Gillyweed

Gillyweed is a magial plant native to the Mediterranean Sea. When it is eaten by a witch or wizard, one grows gills and webbing between the fingers and toes, allowing them to process oxygen from water and navigate underwater more easily. There is some debate among Herbologists as to the duration of the effects of Gillyweed in fresh water versus salt water, but the effects of Gillyweed in fresh water seem to last about an hour.

Description

Gillyweed is said to resemble a bundle of slimy, grey-green rat tails.

Recreational Use

When dried and smoked by a witch or wizard, Gillyweed's effects may include but are not limited to: a general alteration of conscious perception, euphoria, feelings of well-being, relaxation or stress reduction, increased sensuality, increased awareness of sensation, and (if smoked in great quantities) possible mild hallucinations. It is written on Absit Omen with attitudes similarly shown for Muggle world contraband, Marijuana.

The strain of gillyweed used for this recreational purpose differs from that used to grow gills and webbing. Smoking gillyweed is considered illegal by the Ministry of Magic but individuals are rarely apprehended for it, unless they are part of a larger effort to sell or deal in the substance on a mass scale.

Divination Use

Dried gillyweed is often utilised by Seers and would-be Seers to enhance their Inner Eye. Its hallucinogenic and magical properties are purported to help open the Eye, or make it easier for Seers to form predictions. The gillyweed can be smoked or burned as a smudge stick and inhaled.

At Abist Omen

• First written smoking use in Post Task Party People.