Herbology ReviewFirst year Student

Lesson OneIntroduction to Herbology and Basic Equipment

What is Herbology?  Herbology is the study, along with the

use, of both mundane and magical plants.

 A Herbologist is any witch or wizard who understands the properties and nature of a plant.

Why is Herbology important? There are many uses for the knowledge one

gains from the study of plants. One must be able to understand the difference in plants.

It is also important to know the properties of plants both magical and mundane and without the study of Herbology we would not have this knowledge.

Basic Equipment The basic equipment needed to get started is simply for protection. Some equipment includes:o Dragon Hide gloveso Earmuffso Wando Dittanyo Aprono Mask

Basic Equipment (Cont’d)

The other set of equipment needed is for caring for the plants. This list includes:o Mooncalf Dung- Used as a fertilizer. Gentler

than Dragon dung. Used for more sensitive plants. It is not as powerful as Dragon dung.

o Dragon Dung- Used as a fertilizer and compost. It is powerful and also scentless.

o Centaur Tears- Favorite drink of most plants. More nutritious than plain water. Never use this on salt water plants as it is toxic to them.

Lesson Two

Care and use in potions

Caring for a plantDifferent plants require different types of care. Sunlight, habitat, lifespan, watering, and even repotting are important aspects when caring for a plant. Other things to consider are the type of soil and seed depth when planting.

Caring for a plant (Cont’d)Repotting a plant is a crucial stage. It can be considered a rite of passage. It is also a time for changes for the plant.In many plants, at the time of repotting, diets will change. They may need more or less food. Most plants will continue to need to same amount of sunlight but the water intake may also increase or decrease. These factors are not to be taken likely and should always be considered.

Caring for a plant (Cont’d)

Habitats are very diverse in the field of Herbology.Many plants have left their native lands and have adapted to live elsewhere. This is not necessarily a good thing as it disrupts the life in the new habitat. The habitats acceptable for plants tend to revolve around sunlight, water supply, temperature and climate.

Caring for a plant (Cont’d)

Lifespan of plants varies greatly. They can live anywhere from 3-5000 years. This is in the case that the plant is healthy and isn’t killed for use medicine or experiments. Trees are known to have the longest lifespans.

Use in potionsPlants play an important part in potions. Many potions would not work or would give undesired effects if the wrong ingredient was used.

Some major plants used include: Mistletoe berries Wolfsbane Valerian sprigs Leaping toadstool Knotgrass Peppermint Root of Aconite Poppy heads Shrivelfigs Rose thorns Rose oil

Use in potions (Cont’d)

While many plants are used as active ingredients in potions, there are some that are only used for fragrance. Some are used simply to add freshness or to make a potion more natural.Plants are often chosen for medicinal uses depending on certain properties. Some of these properties include: temperament and toxicity.

Lesson ThreeBasic Herbs and Fungi

GillyweedGillyweed is native to the Mediterranean sea. It is a rare herb. It grows to be about 5-7cm tall. If person consumes gillyweed they would gills and webs would form between their fingers and toes.

Gillyweed (Cont’d)

Gillyweed soil must be kept with a PH balance of 7.9-8.4.Gillyweed requires a large amount of water but very minimal sunlight. There is no limit of sunlight they will take in as long as they have plenty of water. Gillyweed is slimy to the touch. It grows in a bushel and has a grayish-green color.

Gillyweed (Cont’d)

How to make Gilly water:Begin with pure water or a juice if water isn’t available. Peel the cucumber and cut into long thin strips. Take the longest strips and use it to tie together the rest. Pour the liquid of choice into a cup and add the cucumber. The longer it sits the stronger the cucumber taste gets. Immediately before drinker add the gillyweed. A chilling charm or ice may be applied as well. Gillyflower can be added for those that like a little spice.

Valerian RootThe Valerian root is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It can also be found in North America since migrating there. Muggles are aware of this plant but not of its magical capabilities. Valerian Root is often used in sleeping potions. It is anxiolytic and is also used in calming draughts. The sprig of this plant is often used in perfumes as it smells like Vanilla and cherry.

Valerian Root (Cont’d)

Valerian Root can grow up to five feet. It grows clusters of small flowers. To keep the plant healthy it requires at least 7 hours of sunlight a day. When planting it needs to be planted 1/8 of an inch down in soil with a Ph balance of 4.5-5.0. Valerian root is best when harvested in the fall or in the spring.It is also best to keep it out of reach of cats. They are very attracted to it.This plant is also important for making the Draught of Living Death and the Forgetfulness potions.

KnotgrassKnotgrass is native to Europe and can also be found in Hogwarts’ Forbidden Forest! It has a wide growth range being from 4cm to 5m.Knotgrass is a necessary component when brewing a Polyjuice Potion and is also used in mead and some love potions. Knotgrass has been known to treat Urinary tract infections as well as fertility problems. Knotgrass also has the ability to halt animal growth.

Knotgrass (Cont’d)Knotgrass thrives in soil that has a neutral Ph level. It needs plenty of water. The more sunlight it gets the faster it will grow. Knotgrass blooms in the summer with flowers that are whites, pinks, and greens. Once the flowers are done blooming the stem must be cut directly below the flower.

Dittany Dittany can only be found growing naturally in Crete. Greece. However, herbologists and healers often mimic the climate in a greenhouse so they can grow it. Dittany holds romantic qualities but is most often used in healing ailments, preventing scarring, love potions, and occasionally wand cores.Dittany must be diluted to be used properly and thus requires liquidation.

Dittany (Cont’d)Dittany requires a lot of sunlight and plenty of warmth to grow healthily. Dittany needs soil with a PH of 6.6-7.3. To grow dittany one must have a greenhouse that mimics the climate. The temperature must be kept at 13 degrees Celsius. When planting seeds should only be lightly covered by the soil and then watered by lightly sprinkling the water on. You must wait until the soil feels dry before watering again.

Lesson FourDangerous Plants

Mandrake (Mandagora)The Mandrake is most common in European countries. It is parsnip shaped and the root resembles a wrinkly person. The plant part that grows above ground grows between 5-40cm and resembles a tobacco plant. Mandrakes grow best in an area where men have been hung. The Mandrake is most commonly used is sleeping and love potions. It can be used in a potion to revive a person who has been petrified. Mandrakes have serious side effects. They can cause hallucinations, comas, and put people into a dreamlike state. A fully grown mandrake that has been uprooted can kill a person with their scream.

Mandrake (Mandagora) (Cont’d)

In the medieval era they would uproot a mandrake by digging up the roots just until they could tie a rope around it. They would then tie the rope to a dog. The master would then walk away causing the dog to follow thus uprooting the plant. Often the dog would die due to hearing the mandrakes cry.

In the present day uprooting has become much simpler and less deadly. Any persons near the plant simply wear earmuffs to prevent hearing the scream. The plant is then submerged in an aquatandisu potion preventing it from screaming again. It is then ready for harvesting.

Mandrake (Mandagora) (Cont’d)

First Aid- If a person comes into contact with a Mandrake and slips into a coma, immediately wash off the area touched and get a trained healer to administer a Tandisu injection.There is no known cure for death caused by a Mandrakes cry.

Devil’s SnareDevil’s snare grows natively in Scotland, the highlands and the lowlands. It is recognizable by it’s swinging tendrils. Devil’s snare will attack when the person is sleeping, has their back turned, or is already within its grasp. It works a bit like quick sand, the more you struggle the faster it kills you. To escape one must relax completely (Feigning dead) and the plant will release them. If you can get to your wand, Incendio is the best method of defense.

Devil’s Snare (Cont’d)

Devil’s snare is often used in assassination attempts or as a distraction. There are no seeds from which you can grow this plant. You must collect it. After collection make sure to surround the area with light so it will not grow further than the area you want it. There are laws regarding this plant. It may not be planted within 1000 meters of anywhere muggles frequent.

Devil’s Snare (Cont’d)

First Aid- In an emergency situation treat the victim for strangulation. Rennervate is a reviving spell if needed. Anapneo may be used if the victim is choking on their tongue.

BubotuberThe bubotuber plant is native to Scotland. Its appearance resembles a giant black slug. When it is squeezed it releases a gas-scented yellow pus. The pus can be used to treat acne but isn’t safe until it’s been diluted. Coming into contact with undiluted pus can result in rashes and burns. Muggles classify it as corrosive even though they don’t know where it comes from. The plant must be planted in a dark place to grow. The soil must be rich and it requires very little sunlight. A large amount of dragon dung is the recommended fertilizer.

Bubotuber (Cont’d)

First Aid- Cleanse the wound for five minutes. It should be rinsed under cold, clean water. After rinsing apply dittany. It is also recommended to use a potion for the pain.

Lesson FiveRat Root

Rat Root (Cont’d)Rat root is a reed like perennial plant. It grows to be about one meter tall. It has a strong scent and bitter taste. This herb is used for a variety of things due to its many properties. It is used as floor coverings, in healing potions, digestive potions, and can be used to calm people’s nerves.

Properties of Rat Root:AbortifacientAnodyneAnthelminticAphrodisiacCariminativeCounters HalluciniogensDiureticHallucinogenLaxativeOtalgicSedative

Rat Root (Cont’d)

Rat root is a water plant. It needs to have moist soils to grow. It should be watered every 2-3 days. Do not ever plant rat root in the shade. It must have plenty of sun. The ideal habitat for this plant is in shallow water, marshes, by the edge of a river or pond. Seeds are ripe by July-August and should be planted immediately after harvesting. This plant flowers between May and July.

Lesson SixAdvanced Herbology

Bouncing BulbsThe Bouncing Bulb, when not restrained, can jump around. It is purple in color and bulb shaped. It sprouts green leaves from the top. It can grow to be the size of a door way. They require enough dirt to fill a bath tub and it needs to have a neutral ph balance. Centaur tears are preferred when watering. They also like brightly lit areas.

Bouncing Bulbs (Cont’d)Bouncing Bulbs are dangerous when they feel threatened. They have been known to bounce out at the person and try to punch them. You must learn signs of aggression and how to subdue these plants before working with them. There are two ways of subduing this plant. There is one way for fully grown plants and another for ones that have yet to mature.For young plants the Knock back Jinx (Flippendo) should be enough to stop the plant from attacking.A fully grown bulb requires you to use the Incendio charm to stop them, It is the only way. Be sure to always have your wand in easy reach when working with this plant and be very familiar with these two charms.

GurdyrootGurdyroots look like green onions. However, their smell makes them easy to distinguish. They are often used to ward off evil and are used in potions to have a similar effect. This is most likely due to their smell. A creature this plant can be used to ward off is the Gulping Plimpies. Gurdyroot is used to make a drink, the gurdyroot infusion, and it is red-purple and colors and has a bogey taste.

Gurdyroot (Cont’d)

Gurdyroots can live in a variety of environments. The important thing is that the soil has enough nutrients. Plenty of sunlight and water will keep the plant alive for several months. Gurdyroots can grow to be 15cm in diameter if given enough sunlight. Gurdyroots need to be planted in a pot 7 ½ times the size of their bulb.Many bugs like to attack this plant. The foul smell is offensive to them. It is recommended to place a protective charm around the plant. Nonperiurabis has been known to do the trick.

AconiteAconite, also known as wolfsbane or monkshood, is a poisonous sedative. It is powerful even in small doses. It can be used to slow the heart rate and has been known to treat the prickly pain in skin.

Aconite (Cont’d)Aconite is found growing in the wild. Typically, in forests and mountain ranges with a moderate temperature. To care for Aconite be sure to always wear dragon hide gloves. When harvesting this plant outdoors be sure to not leave any part of the root exposed when you are done. Doing so can harm the wildlife nearby. It is best to use dark and fluffy soil when growing. It thrives in shady areas and should be planted near tress wen planted outdoors.

Never tend to Aconite when you have opened wounds. If you were to be poisoned by aconite through a wound, apply the antidote immediately and go to St. Mungos. Only a trained healer can properly cure you. Death will occur almost instantly with large doses. Usually within 1-2 hours of exposure. Symptoms appear within the first hour, Some symptoms include: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting followed by burning sensations in the stomach, mouth and face, and a tingling/numbing sensation in the mouth/face area. As death nears one will experience numbness throughout the body, sweating, dizziness, headache, confusion, and troubles breathing.

WormwoodWormwood is also known as absinthe. It is commonly associated with sorrow and bitterness. Wormwood grows to be around 1-2 meters tall. It is most commonly found in Europe. It is wood like roots and leaves. It prefers salty water. Herbologists believe this is related to the bitterness of the plant.

Wormwood (Cont’d)Wormwood is an important ingredient in the Draught of Living Death potion. It is also used by healers in potions to help with digestive disorders. Wormwood leaves and flowers can be put on the skin to dull the pain from wounds such as insect bites. Wormwood is also used to treat fevers, gall bladders, and lover disease.

Properties of Wormwood:Ability to induce sweating.Stimulates the imagination.Increases hunger.Settles the stomach.Counter irratant (reduces pain)

Lesson SevenNon-magical Plants

Non-Magical PlantsThere are important things to note when studying mundane plants. Some of these things include the plants properties, effects of the scent, and how the plant interacts with magic. Non-magical plants are less temperamental than magical plants. They tend to be safer as they don’t often cause explosions, major heat changes and other disastrous mishaps that occur when working with magical plants.

Lily PlantsLilies are most commonly recognized for their flowers. Lilies come in a wide range of colors and shapes. When planting Lilies you must plant the bulb ¼ of an inch into the ground. The soil needs to be rich in nutrients and have partial access to the sun. Only about 4-5 hours is needed. Regular water is fine for this plant.

Lilies (Cont’d)Lilies are known to attract birds. When dried they are a high source of fiber and offer many other health benefits. The are able to regulate the heart rate and help treat angina. They interact well with magic and can be stimulated to grow by it. They are great for treating burns and preventing scarring. They can also be used to treat the following: coughs, fevers, stomach disorders, wounds, sores, and washing swollen, bruised areas. The scent from this flower is often used in aromatherapy. Oil from the flower is great for people suffering from depression and is often used in anti-depression potions.

English RoseThe English Rose grows in partial to full sunlight. It is a shrub that can grow between 1-20 feet. It needs to be planted in soil with a ph of 5.5-7.0. It requires a lot of water but be careful to not drown them. Always wear dragon hide gloves for protection when working with this plant.

Medicinal Uses of the English RoseEye diseasesBurnsInfluenzaStomach problemsDiarrheaChronic finger soresSnow blindnessAstrigentSore throatsRabid dog bites

Stops nosebleedsAntispasmodicAnti-depressantUsed in love potionsDecrease kidney stonesMenstrual regulatorHelps kidneysCleansing propertiesAnti-inflammatorySource of vitamin C

Medicinal Uses of the Engish Rose Seeds are diureticSeeds are a laxativeTreats headachesRelieves colicEases a coughTreats dry skinRelieves itching in womenClears skin of acneHelps ease grief and insomnia

Relieves stressPrevents scurvy when consumedEases coldsEases feversDecreases the swelling in puffy skinMay help induce sleepHelps regulate blood thicknessAntiviralAntibacterialAntiseptic

Lesson Eight Challenges in Herbology

The Gardening EffectIt was deemed the Gardening Effect due to the negative perception of herbology having an effect in the last 300 years. Herbology has had an important role in both the muggle and wizarding world. It is especially important in the medicinal and healing realms. Herbology was respected even in the 16th century.

The Gardening Effect (Cont’d)The wizarding world is hesitant on funding Herbology. Potioneers have been somewhat forthcoming when donating money to fund research to further our understanding of plants and their properties. However, this is limited to how plants can be used in potion making. St. Mungos has also contributed small amounts but it is also limited due to the fear of the public perception on doing this. Herbology also lacks candidates. Most people switch to another field such as healers or potioneers. Herbologists also make less money than others with the same amount of education.

Alien SpeciesAnother major challenge in the world of herbology is alien species. These are plants or animals that live outside of its original habitat, ecosystem, or geological range. There are many effects non-indigneous plants can have on an ecosystem, which causes many challenges for herbologists and the ecosystems themselves. Invasion is one of the main ones.

Alien Species-InvasionHow invasion works:1. The seed/plant propagates into new

territory. 2. The plant adapts to the new environment. 3. The plant “takes over” the environment. It

grows in numbers that may be beyond what the ecosystem can handle. Although, some plants may be able to adapt, grow wild in the habitat, and not overextend itself.)

Hazards Alien Species PoseInvasive plants tend to require more resources which drain the ecosystem when they grow in large numbers. This is a big problem with water. If the alien plants require too much water it can cause the ground to become too dry for the other plants to survive and can cause them to go extinct. It can also effect how much fresh water nearby humans have. Invasive plants can destroy the land which can lead to floods and fires and even mass extinction of plants and animals in the area.

Hazards Alien Species Pose (Comt’d)

Greenhouses are great but herbologists learn more by studying plants in their natural habitat. Invasive plants can ruin this by changing the environment and changing how the other plants live.

DID YOU KNOW?Dandelions were introduced to North

America in order to help strengthen the ground, to root the soil in so that it

wouldn't blow away

THE END