This document provides an overview of six lessons in an introductory Herbology course for first year students. It covers basic equipment, caring for plants, dangerous plants like Mandrake and Devil's Snare, and more advanced topics like Bouncing Bulbs and Aconite. Each plant is described in detail, including its properties, habitat needs, growth requirements, and appropriate care. Safety information is also provided for handling dangerous species. The document aims to teach students foundational knowledge about various magical plants and their uses in potions and herbology.

1. Herbology
Review
First year
Student

2. Lesson One
Introduction to Herbology
and Basic Equipment

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Basic Equipment
The basic equipment needed to get
started is simply for protection.
Some equipment includes:
o Dragon Hide gloves
o Earmuffs
o Wand
o Dittany
o Apron
o Mask

6. 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.

7. Lesson Two
Care and use in potions

8. Caring for a plant
Different 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Use in potions
Plants 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

13. 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.

14. Lesson Three
Basic Herbs and Fungi

15. Gillyweed
Gillyweed 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Valerian Root
The 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.

19. 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.

20. Knotgrass
Knotgrass 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. Lesson Four
Dangerous Plants

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. Devil’s Snare
Devil’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.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. Bubotuber
The 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.

32. 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.

33. Lesson Five
Rat Root

34. 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:
Abortifacient
Anodyne
Anthelmintic
Aphrodisiac
Cariminative
Counters Halluciniogens
Diuretic
Hallucinogen
Laxative
Otalgic
Sedative

35. 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.

36. Lesson Six
Advanced Herbology

37. Bouncing Bulbs
The 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.

38. 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.

39. Gurdyroot
Gurdyroots 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.

40. 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.

41. Aconite
Aconite, 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.

42. 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.

43. Wormwood
Wormwood 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.

44. 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)

45. Lesson Seven
Non-magical Plants

46. Non-Magical Plants
There 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.

47. Lily Plants
Lilies 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.

48. 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.

49. English Rose
The 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.

50. Medicinal Uses of the English Rose
Eye diseases
Burns
Influenza
Stomach problems
Diarrhea
Chronic finger
sores
Snow blindness
Astrigent
Sore throats
Rabid dog bites
Stops nosebleeds
Antispasmodic
Anti-depressant
Used in love potions
Decrease kidney
stones
Menstrual regulator
Helps kidneys
Cleansing properties
Anti-inflammatory
Source of vitamin C

51. Medicinal Uses of the Engish Rose
Seeds are diuretic
Seeds are a
laxative
Treats headaches
Relieves colic
Eases a cough
Treats dry skin
Relieves itching in
women
Clears skin of acne
Helps ease grief
and insomnia
Relieves stress
Prevents scurvy
when consumed
Eases colds
Eases fevers
Decreases the
swelling in puffy skin
May help induce sleep
Helps regulate blood
thickness
Antiviral
Antibacterial
Antiseptic

52. Lesson Eight
Challenges in Herbology

53. 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 the muggle and
wizarding world. It is especially
important in the medicinal and
healing realms. Herbology was
respected even in the 16th
century.

54. 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.

55. 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 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.

56. Alien Species-Invasion
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
overextend itself.)

57. Hazards 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 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.

58. 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.

59. 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