flame shape or a slash.
Fire causes the bulb to wilt.
Photo credit:http://flowershowminis.com/2013/01/13/magical-plants-with-muggle-thumbs-part-2/
Bubotuber
Bubotuber is found in Scotland
It looks like a black slug. It can squirm like a slug.
If you squeeze it, there is yellow pus. It smells like petrol.
Bubotuber likes dark, nutrient rich soil. It does not need a lot of sunlight. It likes the cold.
The recommended fertiliser is dragon dung.
Caution
Uses
Bubotuber has medicinal use:
- The pus treats acne. It must be diluted.
Photo credit:http://www.thaithesims3.com/topic.php?topic=96818&page=3
Centaur tears
- Centaur tears are richer in vitamins than water
- There are always abundant plants where the centaurs live
- Centaur tears are reviving. They can revitalise a neglected or damaged plant.
- Centaur tears are toxic for salt water plants.
- The centaurs are very intelligent. The tears should be collected with care. Only some special people may collect them.
devils snare
Devils Snare is found in Scotland, in the highlands and in the lowlands.
It is from the nightshade family.
It grows in dark and damp areas. It can be found in caves and swamps.
It can be recognised because it has swaying tendrils. They are vivid green.
The tendrils have sense of touch
Caution
- Devil's snare constricts and it strangles.
- The more the victim moves the tighter the hold.
- It causes asphyxiation.
- The victim may need first aid spell for this if rescued.
- If the victim is relaxed he will be dropped.
- It does not like light.
- It does not like heat.
- It is possible to use a light spell, Incendio to combat Devil's Snare.
Uses
Devils Snare has a medicinal use:
- It is a hallucinogen. It can produce visions.
- It can be used as an analgesic during surgery
- It can be used to treat asthma
Photo credit: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/File:Devil_Snare_details_(Concept_Artwork)_2.JPG
dittany
Dittany likes warmth and sunlight
Dittany grows best with a neutral pH soil
Uses
- This is a restorative herb.
- It helps skin grow over a wound.
- It can prevent a scar.
- It is used in love potions. It is associated with romance.
Dragon Dung
- This is created by a fire breathing dragon
- This is a fertiliser. It is a strong fertiliser.
- Dragon dung is good to put in compost. It breaks organic matter down. This is because of the acid from the dragon stomach.
- There is no scent. This is good for the plant and the gardener.
- The dragon uses all the gas to create their fire
Dragon hide gloves & protective equipment
The essential tools are:
- dragon hide gloves
- wand
- earmuffs
- closed toe shoes
You should always wear dragon hide gloves when handling:
- Mandrake
- Nettle
- Roses
- Wolfsbane
Fluxweed
It is a member of the mustard family.
For use in potions it is picked at the full moon.
Uses
Fluxweed is an ingredient in the:
Polyjuice potion (turns into somebody else)
Gillyweed
Gillyweed is native to the Mediterranean sea.It grows between 5 and 7cm. It is a slimy grey-green plant.
Gillyweed grows in moderately alkaline soil (pH 7.9-8.4). It requires a lot of water.It requires little sunlight.
Uses
If you drink Gillyweed, you grow gills
- For an hour in fresh water
- For up to three hours in salt water
Gillyweed is used in cooking
- It is a refreshing drink
Photo credit:http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Gillyweed
Gurdyroot
Gurdyroots are found in many different places.
The plant looks like a green onion. It has a strong distinctive spell.
This is not a pleasant spell.
The Gurdyroot needs soil with nutrients. It requires moderate water.
The Gurdyroot will grow larger if it is sunny. It can grow to 15cm diameter.
The pot must be 7.5 larger than the bulb.
The plant is vulnerable to attack by bugs. This is both magical and mundane bugs. It is necessary to cast a protective spell.
Uses
The Gurdyroot is useful to ward off evil. This is because of the foul smell.
Gurdyroot is used in potions.
The Gurdyroot infusion can also be made. It is red-purple in colour. It taste of bogeys. I am not sure why you would need to drink this.
The Gurdyroot will ward off the gulping plimpies. It is not certain that these creatures exist.
Photo credit:http://www.hogwartsishere.com/library/book/1361/read/?chapter=110
Knotgrass
Knotgrass grows in the forbidden forest. It is also found in Europe.
It can represent tying together.
Knotgrass grows from 5cm to 4m. The flowers are pink, white or greenish.
There are varieties which are vines and varieties which live in ponds.
Knotgrass likes slight acid to neutral soil (pH 6.1-7.3).
It likes lots of water and lots of sun.
Uses
Knotgrass can be eaten. It is best cooked.
Knotgrass is used in Chinese medicine to treat a urinary tract infection
Knotgrass is an ingredient in the
- Polyjuice (assume the form of someone else)
- Knotgrass Mead (alcoholic drink)
- Love potions
Leaping Toadstool
It is a magical mushroom.
It has the ability to jump.
The leaping toadstool is found in the forbidden forest.
Photo credit:http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Leaping_Toadstool
Lilly
The flowers vary in colour, orange, yellow, blue, white, pink & purple.
The flowers have different shapes too.
The Lily plants grow to 3 metres.
Lillies are grown from bulbs. The flower and leaves die back in winter.
The bulb is planted 1/4 inch deep in soil.
Lillies like nutrient rich soil.
Lillies like 5-6 hours of sunlight.
Lillies require regular water.
Uses
Lillies have medicinal uses.
Lily flowers can help regulate the heart rate.
Lillies can be used in treat angina.
Lilly flowers can be used to treat burns. The roots of the lily can also treat burns. This is in ointment.
Lilly flowers can be used to prevent scars from forming.
Lillies can treat spider bites
Lillies can help a person after a stroke
Tea made from lilies helps:
- coughs and colds
- fevers
- stomach ailments
- wounds
- sores
- swelling and bruises
Lovage
Lovage is a plant like celery. The flowers are yellow or greenish/yellow.
Uses
Lovage can be used in cooking.
- The root is a vegetable
- The leaves can be used in salads.
- The seeds are a spice.
Lovage has medicinal uses
- It is used for digestion
- It can be brewed as a tea. It is used as an antiseptic.
Lovage is an ingredient in:
- Confusing draught
- Befuddlement draught
Mandrake
Mandragora
Mandrake belongs to the nightshade family. It is found in European countries.
Below ground it is shaped like a parsnip. It has wrinkled roots which look like a man.
Above ground it looks like a tobacco plant. It grows 5-40cm tall. It has white/green or purple flowers. It has red/orange berries. The berries are not toxic.
To repot you must wear dragon hide gloves and ear muffs.
- It likes a medium to heavy soil
- The concentration of water is equal to 3/4 of its weight
Cautions
- When it is uprooted the mandrake screams.
- If heard the screams cause death. There is no cure.
- After one death has occurred there is no more screams.
- In medieval times a dog was ties to the mandrake to harvest it. This would be the end of the dog.
- It is possible to uproot safely. You must wear earmuffs and then place in aquatandisu potion.
- A young plant cannot kill but will put the hearer into a coma.
- If a person slips into a coma from contact with a mandrake, wash the spot of contact and immediately send for a trained healer.
Uses
Mandrake has medicinal uses:
- It causes hallucinations
- It contains hypnotic (induce sleep)
- It contains anticholinergic (inhibit parasympathetic nervous system). This can cause asphyxiation.
- It causes coma
- Sleeping potion
- Love potions
- Cure for Petrification - Mandrake restorative draught
Mistletoe
Leaves and Berries
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant. It feeds from the host plant.
The berry is found in Northern Europe and North America.
The berry of mistletoe is small, white and waxy. They grow in groups.
They must be harvested when ripe. This is usually December. They can be stored for a week.
The leaf is yellow - green. Both the berry and leaf are toxic.
Cautions
- The berry can cause a stomach upset
- The dried mistletoe can cause hallucinations
Uses
The berry is used for treating circulatory and respiratory problems, and can act as a diuretic, calming agent, preventer of asthmatic attacks and hypertension.
Mistletoe is used in protective and healing potions.
Mistletoe is an ingredient in the:
- Antidote to common poison
- Forgetfullness potion
Mooncalf dung
- This is a fertiliser.
- It is gentle compared to dragon dung. It is better for sensitive plants.
- But also it is not as powerful
- It is not recommended for poor soils
- It can only be harvested at the full moon before the sun rises.
- The mooncalf only comes out at full moon.
Motherwort
Lion's Ear / Lion's Tail / Throw wort
Motherwort is part of the mint family.
The flowers are bell shaped. The flowers are pink or lilac.
Uses
Motherwort is medicinal
- It can be used to treat uterine infection.
- It is a vasodilator
- It is a muscle relaxant
- It is used to treat mad dog bites.
nettle
It is also called stinging nettle.
The stinging is caused by the injection of histamine.
Caution
The nettle will sting on contact.
This is usually a mild irritant. It is however pain.
Dragon hide gloves should be worn to prevent stings.
If stung a compress of dock leaves can be used to relieve the pain.
Uses
Nettles are used in cooking.
- The dried leaves can make a tea.
- It can be made into wine.
- It is eaten in soup in Eastern and Northern Europe.
- The leaves can be eaten. It is like spinach. It is soaked to remove the sting.
Nettle is used in beauty products. It helps the glossiness of your help
Nettle is medicinal:
- In Germany it is used in the treatment of arthritis.
- It can be used in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia
- Old English believed it promoted lactation
- Applying stinging nettles to sting was used to treat rheumatism
Nettle is an ingredient in the:
- Cure for Boils (fresh)
- Herbicide potion (dried)
peppermint
Peppermint is a mint plant. It grows to 90cm tall. The flowers are purple.
Uses
Peppermint is used in flavouring in confectionary, tea and beauty product. Honey can be made from the flowers.
It has medicinal uses:
- It is used to treat nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- It is used to treat indigestion, irritable bowel and bloating.
- It is an antispasmodic
- It may help with memory.
Peppermint is an ingredient in the:
- Elixir to Induce Euphoria
Rat root
acorus calamus, flag root, sweet rush, sweet myrtle, sea sledge.
Rat root is a water plant. It grows in damp soil. It grows to a metre.
Its leaves taste bitterIts rhizomes (root like ginger) may be used as a ginger substitute.
Rat root likes lots of sun and water.
Seeds are ripe in July/August. It flowers in May/July.
Cautions
Rat root is toxic.
It can be used against womenfolk.
It can be used to cause harm to others.
Uses
Rat root has medicinal uses:
- Abortifacient
- Anodyne (pain relief)
- Anthelmintic (expel parasitic worms)
- Aphrodisiac (used in some love potions)
- Carminative (prevents formation of gas in the gut)
- Counters hallucinogens
- Diurectic
- Hallucinogen
- Laxative
- Otalgic (it cures earache)
- Sedative
- It has been used to treat burns, tooth ache, eye disease, cough
- It has been used to aid recovery from stroke
- It can be used a digestive aid
- It can be used as a calming tonic.
Rat root has been used in floor covering. It has a nice smell.
ROse
Roses are a shrub. They have a distinctive flower.
Roses are dormant in winter.
There are different colours of flowers; red, pink, white, orange, yellow, green and blue.
The shrubs grow to around 7 metres.
Roses require full sunlight. The plants need plenty of water. The roots should be soaked.
Roses prefer acidic soil. The pH should be 5.5-7.0.
Dragon dung is the best fertiliser to be used.
The thorn of the rose is used in potions.
The effect of rose thorns is brief and unstable.
Uses
Rose oil is used in medicine. The rose oil is made from the petals. There are many uses.1. Eye diseases/ (as a tea) and to treat cataracts (from skin of the roots)
2. Burns
3. influenza
4. Stomach problems / as a digestive stimulant
5. Diarrhea
6. Chronic finger sores
7. Snow blindness (with an eyewash using petals, stem bark, and skin of the roots)
8. Astringent/ for skin lotions
9. Sore throats
10. Treats rabid dog bites
11. To stop nosebleeds
12. To ease muscular pain/ antispasmodic
13. Antidepressant /ease depression and anxiety
14. Used in love potions
15. Can decrease kidney stones
16. Menstrual regulator (may be mixed with motherwort for cases of heavy flow too)
17. Helps with kidneys
18. Cleansing properties
19. Anti-inflammatory
20. Source of vitamin C
21. Seeds are diuretic
22. Seeds are a laxative
23. Potions with dried petals treat headaches
24. Soaking a cloth in cool rose water may be applied to the forehead to help treat headaches
25. Scent in potions may relieve colic (muggles may use Rosehip tincture)
26. Eases a cough
27. May be used to treat dry skin
28. May be used in a potion to relieve itching for women
29. Combining Rose water with witch hazel makes a potion to help clear up skin with pimples/acne
30. Adding rose oil to bath water helps ease grief, and sometimes insomnia as well
31. Rose tea helps relieve stress
32. Has been used to prevent scurvy by consumption
33. Eases colds
34. Eases fevers
35. Decreases swelling of puffy skin by compressing with rose water
36. Scent in some potions may induce sleep
37. Can help regulate blood thickness
38. Rose oil is known to be antiviral
39. Rose oil is known to be antibacterial
40. Rose oil and rose water are known to be Antiseptic
Shrivelfig
Shrivelfig is found best in Abyssina (Ethiopia).
The flowers grow inside the fruit. The flowers are purple. The fruit is purple.
It is a deciduous plant.
Uses
Shrivelfigs are an ingredient in the:
- Elixir to Induce Euphoria
- Shrinking potion
Photo credit: http://leviathandy.deviantart.com/art/Abyssinian-Shrivelfig-425637565
Soil
Wizards can test their home gardens using a Spell to test the soil.
The incantation for the Spell is "Acidious revelrous"
The Spell reveals, in the form of white mist, the number of the pH level your soil is
The soil can be made more alkaline by adding finely ground limestone
The soil can be made more acidic by adding ground sulphur
Acid soil
- Knotgrass
- Rose
- Valerian
Neutral soil
- Bouncing bulb
- Dittany
- Knotgrass
Alkaline soil
- Gillyweed
Snakeweed
Snakeweed is a magical plant.
Uses
Snakeweed is used in cooking:
- It is used to make snakeweed tea.
- It is used in Northern English pudding
Snakeweed is medicinal
- It treats ulcerative sores
- It treats stomach ailments
- The root is an astringent
Valerian
All-heal
Valerian is found in Europe and Asia. It has migrated to North America
Valerian grows to 5 feet. This is just under 2 metres. It has white flowers.
Valerian requires at least 7 hours of sun. It can be grown from root division or see. It likes strong acid (pH 4.5-5.0)
Valerian leaves are harvested in spring or autumn. Valerian flowers are harvested in the summer.
Uses
Valerian flower was used in perfume in 16th century. It is pink or white flowers.
In legend in Sweden Valerian is used by the groom to ward off elves at his wedding.
Valerian has medical uses:
- It is a sedative. It can treat insomnia. It can make you sleepy if you inhale too deep.
- It is a anxiolytic. It alleviates anxiety.
- It has been used as an anti-convulsant and migraine treatment.
- You should not fly a broom or apparate after taking Valerian
Valerian is an ingredient in the:
- Treacle fudge
- Draught of living death
- Draught of peace
- Forgetfulness potion
Wolfsbane
Aconite / Monkshood
Wolfsbane is native to the Northern hemisphere. It is found in the mountains and in the forests. It is believed to have originated in what is today called Turkey.
Its flower and root is used in potions. The leaves are dark green. They look like a hand with the fingers extended. The flowers are blue/purple. The flowers are at the top of a tall stem. One of the petals, the galea, looks like a hood. This is why it is called monkshood.
Wolfsbane prefers shade.
Cautions
The leaves are very toxic. The root is also used as a poison.
Wolfsbane can be fatal to animals. This is including people
- The poison is used in hunting in many parts of the world.
- The leaves were used in kill animals in medieval times.
- Gloves must be worn when picking the leaves
- Make sure you have no cuts on your hand.
- Do not leave the root behind. It is poisonous to animals.
Uses
It can be used in Ayurvedic, Chinese and ancient Greek and Roman medicine. It must be used in very small quantities or first it must be detoxified.
- It is an anodyne. It lessens pain by acting on the central nervous system. It can paralyse and block sensation.
- It is a diuretic. It increases expluision of water from the body.
- It is a diaphoretic. It increases perspiration
- It affects the circulation. It slows the pulse very much.
Wolfsbane is an ingredient in the:
- Draught of living death
- Wolfsbane potion
Wormwood
Absinthe
Wormwood is found in Europe and Northern Africa.
It is associated with sorrow and bitterness.
Wormwood grows to 2 metres tall. The leaves are between 2-8 inches. It is wood-like roots.
Wormwood needs salty water. It likes dry soil. It likes nitrogen rich soil.
Uses
Healers use Wormwood to heal digestive ailments.
Properties of Wormwood include the ability to induce sweating, stimulate the imagination, increase hunger, settle stomach, and is a counter-irritant (reduces pain)
It can be used to enhance psychic abilities.
It can be used in alcoholic drinks.
Wormwood is an ingredient in the:
- Draught of the Living Death.
- Elixir to Induce Euphoria.
- Shrinking Solution.