HERBALISM ENCYCLOPEDIA: LEVEL 1

for use in basic herbalism and potion-making

2012 Dragonhorn School library

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Table of Contents:

HERBS BEGINNING WITH:

B...3C...4D...5

E-F...6G...8H...9

J-K...10L...11M...12N...14P...15R...16S...17V...18

W-Y...19

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BASIL (American Dittany, Sweet Basil, St. Josephs Wort)!! Basil was first cultivated in India and Asia, where this important herb was used for over 5,000 years by both magical and non-magical people. Its name comes from the Greek (basileus), or king.! Basil has a variety of uses, including the treatment of stress, asthma, and potentially cancer. It is used in potions and spells related to those ailments, but also for magic pertaining to wealth, prosperity, protection, love, and even exorcism. Considering the multitude of uses Basil has, it truly could be considered the king of herbs.

BUBALORA! Bubalora are magical plants of North American origin. They bloom with white, pale pink, or pale blue flowers in the early spring and often do not whither until autumn. ! These flowers produce one large bubble at a time, which is formed from the nectar inside the plant. These bubbles are infused with magical properties that can be harnessed by care fu l l y collecting them and bottling them. The flowers themselves also are highly magical and prized for their use in several potions and beauty products. If the bubbles are not collected after a few days, they will grow too large for the plant to sustain and will cause the plant to droop to the ground, where the impact often causes the bubble to pop, dispersing the magic within.

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BURDOCK! Producing both flowers and thistles, burdock contains many parts which all have their uses in magic. Basic uses include healing burns, warding against negative energy, protection against dark magic, and blood purification.! The roots of burdock can be confused with the roots of belladonna, and therefore care should be taken when classifying.

CELANDINE(Greater Celandine, Tetterwort)!! A member of the poppy family, celandine has many uses. The inside of the stem contains a yellow latex sap which can be used as a caustic on wounds. The roots are used for healing tooth ailments. The above-ground bits are used as a detoxifier, and in spells and potions to heal warts, ease depression, impart joy, and to escape entrapments and imprisonments.

CLOVE!! Both the cloves, when dried, and the oil of this plant can be used, and in fact have been used in Indonesian magic for quite some time. The two main uses of this plant are for numbing, and in strengthening the memory of the user.

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CUCUMBER

! Originally from India, cucumbers are now grown worldwide. Though the actual fruit does not have many magical uses, the seeds can be used for lunar magic and spells.! Japanese wizards claim that, if one encounters a kappa, a fierce and dangerous water creature, that carving your family name into the cucumber and offering it to the beast will stop it from attacking.

DAISY(Common Daisy, English Daisy)!! Daisies originated in Europe but have since been naturalized in North and South America, and with good reason; these flowers have very powerful magical uses. Their oil can be used on bandages to lessen bleeding, to heal wounds and bruises, and to help heal acne. Since the entire flowerhead closes at night, if they are picked during the day they can be used in sun-related

spells; if picked at night and stored in the dark, they can be used in lunar magic.

DEVILS SNARE! The Devils Snare is a dangerous plant hailing from the tropics, but today it can also be found in Europe and North America. ! This plant thrives in darker and damper environments and only requires sunlight when it is a seedling. It traps prey with long tendrils. Fight against this plant with spells of fire or light.

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DEVILS CLAW

(Grapple Plant, Wood Spider)!! Devils Claw is found naturally in South America, but is grown by North American wizards for its f a n t a s t i c a n t i - i n f l a m m a t o r y properties. This plant can also be used to treat lower back pain and to relieve general pain. It can even be used to reduce fever.

EUCALYPTUS! Found natively in Australia, the eucalyptus tree has several important magical uses.! The oil is highly flammable; trees are actually known to explode is they catch fire. Thus the oil and leaves of this plant are often used in incendiary spells and potions. The oil can also be used as a cleaning product, and the other parts of the plant are used in cures for cold symptoms.

FERN SEEDS

! The main magical usage of the fern plant can be found in the spores; these can be used for invisibility if used with a very careful hand. Using too few will result in no apparent magic, and using too many can be dangerous.! Ferns also have an interesting magical relation with metal: ferns tend to absorb the magical properties and effects of metals and cancel them out.

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FLAX(Common Flax, Linseed)

!! Flax has been used since the very first civilizations sprang to life in Mesopotamia. It was used to make cloth, but as wizards would learn, it has other more magical uses.! Flax, perhaps because of its usage as a cash crop, has high connections to finances and money, which can be channeled through the seeds. The seed pods are poisonous and should not be consumed. Otherwise, flax flowers when used in amulets can protect against lesser magic.! The oil from flax, sometimes called linseed oil, has a multitude of uses. It has incredible drying properties, and can also be used for anti-inflammation. The oil does not last long, however, and needs to be kept refrigerated or it will become rancid.

FLUXWEED

(Herb Sophia, Flixweed)!! This is an herb that has been used by herbalists for ages due to its healing properties. It can be used to treat wounds, coughs and throat ailments, asthma (herbal infusion), sciatica (seeds), and, when combined with other magical components, it is able to treat broken bones. If picked at the full-moon and stored p r o p e r l y , f l u x w e e d t a k e s o n m a g i c a l transformative qualities. However, this plant is also highly poisonous parts and thus should be used with care. ! Interestingly, fluxweed can be used in amulets protecting against ice, cold, and frost.

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FRANKINCENSE(Olibanum)

!! Frankincense is a resin harvested from the Boswellia trees, and has been traded amongst both the magical and non-magical peoples of North Africa and the Arabian peninsula for over 5,000 years. Wiards have used frankincense to promote good health, treat arthritis, and sometimes to heal wounds. It can also be used in sun magic, particularly that relating to the sunrise.

GARDEN HELIOTROPE(Common Heliotrope, Cherry Pie)

!! Heliotrope is a flowering herb known for its lovely fragrance, which is an intense vanilla. Thus this herb is commonly used in beauty potions and as an incense.! However, this is not merely a pretty flower with a nice scent; heliotrope can be used for healing and even for exorcisms.

GARDENIAGardenias are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania; therefore these plants are hard to grow and maintain in the northeastern US. ! It is worthwhile, however, if you are an experienced herbalist. Gardenia is known for its calming and cooling effects, and its association with the moon. It can be used in potions that enhance the users ability to forge connections.

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HAZEL

! Hazels are deciduous shrubs and trees which can be found in various parts of the northern hemisphere. Though non-magical people cultivate hazels for their nuts, which can be eaten, wizards find that the various parts of hazel plants have many magical uses.! Most notably, hazel strengthens mental prowess and promotes the gaining of wisdom. It can also be used in magic to promote new inspiration. Hazel branches in good magical condition can be used as wands.! This plant is most powerful when gathered in autumn, but particularly if gathered on Halloween.

HELLEBORE

Native to Europe, Hellebore has a multitude of magical uses. It can be used in cures for paralysis and mental illness, and can also be used to invoke demons and other entities. These herbs protect against ice and cold, as the plants themselves are very frost resistant. There is a Russian variant of hellebore that can even be used for weight-lose.! When using this plants one must be very careful, as usually it is toxic. The roots of some varieties, however, do not contain the toxins.

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HYACINTH

(Grape Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth)!Native to Turkey, Israel, and Iran, this is a flower associated with rebirth, which can also help to relieve grief, ease pain, and guard against nightmares. ! Hyacinth bulbs are poisonous and when they contact the skin they can cause irritation.

JUNIPER

Widely distributed across the globe, juniper is a coniferous plant that can come in various shapes and sizes, from low shrubs to trees.! Juniper is a plant of defensive magic; it can protect from accidents and theft. It is also often used in Native American magic for a variety of uses including treating diabetes.

KNOTGRASS

(Bistort, Polygonum)!Knotgrass is an interesting plant which can be found in the northern temperate regions of the globe. It can be used as a remedy to nosebleeds and can heal poisonous stings and bites. It is also one of the ingredients in the Polyjuice Potion.

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LAVENDER

Lavender is known for both its uses in beauty and more practical applications. While being used in cosmetics, perfumes, and scented oils, lavender also is used in balms and salves. It heals inflammation and can be used as an antiseptic. It can treat burns, insect bites, headaches, and anxiety, and this powerful herb can even grant sleep to those with insomnia.

LEMON VERBENA

(Lemon Beebrush)!Non-magical people use this plant extensively for flavoring dishes in cooking; however, magical people know that this herb can be used in potions of dreamless sleep and can also be used to strengthen magic.

LILAC

(Syringa)!Lilac has been used by wizards for years and years for its hardy wood and magical properties. It has some psychic properties and is commonly used in love potions and mixtures to induce euphoria. However, the extracted oil, when mixed with the right ingredients, can form small explosions.

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MANDRAKE

(Brain Thief, Mandragora, Gallows)!A very rare-to-find plant in America, Mandrake comes in two varieties, both having long histories of magical uses; inanimate mandrake, and animate mandrake.! Inanimate mandrake root, has long been recognized as having magical properties. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the roots properties include great protection and fertility. They are shaped somewhat like a stick man.! Animate mandrake is an even more vastly magical version of the root discussed above. It is far more humanoid, has working arms and legs, and grows as would a human. When stewed and used in potions, it

is an important cure to transfigurations, curses, and petrifications. However, care must be taken when harvesting this plant; when it is pulled from the ground, it lets out a terrible cry which can be fatal to anyone who hears it. When the mandrake is young, this cry is not fully developed and will merely knock the listener out for several hours.

MARIGOLD

(Tagetes)!Marigolds are native to North and South America. When picked at around noon, these flowers have strong magical properties. Marigolds can give renewed energy surges and clairvoyant dreams. When steeped in hot water, marigolds can produce medicinal tea as well.

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MARJORAM

Indigenous to the Mediterranean, marjoram is a common kitchen spice that also has uses for wizards. ! To the Greeks and Romans, marjoram was a symbol of happiness, and indeed, today it is used in mixtures and spells that relieve grief and bring happiness and peace to people. When mixed with rosemary and mint, marjoram can cleanse physical objects.

MISTLETOE(Devils Fuge, Thunderbesom)

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to a tree or shrub, absorbing nutrients from the host plant. For this reason, it can be used in antidotes; in other words, mistletoe absorbs the poison as it would the nutrients. All parts of this plant aside from the berries are poisonous, however, and so only the berries can be used. It is most powerful when picked six days after a new moon.

MUGWORT(Felon herb, Sailors Tobacco)

If picked on the full moon or a waxing moon phase, this is a powerful herb. It can be used to prevent fatigue, ward against poison and stroke, and can be drank before performing divinatory magic.

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MULLEIN

(Graveyard Dust, Velvet Plant)

Mullein is native to Europe and Asia, and can be identified by its five, symmetrical petals, which come in orange, red-brown, white, purple, blue, and most commonly yellow. ! This herb can be used to treat respiratory problems, sore throats, coughs, lung disease, and ear infections. Mullein has a high association with fire magic, and so can also be used in spells and potions of fire, warmth, and flames. It can instill courage, and in some cases can be used to ward off wild animals; thus this powerful herb has its uses as a blocker of shamanistic magic. ! If an incantation happens to call for a lit candle and the caster finds he has none, mullein can be used as a replacement.

NETTLE

Over the years, nettle has been attributed a multitude of uses. It can remove curses and, if in expert hands, help to identify the sender. It is an herb of protection and can dry out sores. It is even said that nettle can bestow courage.

NUTMEG

Nutmeg is a spice that was highly prized during the days of extensive colonization. Today it is still used as a spice, though wizards use nutmeg for several other purposes; it can help treat rheumatism, bring prosperity, and, when included in amulets, it can give protection against hexes.

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PEONY(Paeony)

Native to western North America, E u r o p e , a n d A s i a , p e o n y i s a traditional symbol of China. In Oriental magic, it is used to treat convulsions. In North American magic, peony is used to break enchantments and halt tempestarii magic. ! Since insects are attracted to peony, adding peony petals to insect repellent will make it ineffective.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is a hybrid plant, a cross between spearmint and watermint which can occasionally be found in nature. It is cultivated throughout the world now, though it is originally native to Europe.! Peppermint has been used by people both magical and non-magical for ten thousand years. It can be used to enhance memory and as an aid for falling asleep.

PERIWINKLE

(Sorcerers Violet)

In recent magical medicine, periwinkle is an important plant; wizards have been studying this plant and have found that certain chemicals in it can help to treat certain forms of cancer. ! This flower is commonly used to restore lost memories and summon spirits.

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PINE

The cones, nuts, needles, and seeds of this plant can all be used interchangeably for the following magical purposes: purification, the repelling of negative energy, and fire magic. ! If using pine in large doses , one should wear gloves, and some parts of the plant contain oils that can irritate the skin.

PUFFAPODA large, egg-shaped plant pod, the puffapod is a magical plant with tentacle-like roots. The pod itself is filled with spores (released both as a defensive mechanism, and to send out small seeds to pollenate), and smaller seed pods which are filled with shining pink seeds. These seeds are the true magical prize of this plant, as they fully bloom into beautiful flowers on contact. These puffapod flowers are valued as decorations, and can also be used in growth and speed magic.

ROSE

Roses have been used in magic for ages. Perhaps their most obvious use is in love and beauty magic, but that is certainly not the limit of this plants properties. Roses can also be used in general healing, to give refreshing sleep, and to give c la i rvoyant dreams. Rose thorns , conversely, can be used in offensive and attack magic.

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ROSEMARY

(Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Star of the Sea)

Rosemary is an herb related to water magic. It can be used to purify objects or rooms, and is often used to keep the mind clear when performing tasks; it awakens your senses and aids your memory. ! Rosemary also is associated with fay, as fairies are rumored to use the herb in their own magical rituals. It is also said that one can find fay where rosemary grows wild.

RUENative to the Mediterranean and Asia, rue is an herb used by wizards all over the world today. It can be used to treat eye strain and sore eyes, and even to repel insects. Rue should not be used topically on the skin when the user will b e e x p o s e d t o t h e s u n , a s t h i s combination of rue and sunlight can cause bad blistering. Rue is also used in spells of inertia and warding illnesses.! Rue is one of the only known plants to be immune to the breathe of the basilisk.

SHRIVELFIG!The shrivelfig is a shrub originally from Abyssinia. It produces fig-like fruits that contain purple flesh and juice. When skinned, the insides of the shrivelfig fruits can be used in the Shrinking Solution and the Elixir to Induce Euphoria.! The juice of the shrivelfig has several magical properties: on its own, it can decrease the size of whatever it contacts; when mixed with other ingredients, it can somewhat lessen the physical age of certain simple objects and animals. It also can shrivel away negative emotions.

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SNAPDRAGON

(Dragon Flower)

Snapdragons are given their name from the shape that the petals make, resembling a head of sorts. ! This herbs powers pertain to breaking through barriers, whether that barrier is some sort of magic or a form of deceit. Snapdragon can be used to reflect magic or break curses and thus can be used in amulets. It is a powerful component in magic relating to truth and lies, and snapdragon can also break through illusions and glamours. ! Snapdragon can even be used to exorcise spirits and creatures.

SUNFLOWER

Sunflowers are native to the Americas and have been used for magical purposes for many years. Young sunflowers that exhibit heliotropism (the flowers turn to follow the path of the sun during the day) are often used in sun and fire magic.These flowers can be used in magic related to wish-granting, luck, and energy as well.

VERVAIN(Verbena)

Vervain is a long-standing magical herb. It is very popular in amulets for personal safety. It has protective and purification powers, and can help one escape their enemies. In addition to this, vervain can aid in quick learning, and thus is used in many wisdom talismans and totems.

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VIOLET

When picked at sunset and twilight, violet is a very strong magical herb. It is commonly used in love magic, but perhaps its most important use is that is enhances the chance of the user receiving a change in luck. Though this particular power is tricky to control, and the violet must be added with precisely the right ingredients in the right amounts to obtain the effect, if done correctly it is very valuable magic.

WOODRUFF(Master of the Woods)

Woodruff is an interesting yet dif f icult herb to use. I f consumed, excessive woodruff can cause adverse effects such as vertigo, and so one must be careful and patient with this i n g r e d i e n t . W h e n u s e d correctly, woodruff brings victory and can help to turn over a new leaf.

YARROW(Sanguinary, Soldiers Woundwort)

Yarrow has such a multitude of uses, that truly, this herb is practically an all-heal. It has been used to treat allergies, inflammation, fevers, bruises, colds, and flue. Some types of yarrow can halt bleeding while other promote it, so it is important to fully investigate the varieties of yarrow and their properties before using this herb.

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