Basic Herbs and Fungi: Gillyweed, Valerian Root, Knotgrass, Dittany

Gillyweed:

• Rare salt water herb found in the Mediterranean Sea
• Belongs to the giliac weed family
• Grows up to 5-7cm
• It is slimy, grey in colour and grows in a bushel 
• Needs soil of 7.9-8.4 pH range (moderately alkaline)
• Requires little sunlight but needs a large amount of water
• Allows consumer to grow gills and webs for a set amount of time (1h in fresh water, up to 3h in salt water*)
• Gillywater a popular drink due to allowing the consumer to feel nourished and refreshed. 
• Might be related to Gillywood due to its similar patterned leaves.  

How to make Gillywater:

• Needs: Pure water or juice. Cucumber. Gillyweed. Cup

1. Peel cucumber and cut it into long thin strips
2. Tie the strips together with the longest strip
3. Pour water/juice into cup
4. Add cucumber
5. Let cucumber sit. (the longer the time the stronger the taste)
6. Right before drinking add Gillyweed to the cup. 
• Optional: Add some ice cubes or chilling charm to keep it cool. Adding Gillyflower will spice the drink up. 

Used in: Draught of Living Death. Forgetfulness Potion. 

• Found in Europe and some parts of Asia
• Migrated to North America
• Grows to be 5 ft
• Forms bunches of attractive white flowers
• Needs 7h of sunlight min
• Dividing root and seeding will grow a new plant
• Seed needs soil of 4.5.5.0 pH (very strong acid)
• Plant 0.125" beneath soil
• Harvest in spring or fall
• Known to muggles but remain oblivious to it's full powers
• Root has sedative qualities and the springs are used in several sleeping potions
• Roots used in calming droughts and potions as it is anxiolytic
• Springs also used in perfume due to their prominent pleasant smell of vanilla and cherry mix
• Roots worn by grooms to ward off envy of elves**
• Keep away from cats!!!!

Used in: Polyjuice, Knotgrass mead, some love potions

• Native in European forests e.g. Forbidden Forest
• Grows anything between 5cm-4m (green house 2"-14ft)
• Flowers in summer
• after blooming cut stem below the flowering.
• Green, white, or pink in colour.
• Needs soil of 6.1-7.3 pH level (slightly acid-neutral)
• Plenty of water
• Depends on sunlight for growth
• Irregular growth pattern
• Can halt the growth of animals
• Treats urinary tract infections
• Used to treat fertility issues
• Present at weddings
• Symbolic for tying two people together 

Used in: love potions, Wiggenweld Potion, wand cores

• Found natrually on the mountainside of Crete
• Now also grown in greenhouses by Herbologist and Healers mimicking its natural environment 
• 13 degrees Celsius
• Cover seeds lightly with soil and sprinkle water
• Wait for soil to dry before adding more water
• Ok to add too much water by accident but wait until soil is dry again before adding new water
• Chose where to grow carefully
• Grows 20-30 cm
• Needs soil of 6.6-7.3 pH (neutral)
• Requires sun and warmth to grow
• Liquid form brown in colour
• Essential to healers and potioneers
• Also know as Origanum Dictamnus
• Related to Dictamnus Albus a.k.a. Burning Brush or White Dittany
• Known to Muggles who try obtain it going through many dangers to get to this plant as a gift for their signifiant other
• Prevents permanent scaring
• Cures ailments of all manners
• Diluted by liquidizig to be used properly

*Controversial many herbologist contest the actual amount of time the transformation lasts in salt water and the difference it has to fresh. 

** Still custom in Eastern Europe