A Guide To Basic Herbology - By Rafflesia Arnoldis
Rafflesia Arnoldis' definitive guide to Grade One Herbology will take you through the first year of the Herbology Curriculum. (Seth Fidler's Herbology Review)
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
8
Reads
7,800
Lesson 6
Chapter 6
Bouncing Bulb
A purple bulb shaped plant, also known as Resilio Bulbus, which is able to jump around if unrestrained (hence the name). To grow it requires neutral soil in a roughly bathtub sized space in a fairly sunlit area. When watering, Centaur Tears are most appropriate. When they are young the Bulbs are easy to care for. It is important to learn to notice signs of aggression as they can grow incredibly big. Subdue smaller Bouncing Bulbs with Flipendo and larger ones with Incendio.
Gurdyroots
The Gurdyroot is a plant that resembles a green onion and have a distinctive repulsive smell. Gurdyroot grows basically anywhere with nutrient-rich soil and a decent amount of sunlight. It must also be watered fairly regularly. Gurdyroot's smell is considered offensive by several small insects who proceed to attack the plant. Although the smell is strong enough to keep most critters at bay magical insects can break through that defense and go for the stem. To prevent damage to the plant it is best to cast the defensive spell 'Nonperiurabis'. Gurdyroots are said to have the magical property of warding off evil, especially if made into the foul-tasting Gurdyroot Infusion, a burgundy coloured solution which is quoted as having the flavour of 'bogies'. Among the common claims of animals it wards off is the 'Gulping Plimpie' which is debated by Herbologists as being non-existent. The belief in this property of Gurdyroots may have spawned off the fact that most animals are repelled by it's disgusting scent and off-putting taste. The plant must have a pot (or land of the same size if grown outside) seven and a half times the size of the bulb, adequate amounts of water and sunlight, the protective spell mentioned earlier (Nonperiurabis) and nutrient-rich soil. If over-exposed to sunlight it can grow as large as fifteen centimetres in diameter.
Aconite (Aconitum)
Aconite is a plant that goes by many names, such as; Monkshood, Wolfsbane, ‘The Queen of Poisons’, Leopard's Bane, Women's Bane, Blue Rocket, and Devil's Helmet. It’s leaves are incredibly toxic but can also be used to treat prickly pain in the skin. It is found in the wild, in forests and mountain ranges of moderate temperatures. When caring for Wolfsbane it is imperative to wear Dragon Hide Gloves and when growing ensure no roots are exposed in it’s dark, fluffy and nutritious soil. It thrives best in shade and must not be tended to with open wounds on your hands. If wounds are infected use the antidote (Antropine) topically on the wound as soon as possible then administer yourself to the nearest Wizarding hospital. Symptoms of Aconite include; Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sensations of burning in the abdomen, mouth, and face, tingling and numbness in the mouth and face, sweating, dizziness, headaches, confusion, and troubles with breathing. When you are close to death your body should become numb.
Wormwood (Absinthe)
Wormwood grows to a height of one to two metres and is common in European salty waters which Herbologists theorize lends to it’s bitter taste. Wormwood is a key ingredient in the Draught of Living Death and are also often used in Potions used to calm stomachs. Properties of Wormwood include the ability to induce sweating, stimulate the imagination, increase hunger, settle stomach, and is a counter-irritant. It’s leaves can be put on skin to dull pain from insect bites. It can also be used to treat fevers, lovers disease and ailments of the gall bladder.