Lesson Six 

Advanced Herbology

Learning Objectives

• To give students an understanding of four plants classified under advanced care
• For students to learn to handle each of the unique problems each plant presents
• For students to be able to identify the plants either by visual or olfactory means

Bouncing Bulb: Also known as Resilio bulbus, and is able to jump around when not restrained. They are purple in colour and is a bulb shaped plant with several green leaves sprouting from the top. These plants can be grown in a bathtub's worth of dirt, with a neutral pH level, in a bright area, and Centaur tears are useful for watering. They can grow to the size of a doorframe, and it is important to recognize their signs of aggressions and learn how to subdue them. When threatened, the Bouncing Bulb will jump towards who or what it identifies as the possible attacker. Smaller bulbs may be subdued with the Knockback Jinx, but incendio may be used for larger ones, as fire causes the bulbs the retreat. 

Gurdyroot: This plants resemble a green onion and have an awful stench, as well as an awful taste. They are often used to ward off evil, and are used in the Gurdyroot Infusion, which is off a red-purple colour and has a bogey like taste. Of the creatures Gurdyroots are said to ward off, Gulping Plimpies are among them. These plants are able to grow in a variety of environments, as long as they have nutrient rich soil, and sunlight and water in adequate amounts.  The Gurdyroot can grow to be fifteen centimeters in diameter. The pot must be seven and a half times the size of the bulb, and must be protected from bugs with the spell Nonperiurabis. 

Aconite, Aconitum, Monkshood, Wolfsbane, "Queen of poisons", "Leopard's bane", "Women's bane", "Blue Rocket" and "Devil's Helmet": The leaves of this plant are extremely toxic, used to kill wild animals and applied to tips of arrows. 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. This plant can be found in the wild, in forests and mountain ranges with moderate temperatures. To care for Aconite, you must wear dragon hide gloves and never leave the root exposed, for it's toxicity is a threat to animals. The darker and fluffier the soil the better, and the plant prefers shady areas. If a 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. 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. This plant as wand like roots.

Wormwood (Absinthe): This plant is associated with sorrow and bitterness, and has been used in potions for a long time. They grow in height around one and two meters, usually closer to two. Wormwood also prefers salty water. Wormwood is an ingredient in the Draught of the Living Dead, and some healers may use it in potions to help with digestive disorders.

Properties: 

• Can induce sweating 
• Stimulate the imagination 
• Increase hunger
• Settle the stomach
• Is a counter-irritant
• Reduces pain 
• Dulls insect bite pain 
• Treats fever
• Treats gall bladder
• Treats liver disease