Herbology 101 Review Assignment for end of first year course.

1. Herbology 101
First Year Review

2. Lesson One:
The Introduction to
Herbology
and
Basic Equipment

3. • Herbology is the study, along with the use, of both mundane and
magical plants.
– These may be for medicinal purposes, protective purposes, or purely
educational purposes.
• Herbologist is any witch or wizard who understands the properties
and nature of a plant.
– Often times society belittles herbologists and call them "herbies" or "simple
gardeners"
• All herbs, fungi, trees, and flowers, (whether magical or mundane
have a unique personality and gift)
– Mundane plant is a non-magical plant.
– REMEMBER to respect the plants, and they'll respect you.
• Equipment of Herbology can be sorted into two categories:
1. Protective Equipment: the things that will protect us against harm.
• Dragon-hide gloves

4. • Earmuffs
• Wand
2. Things used to care for the plants.
• Dragon Dung - retrieved from the stool of any fire-breathing dragon,
can be used as a fertilizer for soil, as well as for compost in order to
make a more organic fertilizer.
– Dragon dung works so well in breaking materials down,due to the acids found in
dragon stomachs (necessary for dragons that digest and consume a very wide
variety of organic and inorganic substances). These acids break down all
materials down to their most natural state.
– It is scentless, and won't bother neither you or the plant. The lack of scent found
in dragon dung is due to the fact that the dragons use all odorous gases in the
production of their fire (not yet a proven fact by dragon keepers).
• Mooncalf Dung - considered a more gental option used for fertilizer.
– Preferred for the planting and care of more sensitive plants.
– Does not have the strength and power of Dragon Dung.
» If the soil is worn down, or does not have enough vitamin content to begin
with, Mooncalf dung may not be powerful enough to contribute to what the
plant requires to grow healthily.

5. • Centaur Tears - a favorite drink for most plants, so you will find healthy
plants in excess near any Centaur's dwelling place.
– They are more vitamin rich than regular water, Centaur tears are capable of
reviving a plant moments from death.
– Some plants find them toxic.
» Never water a plant which grows in salt water with Centaur tears.
– There is much controversy over Centaur tears due to the fact that the creatures
that Centaurs are known to be above human intelligence.
» They take great care over the forests and lands in which they dwell, using
their tears to care for the nature surrounding them.
» It is rare, but some very special people have been noted to form bonds with
some Centaurs, notably Albus Dumbledore and Rubeus Hagrid. Such
persons have been able to collect tears with the consent of the Centaurs,
with the agreement that all the tears will be used for the betterment of
plants.
» Due to the rarity of this, some witches and wizards will go out and try to
obtain Centaur tears by means of stealth. Ministry laws protect Centaurs,
but it is common knowledge among Herbologists that some sources are not
as reputable as others to obtain Centaur tears from.
» These ethical issues are still being debated in the wizarding world, and how
to handle the problem.

6. • Things to REMEMBER:
– Wear closed toed shoes.
– Bring your apron.
– Acquire a mask, in case of fumes or scents produced.
– Herbology Today posted an article stating some statistics on safety and they
noted the following:
• Over thirty thousand witches and wizards have had preventable accidents in the past
year.
• 81% of those mishaps involved forgetting/neglecting to put on Dragon-Hide Gloves.
• 21% of those incidents resulted in irrevocable damage.
– Professor Tudor
• liftupyourvoice@ymail.com
– Grading Policy
• Outstanding – 90-100%
• Exceeds Expectations – 80-89%
• Acceptable – 60-79%
• Poor – 50-59%
• Dreadful – 40-49%
• Troll – 0-39%

7. Lesson Two:
Care and
Use in Potions

8. • Our roots affect who we become.
– Although some would claim birth makes no difference at all,
in actuality our identities are formed from the roots and up, so
origins cannot be discounted.
• A muggleborn will grow up without the Tales of Beedle the Bard,
half-bloods will know a balance of each world, whereas many
purebloods will be at odds in the world of muggles.
• Perhaps none of these roots are wrong, but there is still a time, a
place, and a reason for each one.
• It does not do well to confuse them, just as it does not do well to mix
methods with plants which require different sunlight and water
levels.
– Some things to consider when planting is what type of soil the plant requires
(All of these factors are a part of the identity of the plant.):
• Depth the seed should be planted
• How much water they require
• Sunlight the plant needs access to

9. • Repotting is a stage considered a right of
passage, just like our first day at Hogwarts.
– The plant itself will enjoy the freshness of a new pot,
and the larger size tends to boost a plant's
confidence.
– At the time of repotting a plants diet may change.
– Flesh-Eating Plants usually double their intake, while
Gaviat Roots will eat a third of the servings of grass
which it used to.
– While most plants will require the same amount of
sunlight, the amount of water needed either increases
or decreases.
– All of these factors are very important, and are not
to be taken lightly.

10. • Habitats bring about a lot of controversy on the field of
Herbology.
– Many plants have left their native lands and adapted to new habitats
(sometimes creating strains of a particular plant).
– The movement of plants can cause many disruptions to their life
cycles.
– Habitats acceptable for growth tend to revolve around what amount
of sunlight and water plants in the region have access to, although
the temperature of the climate is also a factor.
• Lifespan is a delicate topic.
– Besides cutting a plant's life short for medicinal or
experimental usages
• the normal lifespans range between three years and five thousand
(although the records kept on these much older plants do not have
enough information on planting dates to confirm).
• Trees tend to have the longest lifespans.
• Cacti and guapo herbs also have lengthy lives.

11. • It's important to recognize that plants are individuals.
– Understanding the individuality and characteristics of individual plants can
be seen as a greater part of a transcendent whole.
– It's because of this that Herbology is just as much about the plants as it is
about you discovering your own self through the plants.
• In the mostly widely accepted version of the dreamless sleep potion,
both moonstone and starpuffs are present. (Of course, moonstone
is a broken piece of hatched dragon's egg, but starpuffs are a plant.
Pictures are included in lesson photographs).
– Both these ingredients are named for their relation to sleep, and thus the
night.
– While moonstone causes drowsiness, without the starpuffs a dreamless
sleep potion would not carry the name of dreamless.
– Starpuffs, while alive in plant form, possess a hypnotic quality. If you don't
watch yourself, you will find yourself easily mesmerized by their sparkling
petals and shimmering leaves.
– Without the starpuffs, a dreamless sleep potion would not give the user an
inability to think, which is vital to the process of dreamless sleep.
– Distractions are indeed a large part of the dreaming cycles of both day and
night.

12. • It must be noted that other than the moonstone, the realm of
sleep is most widely affected by plants.
• Mix an infusion of wormwood and some powdered root of
asphodel, and you will produce a sleeping potion so powerful it is
known as the Drought of Living Death.
• Other Major Plant Ingredients
· Mistletoe berries
· Wolfsbane/monkshood/aconite
· Valerian Sprigs (also in sleeping potions)
· Leaping Toadstool
· Knotgrass
· Peppermint
· Root of Aconite
· Poppy Heads
· Shrivelfigs (shrinking potions especially)
· Rose Thorns
· Rose Oil

13. • There are several different purposes for plants in
potions.
– Sometimes plants are used to add scent to perfumes, and other
times plants are added to a potion in order to add freshness or
qualities of naturality to a beauty potion.
– In medicinal potions, plant ingredients are usually chosen based on
their temperament, toxicity, and other properties of their identity.
• One other potion, relevant to this term’s work, is
the Forgetfulness Potion.
– Two of the three main ingredients of the Forgetfulness Potion are
plants:
• Mistletoe berries- cause hallucinations, which helps to distract the
one who takes the potion, which helps allow the potion to take its
effect of memory loss.
• Valerian sprigs- have a sedative quality, which allow for the mind to
be put to sleep, which also causes forgetfulness.

14. • For extra information which will prepare you for further study in this class,
check out the following items. It is especially recommended to read about
peppermint, as a non-magical plant having a clear strong and positive affect
in potions.
– Asphodel
– Fluxweed
– Lovage
– Motherwort
– Nettle
– Nux Myristica
– Peppermint
– Silverweed
– Snakeweed
– Potion
• Pictures for today’s class may be found by following the web address
provided:
– https://www.facebook.com/hogwartsishereherbology/photos/a.618741711526993.107
3741828.618733468194484/618741724860325/?type=3&theater
– https://www.facebook.com/hogwartsishereherbology/photos/a.618775201523644.107
3741829.618733468194484/618775221523642/?type=3&theater

15. Lesson Three:
Basic Herbs
and
Fungi

16. • GILLYWEED
– A rare herb native to the Mediterranean Sea
– Grows to a height of 5cm - 7cm in soil with a pH range of 7.9–8.4
(Moderately alkaline)
– Consumes a large amount of water
– Requires little sunlight in order to thrive
– Many weeds in the family of giliac weeds are this way; they need
little sunlight, but have no limit to how much they'll take in as long as
they have the water which they need
– A slimy plant, grows as in bushel, and is grey-green in colour
– Consumption of Gillyweed a human being results in temporary
growth of gills and webs between toes and fingers
– The effect lasts for about an hour in fresh water, and up to three
hours in salt water (there's controversy among herbologists related
to this, some suggested that the salt water number is not accurate,
and many contest the difference of the effects of Gillyweed between
salt and fresh water)

17. – The properties of Gillyweed include a refreshed, nourishing feeling when it is
consumed, thus making Gillywater a popular drink.
– Gillywood is a tree which grows in water, and is believed to be a relation to
the Gillyweed due to the patterns in its leaves.
• How to make Gillywater:
– Begin with either a pure water, or a juice.
– You will need a cucumber, as well as several sheaves of Gillyweed.
– Peel the cucumber, then cut it into long, relatively thin strips. Use the
longest to tie the rest of the strips together.
– Pour whichever liquid you choose into the cup, and then add the cucumber.
The longer you let sit, the stronger the cucumber taste.
– Right before drinking, add Gillyweed to the cup, and perhaps a chilling
charm or icecubes.
• Gillyflower may also be added if you like a little spice in your drink.

18. • VALERIAN ROOT (and sprigs)
– Valeriana officinalis is a plant native to Europe and some of Asia, although it
has migrated to North America.
– Muggles are aware of its existence, but many are unaware of its powers.
• The Valerian Root possesses sedative powers, and its sprig is used in
several sleeping potions. The root is anxiolytic, thus it is also used in
calming droughts and potions. Perfumes make use of the strong smell
of the sprig (noted to be like a mix of cherry and vanilla), and the root
itself is often worn by grooms at weddings, to ward of the envy of the
elves. (This custom is still used today by wizards in Eastern Europe).
– Valerian may grow to be five feet, and forms bunches of attractive white
flowers. At least seven hours of sun is required to keep healthy. Root
division and seeding are effective ways of starting the growth of a new plant.
The seed should be planted in soil with a pH level of 4.5–5.0 (very strong
acid), about 1/8 of an inch down. Valerian Root ought to be harvested in the
fall, or in the spring. It is important to keep the plant out of the way of cats,
who are just as attracted to the root as catnip.
– For more information on potions using the Valerian root, check into articles
about the following:
• Draught of Living Death
• Forgetfulness Potion

19. • KNOTGRASS
– Another herb present at weddings, for it is symbolic of the tying together of
two people.
• Actually, it's more literal than that. Knotgrass is used in polyjuice potions to help
temporarily turn one person's’ body in that of another.
– Knotgrass is native European forests, and is present in Hogwart's Forbidden
Forest.
– Growing from 5cm to 4m tall
– Knotgrass has a very irregular growth pattern, perhaps due to its ability to
halt the growth of animals
– Besides its use in the polyjuice potion, it is also in Knotgrass mead
(common at weddings) and in some love potions
– Knotgrass is used by healers to treat urinary tract infections as well as
fertility issues
– Knotgrass grows wherever there is a neutral level of pH level in soil (Slight
acid) 6.1–6.5 to (Neutral) 6.6–7.3, and plenty of water
– The more sunlight, the faster it will grow
– Knotgrass flowers in the summer, with the colour varying between whites,
pinks, and greens
• When the flowers are done blooming, the stem must be cut bellow the flowering.
• Remember: lots and lots of water.

20. • DITTANY
– Essential to healers, potioneers, romancers and parents
– Dittany only grows naturally on the mountainside of Crete, Greece.
• Herbologists and Healers have greenhouses full of them, with
specialised conditions to mimic that of Crete's climate
• Muggles go through many difficulties to retrieve this herb from its
natural habitat; the process is dangerous for them and many
don't make it.
– Muggles are aware of the romantic quality this herb possesses, and
thus collect it for their significant others.
– Dittany 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 in colour.
– In order to properly use Dittany, it must be diluted.
• This usually occurs in the liquidizing process.

21. • Dittany grows 20cm - 30cm in height
• Requires warmth and sunlight to thrive
• Its Latin name is origanum dictamnus, and its closest relation is dictamnus
albus, which is also referred to as Burning Brush or White (False) Dittany
• Dittany (like Knotgrass) grows in soil with an average pH level of (Neutral) 6.6–
7.3.
• To grow dittany, one must use a greenhouse in order to control conditions.
– Keep the temperature in the greenhouse at an even temperature of 13
degrees Celsius.
– Seeds should be lightly covered by soil, and then sprinkle lightly with water.
Wait until the soil feels dry to water the Dittany.
– It is alright to accidentally give Ditty too much water, as long as you let it dry
out before adding more again, but do be careful should you choose to grow
Dittany.
• For some extra reading on potions using dittany research:
– Wiggenweld Potion
• Photographs for today’s lesson may be found at:
– https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=619583541442810&set=a.619583511442813.1073741830.618733468194484&type=3
&theater

22. Lesson Four:
Dangerous
Plants

23. The Mandrake (mandragora)
• Common in European countries
• Shaped like a parsnip with wrinkled roots in the shape of a being
• Above ground, it grows from between 5cm - 40cm, and resembles a
tobacco plant
• Grows well around ground where men have been hung, for reasons not
appropriate for discussion in Herbology
• 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
– This is known to be a defense mechanism to prevent the depletion of
their plant species.
– As soon as the mandrake has caused the death of one being, its
screams stop.
– The expectation is that it will have been dropped and is able to re-root
itself in the ground.
– It is unknown why the mandrake is only able to scream until it causes its
first and only fatality.

24. • Herbologists during the mediaeval era had some inhumane ways of dealing
with Mandrake.
– In the old days, to uproot a Mandrake, 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.
• There is a new method to uproot fully grown mandrakes which do not
involve death.
– Recently (1954) Potioneer Amaradus Spencer discovered a potion which would
prevent the need for a death to cease a mandragora's screams.
– Wear ear muffs when uprooting, and as soon as the plant is out of the dirt submerse it
in an aquatandisu potion.
– The plant will thrash for several seconds, and then it will cease all movement. At this
time the plant is ready for harvesting and will not screa (you cannot replant after
submersion).
• 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.

25. • FIRST AID
– 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.

26. Devil's Snare (Dassin sanate)
• Natural to Scottish highlands and lowlands
• Will grow in all dark and damp areas.
• Be especially wary of friding this plant when
travelling in caves and sloughs.
– Recognisable 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.
• A moment to remember the late Borderick Bode, victim to assassination by
Devil's Snare during the second wizarding war -
– For first aid, remember that the plant hates heat and light.
• Incendio, Lumos Maxima, etc may be use
– When a victim relaxed, the plant assumes death, and drops the victim.
• Although playing dead works, Incendio is the recommended response in dire
situations.

27. • Devil's Snare is used to guard objects, assassinate enemies, or as a
distraction.
• There is no seed to grow devil's snare; it must be collected though
wit and intellect.
– To safely grow Devil's Snare after collection, surrounding area full of light so
it will not spread beyond where you intend it to reach.
• There are some ethical concerns in regards to using Devil’s Snare
around muggles, as they have no knowledge or way to protect
themselves.
– In ancient days, as many as 3000 muggles died every year due to witches
and wizards protecting their treasure and property.
– Today, the Ministry of Magic has laws governing where Devil’s Snare may
be located.
• Not within ten hundred meters of anywhere muggles frequent
• FIRST AID
– 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.

28. Bubotuber
• Originates from Scotland
• 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.
– Muggles classify the pus as corrosive, although none of them are aware of where it
comes from.
• To grow Bubotuber, one must plant a bulb in dark, nutrient rich soil.
• Bubotuber 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.
• FIRST AID
– Cleanse wound for five minutes under clean cold water, before applying dittany.
– It is recommended that one also take a potion for the pain.

29. Lesson Five:
Rat Root

30. Rat Root (Acorus calamus)
• Other names this plant goes by include sea sledge, flag
root, myrtle grass, sweet myrtle, sweet rush, Gladdon,
and Beewort.
– *Beware, Rat Root is an abortifacient and therefore pregnant
women may not be treated with it.
• A reed-like perennial that grows to the height of about
1m.
• 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
– although this is not recommended, as this plant should not be
taken in high doses or over long periods of time
• Rat root has been viewed as a symbol of love, but
Herbologists refute this, as the properties of Rat Root
are not conducive to romance, but are often used as a
tool against women.

31. • 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

32. • The uses of vary greatly, as the herb is universal in
properties and abilities (which perhaps explains its
continued popularity despite the toxicity).
• Due to the sweet smell of the herb, it is commonly used
in floor coverings.
• It is used in various ways in the art of Healing.
– Some symptoms Rat Root can help cure are tooth aches, burns,
and eye diseases.
– In powdered form Rat Root is capable of clearing a cough and
relieving the strain on one’s voice.
– This herb is also used to help people after a stroke, in the recovery
process.
– Seventeenth century Herbologist Nicholas Culpeper completed research
which suggests that it strengthens the mind and stomach, and this led to
the use of it in some digestive potions.
– Also used as a mild tonic, and can be used to calm people’s
nervousness in mildly stressful situations.

33. • Rat Root is a water plant, so it grows in moist
soils.
• So it's necessary to water the herb about once
every two to three days.
• Sunlight is a 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 between May and July.

34. Lesson Six:
Advanced
Herbology

35. • Bouncing Bulb- AKA: Resilio bulbus, is a magical plant that can
jump around, when not restrained.
• Purple in color, consist of a bulb shaped plant, with green leaves
sprouting from its top.
• To care for this plant, you need a bathtub's worth of dirt (neutral
PH level), in a fairly 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.
• They have the ability to grow to the size of doorways
– So it's important to recognize signs of aggression from a Bouncing Bulb, as
well as how to subdue them.
• When threatened, they tend to jump towards anyone they view as a
possible attacker.
– If you see a Bouncing Bulb coming at you, it is safe to assume that is showing
signs of aggression.

36. • Smaller Bulbs may be subdued with a
knockback jinx Flipendo (fli-PEN-doh).
– The wand movement is a check-mark, hill, and then
valley.
• Mitigating the hazard of 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, although Herbologist Tilden Toots always
found slashing movements to be equally effective.
– The fire causes withering of the bulb. Toots was fond of
Bouncing Bulbs, and advertised help to Herbologists
whose bulbs were losing height on his radio show.

37. • Gurdyroot: 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.
– Gurdyroots are commonly used to "ward off evil" (by their
smell, presumably), as well as in potions which are attributed
to this same purpose.
– Gurdyroot Infusion, a drink made with this plant, is of a red-
purple colour, and a 'bogey-like' taste.
– Of the creatures Gurdyroots are said to ward off, Gulping
Plimpies are among them.
• Herbologists are not yet in agreeance on the actual existence of that
particular breed of Plimpie.
• Gurdyroots are able to grow in a diverse range of
environments, provided the soil has enough nutrients.

38. • Sunlight and water in adequate amounts will keep it 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 7 1/2 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 that 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.
– Nonperiurabis should do the trick.

39. • Aconite (Aconitum): AKA Monkshoodor Wolfsbane, (in muggle
society "the queen of poisons", leopard's bane, women's bane,
blue rocket, and devil's helmetare 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.

40. • 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, 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 it 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.

41. • Wormwood (Absinthe): is a plant that is commonly associated
with sorrow and bitterness, and has been used in potion making
since as long as potioneers have recorded knowledge of.
• It grows to a height between 1-2 meters, usually closer to two.
• Common throughout Europe, Wormwood has wood-like roots, and
leaves which are 2-8 inches.
• It 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.

42. LESSON SEVEN:
NON-MAGICAL
PLANTS

43. • Some important things to note when looking at
non-magical plants:
– AKA mundane plants by some sources
– Non magical plants are much less temperamental
as compared to magical plants.
– This is why many potioneers and healers to utilize
non magical plants in potions
• Because the addition of non-magical plants does not tend to
cause explosions, major heat changes, or other sometimes
disastrous mishaps which may occur during brewing.
– While magical plants are obviously necessary to create
some of the effects of potions, where a non magical
plant may bring about the necessary qualities and
properties its use is much safer.

44. • Lily plants (Lilium): are most commonly 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.
– 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).

45. • As this is a non-magical plant regular water will suit just fine.
Another aspect of the lily to consider is 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.
– This process would be for us like transfiguring sunlight into a
Hogwarts feast!
• The carbohydrates are stored in the bulb, in order to produce
flowers.
• Always allow lily leaves to "die back" in a normal fashion, without
interfering.
– This allows the lily bulbs to prepare for a stage of dormancy
throughout the winter.
• Lily leaves come in as many varieties in shape and side as lily
flowers.

46. • One quality of lilies is that they are known to attract birds.
• Lily plants are a high source of fiber when dried, and have many other health benefiting
properties.
• They have several capabilities which even muggles recognise in them.
– The flower of a lily is able to help to regulate heart rate, and is also used in helping
other conditions related to the heart.
– A lily may be used in the treatment of angina.
– Lilies especially interact well with magic, as bulbs can be stimulated by magic to
grow.
– Future parents take note, lily flowers are excellent to use for the treatment of burns
and to prevent scar tissue from forming.
– The roots of the flower may be made into an ointment to apply to burned areas.
(Remember, if burns cover the palm of your hand, or more than 10% of the body,
seek a healer immediately).
– 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).

47. • English Rose (Rosa): “Roses are good for the skin and the soul.”
– The English Rose, like lilies, 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 soil 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.
• There are also muggle soil tests that can be done, but I am not an
authority of those.
• If your soil is too acidic you can counteract the acid by adding finely
ground limestone, and highly alkaline soil can become more acidic
through the addition of ground sulfur.

48. • When you receive your rose shrub it will look like a pile of sticks, but
that is because it is in a dormant state.
• Once it is planted and receives enough nutrients it will be able to grow.
– In wizarding society dragon dung should be used (which helps the
rose to interact with magic later) but muggles supplement nutrients
by covering the base of rose shrubs with organic matter.
• Dragon hide gloves ought be worn to protect yourselves from rose
thorns.
• Rose plants need lots of water, but do not drown them!
– Let the water sink in before adding more.
– During hot seasons, soak the roots twice a week.
– When watering do not do a little water often, but a lot of water
occasionally. This is so when you water the deeper roots are
reached. Also, make sure the water can drain.
• Rose oil is very costly. Due to the expensiveness of the oil, many
people corrupt the oil (water it down, adulterate it) to a mix of lesser
quality.

49. • Only use pure rose oil for medicinal purposes.
• Another warning to you — while rose oil is non toxic,
healers or potioneers ought to be consulted about
usages and dosage.
• 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.

50. 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. Menstrual regulator (may be mixed with motherwort for cases of heavy flow too)
17. Helps with kidneys
18. Cleansing properties
19. Anti-inflammatory

51. 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
withpimples/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

52. • All kinds of roses have unique scents,
which contributes to it's diversity in
medicine.
• Some kinds of roses interact better with
magic than others, with the English Rose
being the most welcome to magical
influence.

53. • Other major non-magical plants: used commonly by
Herbologists, healers, and potioneers include:
– Vanilla
– Coco
– Orchids
– Salvia
– Akabia
– Shilajit.
• These will be covered in more detail in future years.
• REMINDER: remember to collect some dandelion seeds
if you plan to continue on to second year Herbology.

54. LESSON EIGHT:
CHALLENGES FACED
BY HERBOLOGISTS

55. Perceptions of Herbology: The
Gardening Effect
• Deemed "The Gardening Effect" because of its
correlation to simplifying our understanding of
plants and the work of Herbogists, the negative
perception of Herbology has only begun to have
a large effect in the last three hundred years.
• Let us now look into the historical side of the
issue.
– Long before the Statue of Secrecy, Herbologists
played an important role in muggle and wizarding
cultures.
– Especially in the realm of healing and medicine,
Herbology was a well respected subject.
– Even in the late 16th century, Herbologists were
well respected in Aboriginal circles in North
America.

56. • They key to understanding this decline, is the natural world.
• Our understanding of material existence has completely changed
over the last five hundred years especially.
• There are many muggles today who express the opinion that
nothing exists except the material world, or another words,
everything that exists has to be something they can see and study.
(Of course, we witches and wizards are very aware of invisible
reality, and that our relationship with the world includes an
awareness of a very special energy, our magic).
• In developing this view, however, the natural world became
something of a toy, a specimen.
• No longer did these muggles behold the world in wonder and awe. It
makes life very dry… and then the wizards caught on too.
• Wizards didn't deny the existence of invisible and incomprehensible
realities, but they found their own way to incorporate this unfortunate
muggle view.
• Witches and wizards, decided that everything which could be a part
of this natural world was decidedly muggle and inferior to our
understanding of the world, precisely because it wasn't magic.

57. • Are we not a part of the natural world also? Are we not
magical as well? Yes we are! And magical creatures, are
they not also a member of both realities? And what
about plants…
• Yes, what about plants. I'd like to ask all of you to take a
moment. Take a moment, and go outside.
– Breathe in the air, smell the grass, the trees, the rocks, feel the
wind, taste the air, really taste it.
– Then, think about what you see. If it is night, look at the stars. Can
you see any constellations? Our world is filled with spectacular
magic.
– The physical, natural world is a part if our reality, although it is not all
of it. But this physical natural reality joins with our own invisible,
mystical reality. And plants, magical or muggle (but never truly
mundane), are a beautiful, significant, complex part of everything.
– And this is why Herbology is an important field in magical study.

58. • Now that we've gone over how the negative perception
of Herbology started, we should take a brief look on the
effect it has on Herbologists today.
• First and foremost The Gardening Effect has an effect on
funding.
– The wizarding population is hesitant about funding endeavours of
Herbologists, much more so than any other academic field.
– Potioneers have been somewhat helpful on this front, sharing some
research money in order to further our understanding of plants and
their properties; however, this help is limited to research in areas
where plants are able to contribute to potion making and may draw
away from other practical knowledge Herbologist would like to gain.
St. Munglo's gives a rather small donation to Herblogists' studies as
well, but this is limited by a board of directors which is afraid of
public perception of giving money to the field of Herbology.

59. • The field of Herbology also suffers by losing a number of excellent
candidates to "more respectable" fields.
• Those who focus on Herbology often turn to potions or healing with their
knowledge, rather than remaining directly in the field.
• Without a doubt, there is a lot of family pressure involved in the system.
Herbologists make less money than others with the same amount of
education, so no doubt this plays a role in people leaving the field as well.
• Public ridicule is to be expected as well.
• When something isn't going right in other circles of academics, Herbologists
are often the scape-goat in the project.
– At parties, few are interested in talking after learning that one is a Herbologist.
• To conclude our brief look at The Gardening Effect, I would like to ask you
all to take a moment and consider your role.
– Where do you fit into the bigger story of the world?
– What are you going to do with your life?
– I hope that the next time you hear someone stuff off our field, you will be ready to
say: no, that's not right. Herbology is important too!
– If you stay with this class through seventh year, I hope by then you will be able to
make a very sophisticated argument as to why.

60. Alien Species:
• Herbologists face another major challenge when getting involved
with field work: alien species (especially plants).
– Other words which may be used to refer to alien species include
non-indigenous, introduced, exotic, and invasive species.
– A definition of alien species would be a type of plant or animal
living outside of its original habitat, ecosystem, or geological
range.
– The many effects an alien species can have on an ecosystem
present many challenges to the fells of Herbology, and indeed to
the ecosystem itself.
• For this lesson, we will be looking at the effects of invasive plants.
• Please remember, this is a controversial topic as governments,
herbologists, muggle farmers and 'scientists' (scientists are a sort of
muggle who seek to determine truths about the natural world.
• They are usually very helpful but can be known to overextend
themselves. If you ever run into a muggle who says they are a sort
of scientist, it is useful to remember they are probably quite smart)
constantly disagree on details of the effects.

61. • 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,
growing in numbers that may be beyond what
the ecosystem can handle (some plants are
able to adapt, grow wild in the habitat, and not
overextend itself)

62. Hazards Alien Plants Pose:
• Invasive plants tend to require more resources, draining the ecosystem when they
grow prolifically.
• Water is especially a problem.
– When alien plants take too much water, the ground can become too dry for other plants to
survive, and cause extinction of another plant species.
– Also, sometimes the water supply drainage will affect how much fresh water nearby humans
have available to them.
– It is estimated that invasive plants have taken up 7% more water resources in South Africa.
Sometimes a plant which is harmless in its natural habitat can cause enormous harm to
another ecosystem.
– Invasive plants can destroy land which is normally arable by drying out the soil.
– By changing the environment, flood and fire risks increase, which further damages the
habitat. It is possible for an invasive species to cause mass extinction of plants and animals.
– Clearly, all these effect Herbologists working in the field. Invasive plants compromise
research, and can even destroy the survival chances of rare herbs and other endangered
plants.
– Loss of arable land limits other areas which are kept natural for growing.
• As great as greenhouses are, Herbologists often learn more from growing a plant in
its natural habit, and observing its natural use.
– For example, pregnant crups often eat from a field of largrass (along with their regular meat
diet). This strange behaviour of a crup (repeated in further studies, so that we knew it wasn’t
an isolated incident) led to the discovery of how largrass soothes morning sickness.
Herbologists were able to observe natural largrass, found that carnivorous crups consumed
it, and correlated the information they gained to further our knowledge of the medicinal
properties of largrass.

63. • 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?
– Remember, you will want Dandelion seeds in order to
get through second year Herbology.
– If you cannot obtain Dandelion seed, I recommend
grass seed, or find something else which grows
quickly.
– If you find a seed other than dandelion, you will need
to do your own research.
– Dandelions are preferred as they are classified as a
magical plant, which will be explained in detail in
second year.