Non Magical Plants

 

Non Magical Plants, as many herbologists prefer to call them, are not just mundane, dull tools to be used. Just like with magical plants, each has their own individual, unique properties, uses, and characteristics. They are used frequently in many areas within the magical world; namely, potionmaking. Non magical plants are far less volatile than their magical counterparts, which tend to cause explosions and major heat changes when used incorrectly. Similarly, non magical remedies for illnesses, although they work more slowly, cause fewer side effects and have less long lasting effects on the user, making them preferable to potions in some cases.

 

Lily Plants (Lilium)

Most easily recognisable from the three petal, three sepal flower pattern, lily plants come in several different colours, shapes, and sizes; in fact, not all species of lilies are actually capable of producing flowers. When caring for a lily, the bulb should be planted about a centimetre into nutrient rich soil, and have partial to full access to sun, equating to around about 6 hours of sunlight per day. Magical fertilisers such as dragon dung and centaur tears should not  be used to accelerate the growth of lillies, however there are ways to stimulate the plants into growing faster than they otherwise would. The stem of the plant, usually green in colour, can range from a foot, to ten feet tall, and are thick and sturdy. Even so, the weight and size of the flower itself often results in the stem bending over. The leaves on the plant are what allows for the production of flowers. Through the process known as photosynthesis, light energy from the sun is converted into carbohydrates, which enable lilies to produce flowers.

 

Lilies are notoriously poisonous to cats and kneazles, but attract a large number of birds. When dried, lily plants are a high source of fibre, and retain multiple other beneficial qualities, some of which are known and understood by muggles. Lilies are able to assist in regulating heart rate, and may also be used to treat a number of heart conditions, such as Angina. They are also excellent for use in treatment of burns, and do well to prevent the formation of scar tissue. The roots may also be made into an ointment which treats burns on skin. Spider bites and bites from other small insects may be treated with remedies using the flower or roots, and the flower can assist to treat people who have suffered a stroke, coughs or fevers, stomach disorders, wounds, sores, and assist in treating swelling or bruising. The scent of lilies is used in the muggle practice of aromatherapy. Lily flower oils are extracted for use by individuals who are depressed, and the scent is intended to induce feelings of happiness and calm the mind. Potioneers also often use lilies in anti-depressant potions, and to improve the scents of other potions.

 

 

 

English Rose (Rosa) - “Roses are good for the skin and the soul.”

This species of rose requires about the same amount of sunlight as lilies do. Out of all species of roses, it is the most receptive to magic, and has the greatest impact on potions and mixtures it is found in. It grows from one to twenty feet tall, and two to four feet wide, and is classified as a shrub. The rose flower, similar to the lily, can be any of a wide range of colours. It grows only within soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0, which is slightly acidic. The spell "Acidious Revealious" will reveal the pH to you, in the form of a white mist. If it is convenient, there are also muggle methods of testing the pH of different substances. Dragon dung should be used when possible, but muggle nutrients and fertilisers are also relatievely effective. Dragon hide gloves or similar should be worn to protect from thorns. Roses require a great deal of water, especially during hot seasons, where the roots should be soaked in water. It is better to do a lot of watering occasionally, then a little watering very often. (Make sure to allow the water to drain).

 

"Due to the cost of Rose Oil, many people dilute it with water or other substances to reduce the cost. Pure rose oil should only be used for medicinal purposes. Furthermore, while rose oil is non toxic, healers or potioneers ought to be consulted about usages and dosage if consuming. In the first century Anno Domini, a man called Pliny the Elder discovered 32 medicinal uses for rose oil. A Herbologist from the same time named Ponticus listed 36 uses, although four more uses have been discovered since then. First of all, it is important to note that rose oil is distilled from the petals. This oil is used in the aforementioned process of aromatherapy. Also, roses have been used to add flavour to other medicines."

Extract, Hogwarts is Here Herbology, Lesson Seven - Non Magical Plants

 

 The medicinal uses of Rose Oil are listed below. 

1. Eye diseases/ (as a tea) and to treat cataracts (from skin of the roots)

2. Burns

3. influenza

4. Stomach problems / as a digestive stimulant

5. Diarrhea

6. Chronic finger sores

7. Snow blindness (with an eyewash using petals, stem bark, and skin of the roots)

8. Astringent/ for skin lotions

9. Sore throats

10. Treats rabid dog bites

11. To stop nosebleeds

12. To ease muscular pain/ antispasmodic

13. Antidepressant /ease depression and anxiety

14. Used in love potions

15. Can decrease kidney stones

16. Menstrual regulator (may be mixed with motherwort for cases of heavy flow too)

17. Helps with kidneys

18. Cleansing properties

19. Anti-inflammatory

20. Source of vitamin C

21. Seeds are diuretic

22. Seeds are a laxative

23. Potions with dried petals treat headaches

24. Soaking a cloth in cool rose water may be applied to the forehead to help treat headaches

25. Scent in potions may relieve colic (muggles may use Rosehip tincture)

26. Eases a cough

27. May be used to treat dry skin

28. May be used in a potion to relieve itching for women

29. Combining Rose water with witch hazel makes a potion to help clear up skin with pimples/acne

30. Adding rose oil to bath water helps ease grief, and sometimes insomnia as well

31. Rose tea helps relieve stress

32. Has been used to prevent scurvy by consumption

33. Eases colds

34. Eases fevers

35. Decreases swelling of puffy skin by compressing with rose water

36. Scent in some potions may induce sleep

37. Can help regulate blood thickness

38. Rose oil is known to be antiviral

39.  Rose oil is known to be antibacterial

40. Rose oil and rose water are known to be Antiseptic

 

 

Some other commonly used, non magical plants, that are used by both herbologists and potioneers include:

-Vanilla                            -Salvia

-Coco                                -Akabia

-Orchids                          -Shilajit