YEAR REVIEW-HERBOLOGY 101

By: Isabel Black

INTRODUCTION AND BASIC EQUIPMENT

WHAT IS HERBOLOGY?

Herbology is basically the study and use of plants, both magical and mundane, which makes it the wizarding worlds’ equivalent of botany. There are

three purposes of growing purposes:-

MEDICINAL

PROTECTIVE

EDUCATIONAL

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

An example of why you should know your plants:-

If you know the difference between Holly and Elder, you can recognize the wand wood of the opponent. This could determine the spells

used in a duel.

RESPECT THE PLANTS & THEY WILL RESPECT YOU.

Equipment needs can fall in two categories:-

1. PROTECTION

Dragon Hide Gloves

Ear Muffs

Wand

2. CARING FOR PLANTS

Dragon Dung

Mooncalf Dung

Centaur Tears

Dittany is good to have on hand.

Also recommended was closed toed shoes, apron, gloves, and a mask.

Dragon Dung is the stool of any fire breathing dragon. It can be used as fertilizer or for compost. It is scentless and, because of the acids in the

dragon's stomach, can break down any material to its most natural state.

Mooncalf dung is also a fertilizer. It is a gentler option than dragon dung and used for more sensitive plants. It is not as strong and powerful as dragon

dung, so if the soil is lacking, it may not be good enough. It has lower nutrients than dragon dung.

Centaur Tears are a favorite drink for most plants. It is vitamin rich compared to water. It will revive plants moments from death. It is important to

remember that centaur tears are toxic to plants grown in salt water

PICTURES

Herbology as it

is………

Dragon Hide

GlovesEarmuffs

Wand

Dragon Dung Mooncalf Dung Centaur Tears

Dittany Needed Equipments

CARE AND USE IN POTIONS

PLANTS USED IN POTIONS

Each plant has its own unique requirements and special qualities. Plants enjoy new pots and a larger pot will boost the plant's confidence.

Their diet may change. Habitats are controversial. Many plants have adapted to new habitats and created new strains of plants. The

movement of plants disrupts the life cycle in that habitat. Sunlight, water, and temperature determine an acceptable habitat. Life span

of a plant can range from 3-5,000 years, with trees living the longest. Cacti and guapo have long lives as well. Dreamless Sleep

potion includes moonstone (a piece of dragon egg that causes drowsiness) and starpuffs (a plant that has hypnotic properties). The

starpuff makes it dreamless. Draught of Living Death has wormwood and powdered root of asphodel. Reasons for plants in potions:-

They add scent in perfumes

Add freshness/naturality to beauty potions

Medicinal use is based on temperament, toxicity, and other properties.

Forgetfulness potion contains mistletoe berries (a hallucinogen) and valerian sprigs (a sedative).

Asphodel/Royal Staff

Lily family. Used in the Draught of Living Death and the Wiggenweld Potion

Fluxweed

Mustard family. Has healing properties. It is picked at a full moon for the Polyjuice Potion (16 scruples needed)

Lovage

Similar to celery. It is used in cooking and facilitates digestion. Used in Confusing and Befuddlement Draughts

Motherwort

Mint family. It has healing properties and treats mad dog bites

Nettle/Stinging Nettle/Burn Hazel

Use fresh for Boil-cure Potion. Use dried for Herbicide potion Also used in Nettle Wine, Nettle Tea, and Soup.

Nux Myristica

Nutmeg. It is used for cooking

Peppermint

Counters side effects in Elixir to Induce Euphoria, Flavoured Sweets, and a known flavour in Bettie Bott's Every Flavor Beans

Silverweed

Rose family,. It is yellow in color

Snakeweed

It is used in Snakeweed Tea

PICTURES

Snakeweed Silverweed PeppermintNux Myristica

Motherwort Lovage Fluxweed Valerian Sprigs

Mistletoe Berries Asphodel Wormwood Starpuffs

Moonstone

BASIC HERBS AND FUNGI

GILLYWEED

Native to the Mediterranean Sea.

5cm-7cm in height.

pH range of 7.9-8.4.

Large amounts of water needed but little sunlight.

Family of Giliac Weeds.

Slimy Plant. Grows as a bushel. Grey-Green in color.

Lasts for 1 hr in fresh water and up to 3 hr in salt water (being debated)

Refreshed, nourishing feeling when it is consumed, Gillyweed’s drink-Gillywater is very

popular

Gillywood is a related tree that grows in water.

VALERIAN ROOT

Native to Europe and some of Asia, has migrated to North America.

Sedative powers. It is used in sleeping potions.

Root is anxiolytic and is used in calming draughts and potions.

Perfumes make use of the strong smell (cherry and vanilla)

Worn by grooms to ward off the enemy of the elves.

Grow to be five feet, and forms bunches of attractive white flowers(valerian sprigs)

7 hrs of sun required

pH level of 4.5–5.0 (very strong acid)

Harvested in spring or fall.

Keep out of reach of cats.

Used in The Draught of Death and Forgetfulness Potion.

KNOTGRASS

Also used at weddings

Used in Polyjuice Potion.

Native European forests, including the Forbidden Forest

5cm to 4m tall/2 inches and 100 feet

Has ability to halt the growth of animals

Knotgrass mead and Love potions

Treat UTIs and fertility issues

pH level in soil (Slight acid) 6.1–6.5 to (Neutral) 6.6–7.3

Plenty of sun. The more water the faster it grows

Flowers in the summer. color varying between whites, pinks, and greens

Stem must be cut below the flowering

DITTANY

Essential to healers, potioneers, romancers and parents

Only grows naturally on the mountainside of Crete, Greece

Aids in curing ailments of all manners, can prevent permanent scarring, is used in several love

potions, and sometimes is used as a wand core

In liquidized, form dittany is brown.

It must be diluted.

20 cm -30 cm in height

Requires warmth and sunlight to thrive

pH level of (Neutral) 6.6–7.3

It must use a greenhouse in order to control conditions, even temperature of 13 degrees

Celsius.

Lightly covered by soil, and then sprinkle lightly with water

Wait until the soil feels dry to water the Dittany

Let it dry out before adding more again

Wiggenweld Potion

DANGEROUS PLANTS

THE MANDRAKE (MANDRAGORA)

Commonly found in European countries.

It is shaped like a parsnip with wrinkled roots in the shape of a being.

It grows above the ground for about five centimeters to forty centimeters, and resembles tobacco plants. The

Mandrake grows well around ground where men have been hung.

It causes hallucinations, comas, and puts people into dreamlike states. It is used in sleeping potions, love

potions, and also in a potion to revive a petrified person.

Uprooted mandrakes have the ability to cause death with their screams. It is unknown why the mandrake is

only able to scream until it causes its first and only fatality.

In the old days, to uproot a mandragora, one would dig out around the roots to the point that there would be

enough room to tie a dog to the root with about a yard of rope. The master would then walk away, and loyally

the dog would follow, pulling up the plant. The Mandrake would scream, killing the dog. After the death of the

dog, the mandrake would scream no more.

Wear ear muffs when uprooting.

Basic repotting of a Mandrake: To re-pot a mandrake, wear ear muffs and dragon-hide gloves, and use

medium to heavy soil. The concentration of water should be equal to 3/4ths of the plants approximate weight.

If a person slips into a coma from contact with a mandrake, wash the spot of contact and immediately send

for a trained healer to administer a tandisu injection.

There is no reversal to death by the Mandrake's scream.

DEVIL’S SNARE

It will grow in all dark and damp areas. Be especially wary of finding this plant when traveling in

caves and sloughs. Recognizable features include swaying plant tendrils (very uncanny while

the air is still) and the vivid green despite lack of light.

Dassin Sanate attacks when one's back is turned, asleep, or already in its grasp. The more you

struggle against its strangulation, the quicker it kills you. (For first aid, remember that the plant

hates heat and light. Incendio, Lumos Maxima, etc may be used) When a victim relaxed, the

plant assumes death, and drops the victim. Although playing dead works, Incendio is the

recommended response in dire situations.

It is used to guard objects, assassinate enemies, or as a distraction.

The Ministry of Magic has laws governing where Devil’s Snare may be located. (Not within ten

hundred meters of anywhere muggles frequent).

In an emergency situation, treat the person for strangulation and suffocation. Rennervate, a

reviving spell, may be useful, or Anapneo if they ended up choking on their own tongue.

BUBOTUBER

Also from Scotland, the Bubotuber looks like a giant black slug.

When squeezed, it releases gas-scented yellow pus. The pus

treats acne, but must be diluted before it is safe. Undiluted

Bubotuber pus causes rashes and burns on contact.

We must plant a bulb in dark, nutrient rich soil.

It requires very little sunlight, and can stand very cold weather.

Dragon dung is recommended for fertilizer, and lots of it!

To dilute the pus, either mix with dittany in liquid form or

Gillywater. The pus is also able to lose its scent over time, so

be wary when opening mail.

Cleanse wound for five minutes under clean cold water, before

applying dittany. It is recommended that one also take a potion

for the pain.

Midterm

RAT ROOT

THE RAT ROOT

Rat Root is also known as Acorus Calamus. Rat Root is the Canadian Cree name for this plant, and was adopted as the universal name for this plant among Herbology circles. Other labels this plant goes by include sea sledge, flag root, myrtle grass, sweet myrtle, sweet rush, Gladdon, and Beewort.

Rat Root is an abortifacient and therefore pregnant women may not be treated with it.

A reed-like perennial which grows to the height of about one meter. Its leaves are strongly scented with a bitter taste, and the powdered rhizomes of Rat Root may be used as a substitute for ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg

viewed as a symbol of love, however the properties of Rat Root are not conducive to romance, but are often used as a tool against women.

qualities of Rat Root

· Abortifacient

· Anodyne (relives pain)

· Anthelmintic

· Aphrodisiac (used in some love potions)

· Carminative

· Counters the side effects of hallucinogens

· Diuretic

· Hallucinogen

· Laxative

· Otalgic (cures ear aches)

· Sedative

A water plant, and thus grows in moist soils. It is thereby necessary to water the herb about once every two to three days. Sunlight is a huge must for Rat Root; do not plant this one in the shade! Rat Root grows best in shallow water, marshes, by the edge of a river, or in ponds. Seeds are ripe in July and August, and should be planted quite quickly after you obtain them. Rat Root flowers bloom between May and July.

ADVANCED HERBOLOGY

BOUNCING BULB

Also called Resilio bulbus, this magical plant is able to jump around, when not

restrained. Purple in nature, Bouncing Bulbs consist of a bulb shaped plant, with

several green leaves sprouting from its top. To care for this plant, it is best to have a

bathtub's worth of dirt (neutral PH level), in a relatively bright area. Centaur tears are

best when watering. Young Bouncing Bulbs are easy enough to handle, though if

they wiggle free they often try to hit you in the face. Bouncing Bulbs have the ability

to grow to the size of doorways; therefore, it is important to recognize signs of

aggression from a Bouncing Bulb, as well as how to subdue them. Smaller Bulbs

may be subdued with a Knockback Jinx-Flipendo (fli-PEN-doh). The wand movement

is a check-mark, hill, and then valley. a larger Bouncing Bulb requires fire, to which I

recommend the spell Incendio(in-SEN-dee-o). This spell's wand movement is quite

literally the shape of a flame.

GURDYROOT

Gurdyroots resemble green onions in appearance, their foul scent makes them easily

distinguishable. What is lacking in their scent is not made up for by their taste.

Gurdyroot Infusion, a drink made with this plant, is of a red-purple colour, and a

'bogey-like' taste. Gurdyroots are able to grow in a diverse range of environments,

provided the soil has enough nutrients. Sunlight and water in adequate amounts will

keep the Gurdyroot alive for several months, as long as the soil is nutritious. If there

is a lot of sunlight, Gurdyroots can grow to be up to fifteen centimetres in diameter. In

order to take care of a Gurdyroot, it is necessary to have the plant in a pot seven and

a half times the size of the bulb (or have the same ratio of space for the Gurdyroot if

planted outdoors). What makes the Gurdyroot difficult to grow is many bugs like to

'attack' this plant, as the smell is offensive to them. While many mundane critters are

kept at bay by the odor, bugs which have magic are inclined to attempt to break

through the stem of the plant. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that

you place a protective spell around your plant.

ACONITE

Otherwise known as Monkshood or Wolfsbane, (in muggle society "the queen of poisons", leopard's

bane, women's bane, blue rocket, and devil's helmet are other names which refer to Aconite) Aconitum

comes from the Greek word akonitos, meaning 'without dust' or 'without struggle'. Without struggle would be

the more appropriate reference, and refers to the toxicity of aconite leaves, which were often used to kill wild

animals during the middle ages. The poison was also applied to the tips of arrows when muggles fought each

other in battle. Aconite is a poisonous sedative, powerful in small doses, and can be used to slow heart rate. It

is also known to treat prickly pain in the skin. Aconite can be found in the wild, in forests and mountain ranges

of moderate temperatures. To care for Aconite, always wear your dragon-hide gloves. If you are harvesting

the plant outdoors, be careful not to leave parts of the root exposed, as it can harm the wildlife nearby.

(Remember, Aconite is highly poisonous). When growing Aconite, one had best use nutritious soil, the darker

and fluffier the better. Aconite thrives in shady areas, so if you are planting outside it is best to plant Aconite

close to trees. Do not attend to your Aconite while you have open wounds on your hand, as it takes great

caution to ensure correct dosages of Aconite are used at the best of times. If your wound becomes infected

by Aconite's poison, apply the antidote (a fully plant based potion: antropine) immediately, and head to St

Mungo's, as only certified Healers will be able to fully handle your care. The importance of seeking treatment

cannot be stressed enough. Death occurs almost instantaneously with large doses, although usually within

two and six hours of exposure. Symptoms (which are evident within the first hour) include diarrhea, nausea,

and vomiting first, and then sensations of burning in the abdomen, mouth, and face, as well as tingling and

numbness in the mouth and face. As death nears, numbness spreads throughout the body. Sweating,

dizziness, headaches, confusion, and troubles with breathing may also occur.

WORMWOOD

Wormwood is a plant which is commonly associated with sorrow and bitterness, and has

been used in potion making since as long as potioneers have recorded knowledge of.

Wormwood grows to a height between one and two metres, usually closer to two.

Common throughout Europe, Wormwood has wood-like roots, and leaves which are

between two and eight inches. Wormwood prefers salty water, which many Herbologists

speculate to be related to the bitterness in taste and bitterness in nature of the plant.

Wormwood is an ingredient in the Draught of Living Death. Healers will often use

Wormwood in potions to help with digestive disorders. Properties of Wormwood include

the ability to induce sweating, stimulate the imagination, increase hunger, settle stomach,

and is a counter-irritant (reduces pain). Wormwood leaves and flowers may be placed on

the skin for dulling the pain of wounds such as insect bites. In potions, wormwood is also

used by Healers to treat fevers, gall bladder, and lover disease.

NON-MAGICAL PLANTS

THE LILY

Recognized for their flowers, which consist of three petals surrounded by three sepals (the part of the flower which

encloses the petals). Lilies may come in several colors, from blue, orange, pink, purple, and white, to yellow. It

is also important to note that lilies come in a variety of shapes in regards to their flowers. Some common

flower shapes for lilies include bowl, funnel, recurved (Turk's cap), star, and trumpet. The flower itself may

point upwards, downwards, or also to the side. Remember, not all species of lilies are able to produce flowers.

In order to plant a lily you will need a bulb. The bulb should be planted 1/4 inch into the ground in nutrient rich

soil, and have partial to full access to sun (5-6 hours of full sunlight is optimal). Its stem, usually a shade of

green (though the stem can be red or purple) lily stems grow from a foot to ten feet tall. Lily stems tend to be

thick and sturdy, though the size and weight of lily flowers often cause the stem to bend over. The leaves of

lily plants are vital to the production of lily flowers. This is due to a process where the leaves catch rays of

light (from the sun) and turn the light energy into carbohydrates. They attract birds. High source of fiber. The

flower helps regulate the heart. Useful for burns and preventing scar tissue. Spider bites may be treated with

remedies including the lily flower and/or roots. Herbal remedies can be made with the lily flower to support

people who have had a stroke. In the form of tea, lily plants are used in the treatment of the following

conditions and symptoms: coughs and fevers, stomach disorders, wounds, sores, and for washing swollen

bruised areas. The scent of lilies are used by muggles in what they call aromatherapy (the use of oils for

healing). Lily flower essential oils are used for depressed individuals, as the scent is meant to induce feelings

of happiness and security. Wizards use the scent of lilies in ways related to muggle uses in the realm of

potions. (The flower of a lily plant is often an ingredient in anti-depressant potions).

THE ENGLISH ROSE

It grows in partial to full sunlight. It is classified as a shrub, and grows from one to twenty feet. As a shrub, width is also an

important factor to consider when planting. It may grow from two to four feet wide, which depends on the variety that you obtain.

The rose flower may be blue, green, orange, pink, red, or white. Make sure to plant your rose shrub in soul with a pH range of

5.5–7.0. Most home gardens tend to have a pH of 6.5, however there is a spell you can do to test the soil. "Acidious revealious"

(ah-sid-EE-us rev-EE-lee-us) will reveal to you, in the form of white mist, the number of the pH level your soil is.

In the first century anno Domini, 32 medicinal uses were recorded by a muggle called Pliny the Elder. A Herbologist from the

same time named Ponticus listed 36 uses, although four more uses have been discovered since then. First of all, it is important

to note that rose oil is distilled from the petals. This oil is used in the aforementioned process of aromatherapy. Also, roses have

been used to add flavour to other medicines. Some of the medicinal uses follow.

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. Helps with kidneys

17. Cleansing properties

18. Anti-inflammatory

CHALLENGES IN HERBOLOGY

THE GARDENING EFFECT

It 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 muggle

and wizarding world. It is especially important in the medicinal and healing realms.

Herbology was respected even in the 16th Century. The wizarding world is hesitant in

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. Mungo’s has

also contributed small amounts but it is also limited due to the fear of 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

the others with the same education.

ALIEN SPECIES

Another 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 on non-indigenous plants can have on an ecosystem, which causes many challenges for Herbologist and the ecosystems themselves. Invasion is one of the main ones.

HOW 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 over-extend itself.

HAZARD ALIEN SPECIES POSE

Invasive 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 become extinct. It can also effect how much fresh water nearby humans have. Invasive plants can destroy the land which can lead to floods, fires and even mass extinction of plants and animals of that area. 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.

THE END