what is a potion?

a potion, is any drink made to have a magical effect. from the latin potio and the french potare , a poisonous drink. however, as the connotation of the word has changed with popular media, it doesn’t have to poison anybody, in fact, let’s try not to do that. 

types of potions:

there are many names for potions, and they indicate different methods of creation and application.

Infusion  -  a drink prepared by soaking the leaves of a plant or herb in hot water or alcohol for 5-10 min. to be drunk when cooled

Decoction  -  an infusion prepared by simmering a tougher substance, such as a bark, for 10-30 minutes. to be drunk.

Tincture -  a medicine made by dissolving a herb in alcohol for a week. to be taken sparingly in small amounts

Vinegar - similar to a tincture, but instead of alcohol, vinegar is used. to be added into other foods in small amounts

Syrup -  ingredients that are preserved in sugar solution, a reduced infusion/decoction with added sugar. to be taken sparingly in small amounts

Poultice -  a soft, moist mass of fresh chopped plant material, applied to the body with a cloth. 

⚠️ safety first! ⚠️

however, knowing how the potion is prepared does not necessarily mean it is safe to use or consume, that depends on knowledge of the herbs you’re working with, how much of one herb is healthy to ingest, how they interact with other chemicals, and awareness of any allergies you might have to them. 

under no circumstances, is it recommended or legal to put a potions or herbs in someone else’s drink/food without their knowledge or consent. 

⚠️ please avoid working with toxic or dangerous ingredients unless you have the proper training, for your own safety. 

⚠️ ask your doctor about herbs conflicting with any medications you’re taking, before consuming herbal potions

⚠️ take extra precautions with herbal ingredients when pregnant or dealing with a medical condition. 

end note :

the idea of making a potion can be daunting, there are so many factors to get right, the herbs, combinations, potency, the preparation, storing, side effects or drug interactions, etc. however, to potions do not have to be a dangerous or complicated activity. 

PENGUINS. all of them!

(not precisely to scale, but close)

So sorry this is so late into the month! I had a really complicated June, and it didn't leave me much time or energy for CC. Excuses out of the way, I got a really small bundle, but I wanted to at least give something.

no shade to the teens and early twenties bloggers but it’s hard finding people within my age group that are active and continue to contribute here in the community. 

also idk if anyone else experiences this but sometimes it can be difficult relating to the younger population due to generational differences, pop culture, etc.