Herbology-301 Review AssignmentDone by: Isabel Black Gryffindor House

INTRODUCTION AND SYLLABUS This year, the main focus was on Herbology used in

healing. This was quite a vast topic. Along with that, we also learnt about Herbologist

traditions and the Victorian Flower Language. Our syllabus for the year was:

  Healing Herbology and Safety Precautions Chinese Herbologist Traditions Aboriginal Herbologist Traditions Healing Teas Healing Herbs Victorian Flower Language Puffapods/Harvesting Working with plants in Healing.

Lesson 1

  HEALING HERBOLOGY AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

L.1 HEALING HERBOLOGY AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Before the Statute of Secrecy nearly all who worked in the

medicinal trade were of Wizarding blood. Herbal medicines are preparations containing exclusively plant

material. Their efficacy can be tested in clinical trials much like with

synthetic drugs.  However, numerous methodological and logistical problems exist. For several herbal medicines, efficacy has been established. For many others this is not the case,  mostly because the research

has not been done. Many consumers believe that herbal medicines are natural and

therefore are safe to use. This is a very dangerous simplification to make. Some herbal

medicines are associated with toxicity, others interact with synthetic drugs.

In the upcoming slide, we will be looking at an example for this as well as the necessary protective equipment.

EXAMPLES AND EQUIPMENTS Garlic (Allium sativum) has the ability to lower

cholesterol, prevent/treat colds (and some other infections); however, garlic also increases the risk of bleeding if a person is also consuming something which works as a blood-thinner.

You need to have some certain equipments while working with plants. They are You need your wand You need some dragon-hide gloves so that your

hands will not be injured. You need an apron so as to not dirty your robes You need closed-toe shoes You need a mask You need tight-fitting clothing. You need antidotes if anything goes wrong.

Lesson 2

CHINESE HERBOLOGIST TRADITIONS

L.2. CHINESE HERBOLOGIST TRADITIONS The first thing you should note about ancient Herbologist traditions is that

they are often incorporated into the religion of the surrounding area. This is because in ancient times, muggles associated magic with

mysticism and deities. And, for most Herbologists, this was good for business and often encouraged. 

In Chinese Herbology, the plant nutrients are often separated from the plant material through boiling processes.

 Herbs used within Asian traditions usually have a high toxicity. Lead, garnet, iron, copper, and coal are five of the more common

“substances” out of the thirty three used for various mixes and uses. Now, minerals is in quotations here because not all of the materials are

actually minerals; however, in ancient times Herbologists classified all these materials as minerals.

Herbologists in China made use of what they considered warm and cool energy. Each plant could be either cold, cool, neutral, warm, or hot.

The Chinese believed in the Yin and Yang Theory that said that every person has Yin and Yang within them, and if everything is normal these are in balance with each other, resulting in peace in mind, body, and soul. If there is either too much or too little of either Yin or Yang, a person is plagued with illness. To cure such, a person needs to make up for what is missing to restore balance. 

Lesson 3

ABORIGINAL HERBOLOGIST TRADITIONS

L.3. ABORIGINAL HERBOLOGIST TRADITIONS Herbologists in North America, like in Asian countries, were seen as

spiritual beings and respected within religious rites. One major part of healing with Aboriginal Herbologists is the medicine

wheel. It consists of four colours: white, yellow, red, and black. Each portion of the wheel represents a different part of a person’s health. White represents spiritual health, and is connected mainly with Cedar. The Cedar is used for purification of spirit Red is the mental portion, with Sweetgrass as its herb. Sweetgrass is, in Herbology circles, deemed the Herb of the Youth. Yellow is the quadrant representing physical health, and its central plant

is Tobacco. Tobacco is used as an offering or gift before picking other plants, and thus

holds a very spiritual significance to Aboriginal people. Finally there is emotional health, placed within the black quadrant and

emphasizing Common Sage. Also called Garden Sage or Common Sage, this plant has the strongest

medicinal power of all the four main medicinal herbs from Aboriginal Herbologist traditions.

These four plants are called the four sacred medicines.

Lesson 4

HEALING TEASWe covered three herbs, namely Borage, Peppermint and Thyme.

BORAGE Borage is an invasive, annual herb that grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet

with a spread of 2 feet, in average to rich soil that is well-drained. It likes full sun and temperate climates but can bloom all year round in

milder climates. The flower has five narrow, triangular-pointed petals, which are usually

blue in colour, though they sometimes are pink, white, or purple. In the culinary arts, Borage is used in Germany's famous grune Sobe

(green sauce) that is served with meats, fish, potatoes and vegetables and is popular in Central European cuisine.

 As a vegetable in salads or as a garnish , the leaves taste like a mild cucumber.  It is also enjoyed in soup, pastas, and pestos.  

Its flowers taste like sweet honey and, when candied, are used to decorate desserts and garnish lemonade. 

Borage Tea is used to relieve colds, influenza, and bronchitis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and kidney inflammation.

Borage tea, if taken in excess, can cause side effects of nausea, restlessness, stomach upset, dark urine, and may be toxic to the liver. 

PEPPERMINT Peppermint is actually a cross between a spearmint and watermint,

a hybrid. It is native to Europe but has spread throughout the world.   It is perennial herb, growing 12 to 35 inches tall.   Its leaves are broad, dark green with reddish veins. The leaves and

stems are slightly fuzzy.  It is considered invasive in Australia, New Zealand. the Galapagos

Islands, and in the United States in the Great Lakes region since 1843.

Peppermint is the oldest flavour in confectionaries.   It is often used in tea and for flavouring ice cream, confectionery,

chewing gum, and toothpaste. Peppermint tea has several benefits; analgesic, antispasmodic, and

carminative.  It is useful for irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, stomach pains, diarrhea, and constipation. 

Pregnant women, infants, and younger children should not drink tea.

THYME Thyme is a Mediterranean herb, requiring dry, sunny conditions

and sandy, loamy soil.   It is a low growing, woody perennial, with fragrant, flavourful pink,

lavender, or white tubular flowers.   It requires very little maintenance. Thyme is used both fresh and dried to flavour jellies, breads,

vinegars, marinades, sauces and to complement tomato sauce, cheeses, eggs, and vegetables. 

 It is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain, diarrhea, bedwetting, dyspraxia, flatulence, parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders.

Thyme tea is rich in volatile oils, minerals, beneficial phenols and flavonoids.  It has antioxidant properties.  It increases omega-3 fatty acids, or healthy fats, in the brain cells.

Lesson 5

HEALING HERBS

We covered three herbs namely Sage, Turmeric and Calendula

SAGE (SALVIA) Sage is intimately involved in the healing process, and its name even

comes from the Latin verb "salvere" meaning "to save." It grows in sandy soil (or well drained). The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 8.5, though it is

fairly adaptable. Sage should be grown in full sunlight. Its flowers can be between blue and purple, with green to grey leaves.  Some of its healing properties are:-

acts as a ward against minor dark magic and is helpful in antidotes to dark potions eases coughing and sore throats brings down fevers helps with digestive tract problems treats circulatory system problems brings down bruises aids memory anti-histamine (helps with allergies) can help with dandruff  antiseptic this herb can help with some creature bites in potion form, it can help with skin infections

TURMERIC Turmeric was used by Herbologists as a part of the oldest recorded

use of medicine, dating back to 10 000 years past.  Turmeric can grow up to a metre in height, with green leaves, and

flowers which can be yellow, orange, or pink, although other variants exist.

It is often used in India today during weddings and religious ceremonies of many sorts. 

Some of its health benefits are: cures many stomach ailments treats sprains acts as a pain reliever treats liver problems antibacterial antioxidant anti-inflammatory anti-tumour antiviral

CALENDULA Calendula is also known as Pot Marigold or Flesecima. It is grown in the same conditions as Sage, with the exception that

partial-sun is also acceptable. It reaches up to 31 inches in height, and it's flower can be yellow

or orange.  Some of its health benefits are:

anti-genotoxic antiviral heals chronic infections helps with pain in the eyes heals some creature bites and stings aids recovery of flesh wounds including burns treats swollen veins cleanses blood treats liver and gallbladder diseases

Lesson 6

VICTORIAN FLOWER LANGUAGE

L.6 VICTORIAN FLOWER LANGUAGE It is used for three main reasons-for gifting, in writing and to impact

home atmosphere. Violets give a message of faithfulness, surely something you would

want to give to your friends. A primrose gives the message ‘I cannot live without you. The daffodil means ‘the sun always shines while I am with you.’ The dark pink rose is an excellent choice of flower to present to

someone, for it means ‘thank you for being a part of my life!’ Hortensia means ‘you’re cold’ and Ficoides means ‘your looks freeze

me.’ Tansy means ‘I declare that I am against you.’ Asphodel means ‘my regrets will follow to the grave’ and wormwood is

symbolic of sorrow and absence. Snapdragons give a message that deception is present A branch of thorns may make the room on of suffering an anger. The presence of Mint will make the atmosphere feel pure and virtuous. Less arguments will occur in a room surrounded by olives, (or hazel),

for it emanates peace.

Lesson 7

PUFFAPODS AND HARVESTING

Divided into three parts-Puffapods, Harvesting and Spells Learned.

PUFFAPODS The Puffapod is classified as a magical plant, and grows first in the form of a

bush. The Puffapod produces pink seedpods the size of a fist. Inside the pod is packed with metallic/shiny beans. These beans vary in colour,

although are always shiny. The beans should be transported only with magic, and not touched by hands or

gloves or any solid substance, for the moment the bean touches something solid other than the seedpod, it flowers. 

Wingardium Leviosa is an appropriate levitation spell to use to move the beans. Since the beans will sprout instant upon contact with any solid substance, you

have two options. One, store the beans in a jar filled with water. The water will remind the bean of what it felt like to be in the seedpod, and not

trigger instant growth, even if the seed touches the edge if the jar. Two, you can put a repelling spell on both the jar and the seeds. The simplest one would be Mininium. 

Puffapod beans are useful in several capacities. When allowed to bloom, the flower is edible. It can be a lovely addition to salads, and a sweetener in bitter teas.

Trolls are allergic to the Puffapod leaves, so witches and wizards used to plant Puffapod bushes around the fences of their homes to discourage trolls from visiting.

HARVESTING Harvesting typically involves cutting off one piece of a plant for use aside from

the original plant.  In the 1400s a very useful spell was invented for harvesting plants. It is called the

severing charm, its incantation being Diffindo. If you know Beethoven, humming “Ode to Joy” to your Lilies will produce positive

results. Roses love a good love song like “Kisses Sweeter than Wine” and “December’s

Rose” Vines enjoy “Good to Me” by Audrey Assad. Autumn and winter blooming flowers enjoy sad lyrics, such as “The Phoenix

Lament” by Ministry of Magic. Trees like older songs, so with them I suggest you stick to hymns and

symphonies. “Candlelight” by Reliant K is a classic among nocturnal plants, who also have a

preference for love songs. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra works wonders for nocturnal plants as well. Fruit plants are rather bashful, and prefer a humble sort of song that doesn’t

mention plants. Bushes like songs that have attitude. Dangerous plants like humorous songs.

SPELLS LEARNT Levitating Charm Incantation-Wingardium Leviosa Mininium Pronunciation-Mini-knee-OOH-um Use/s-What Mininium does is create an electric charge (like static) that makes the

beans levitate away from the jar edge, as well as away from each other. It is best to use jars with an unbreakable charm on them. Used to store Puffapod seeds.

Severing Charm Incantation-Diffindo Pronunciation-Deef-IN-doe Used to harvest plants. Extra Spells: Friomente – (free-oh-MEN-te) – keeps storage cool  Oxido Repello – (ox-E-doe ruh-PEL-oh) – keeps oxygen from spoiling the fruit Bruzusa Protectus – (brew-ZUH-suh pro-tech-TUS) – protects unripe fruits from

bruising

Maturio Revelio – (maw-tyou-ree-OH reh-VEL-ee-oh) – creates an aura around the plant which changes colour based on maturity level of the fruits.

Lesson 8

WORKING WITH PLANTS IN HEALINGWe covered five plants in this lesson namely Slippery Elm, Leaping

Toadstools, Agnus Castus, Spiky Bushes and Comfrey

SLIPPERY ELM Slippery Elm is a tree that grows commonly in the northeastern part of North

America. It grows to an average eight metres (40–60 feet), has a brown wood with red

tinges, and grows a samara fruit. Slippery Elm grows in well-drained, loamy soil of a large pH range (5-8). Muggles have not managed to grow one anywhere outside of North

America; however, Herbologists have cultivated the plant in Europe and Asia.

The trick is the use of the spell Kana Groyio (Can-AH grow-YEE-oh), which alters the way the weather affects the plant.

The great thing about the Slippery Elm is that the tree rarely catches illnesses or diseases. For example, it very rarely gets the Dutch Elm disease.

Two parts of the tree are used in healing: the leaves and the inner part of the bark.

Potions using the inner part of the bark are used in baby food and formulas for preventing illness in children and adults.

A tea may be made for the following cases: heavy coughing, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder/urinary tract infections, syphilis, and herpes.

LEAPING TOADSTOOLS The Leaping Toadstool is a fungus with a red umbrella-like look. White spots cover the cap of the herb. This herb can grow in any soil, but if grown in acidic soil, the herb will turn

purple and be poisonous. It is a magical/sentient plant, with the most notable quality being its ability to

jump about. In order to harvest to plant, you need to be able to do a simple body-binding

curse. The incantation is Petrificus Totalus (pe-TRI-fi-cus to-TAH-lus). From this point you have an hour to harvest before the Leaping Toadstool will

recover. The healing nature of the plant is rather dual-sided. If you harvest the Leaping

Toadstool young, you will have a miracle maker on your hands. If you wait too long, stinging hairs will grow on the toadstool. For this reason,

dragon-hide gloves are a necessary component of care. To neutralize the stinging hairs, you may neutralize the plant by heating or

cooking it, or by leaving the toadstool out to dry.    The healing uses of Leaping Toadstool are seemingly boundless, but I will

comment on the most common/practical uses here. Leaping Toadstool will cleanse blood, treat hay fever, subside the effects of arthritis, prevent excessive menstruation, treat hemorrhoids, treat eczema and similar conditions, aids in recovery from dragon pox, heals burns, and treats internal bleeding.

AGNUS CASTUS This herb is never put into a love potion, as it has been

ritualistically used to cool the passions of lust. When a couple has trouble having children, however, the berries of

this tree are given in a juice to rejuvenate the reproductive system. Early Herbologist writings record that this is because true love is

more conducive to having children than the abasement of lust. The herb is used in the several conditions women suffer from.

These include: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)/premenstrual tension (PMT), mastalgia, hyperprolactinaemia, luteal phase defect, uterine fibroids, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, and to ease the transition of menopause.

Specifically, Agnus Castus is good for restoring absent menstruation, regulating heavy menstruation, rebalancing hormones causing infertility, and relieving premenstrual tension.

SPIKY BUSHES Incendio Tria (in-SEN-dee-oh TREE-ah) is a more powerful fire-conjuring charm, which

creates blue flames. These blue flames are very hot, so it is necessary to be careful. One must reduce the Spiky Bush to ashes in order to utilize its healing abilities. Spiky Bushes are bushes which have spikes that grow from them, and purple flowers

resembling those of a thistle. It is best to grow Spiky Bushes as naturally as possible, as muggle fertilizers and such

render the plant unusable. The plants spikes will shoot out if the plant feels threatened or is attacked, which is

why we always perform a strong fire charm, which may be done from a distance. When you burn the plant, collect the ashes into a container that is not made out of

plastic. If you are diabetic, it is important to watch your blood-glucose levels while using. If you have decompensated liver cirrhosis, do not use Spiky Bushes. Some people become irritable, have headaches and nausea, and notice minor

gastrointestinal distress after use. Positive uses for the plant include reversing the effects of drinking too much

firewhisky, healing jaundice, poisoning, hepatitis, liver/gall bladder diseases, stopping the growth of certain cancer cells, regulating high cholesterol levels, and helping with insulin resistance for people who have type II diabetes and cirrhosis.

COMFREY To plant Comfrey, you merely obtain a root cutting, harvested no more than

38 days previous. Growing in moist loamy/clay soil, Comfrey blooms best in full sun

environments. Not only is this plant helpful in healing, but it can also be used as a natural fertilizer.

Russian Comfrey and Common Comfrey are the most popular. Some Herbologists suggest that Comfrey should not be applied daily for

longer than a fortnight, or for more than 40 days in one year. This is because the herb contains small quantities of alkaloid (a toxin to the

liver),which can cause liver failure in persons who have a weak liver. The toxin is only effective when it builds up over time, and alkaloid is only in

the older leaves, so the hazard can be mitigated by using younger leaves. Generally, Herbologists agree the health benefits outweigh the possible

health risks, and advocate the popular use of this healing herb. Herbologists promote the use of Comfrey especially for the healing of broken

bones, sprains, arthritis, severe burns, acne, eczema, cuts, bruises, and other sores. Comfrey may also be used in the healing of varicose veins.

Herbologists promote the use of Comfrey especially for the healing of broken bones, sprains, arthritis, severe burns, acne, eczema, cuts, bruises, and other sores. Comfrey may also be used in the healing of varicose veins.