Introduction to Herbology and Basic Equipment

• Herbology is the study, along
  with the use, of both mundane and magical plants.
• These plants may be for medicinal
  purposes, protective purposes, or purely educational purposes.

• The title Herbologist is
  often used with a negative connotation, and there is a general lack of
  understanding for the role in common society. A Herbologist is any witch
  or wizard who understands the properties and nature of a plant.
• This knowledge is frequently belittled
  by society, who refers to Herbologists as ‘herbies’ or as simple
  ‘gardeners’ and so on.

• Each herb, fungi, tree, and
  flower, whether magical or "mundane" has a unique personality
  and gift.
• Mundane: non-magical plants

• Equipment for Protection
• Dragon-Hide Gloves
• Earmuffs
• Wand

• Equipment needed for caring
  for 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.
  The reason that Dragon dung works so well in breaking materials down
  relates to the acids found in dragon stomachs. These acids break down all
  materials down to their most natural state (necessary for dragons that
  digest and consume a very wide variety of organic and inorganic
  substances). Another quality unique to dragon dung is that it is
  scentless, and will thus bother neither you nor the plant. The lack of
  scent found in dragon dung is reputedly due to the fact that the dragons
  use all odorous gases in the production of their fire, although dragon
  keepers have never confirmed this as fact.
• Mooncalf Dung -  used as a fertilizer. As a gentler
  option, Mooncalf dung is 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 much of a vitamin content to
  begin with, Mooncalf dung may not be powerful enough to contribute to
  what the plant requires to grow healthily.
• Centaur Tears - a favorite
  drink for most plants, which is why you will find healthy plants in
  abundance near any Centaur's dwelling place. More vitamin rich than
  regular water, Centaur tears are capable of reviving a plant moments from
  death. While Centaur tears are a healthy watering option, some plants
  find them toxic. Never water a plant which grows in salt water with
  Centaur tears.
• ADDITIONALLY, it is
  important to note the controversy of ethics behind Centaur tears.
  Centaurs are known for their connection to astrology, especially when it
  comes to gazing at planets. These "beasts" as classified by
  the Ministry, are actually of 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.

• Recommend a large supply of
  dittany

• When working on a lab,  wear closed toe shoes, an apron, gloves,
  and sometimes a mask if fumes/scents noted to be dangerous.