Herbology:: Lesson 1:: Year 3

The Wolsfbane Potion is a very advanced brew whose main use is to ease the symptoms of lycanthropy. It was invented by Damocles in the second half of the twentieth century and needs to be prepared with extreme precision. Otherwise, it can be deadly, since the main ingredient, Wolfsbane (also known as Aconite) is poisonous. Although no cure has still been found for the condition, by taking this mixture before their transformation, wewolves can still think clearly and control themselves even under their beastly form.

Aconite, also known as wolfsbane, monkshood or Aconitum in latin, is quite an important plant in the magical world as well as for muggles. Although it once used to be widespread, it can now mainly be found in wild places such as the Scottish mountains. It is very useful as it flowers and roots are an ingredient in potion-making, but it can also be quite dangerous, since it is highly toxic and can make for a deadly poison.

Other than its uses in the wizarding world, muggles have also employed this plant in traditional medicine (notably Chinese) as a powerful anesthetic and as a cure for many illnesses including fever. However, it is rarely used nowadays as it has been replaced by safer and more effective treatments.