We don’t really know the history of the forgetfulness potion because it’s discoverer, a 16th century Spanish witch by the name of Federica Quimia, had the notion of testing the potion on herself as she experimented. Ms. Quimia discovered a variation far more potent than what we currently call the Forgetfulness Potion, and the concoction we will be brewing today only causes mild carelessness and difficulty remembering minor details for its duration.

This potions is often used as a prank but could also be used to heal anxiety disorders or trauma.

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Forgetfulness Potion

Estimated Brewing Time:
Pewter cauldron: 50 minutes and 20 seconds
Brass cauldron: 45 minutes and 20 seconds
Copper cauldron: 40 minutes and 50 seconds

Ingredients:

500 mL of water
2 drops of Lethe river water
2 valerian sprigs
4 mistletoe berries
2 spoonsful of honey OR 2 standard measures of mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

Part One:

1. Add 500 mL of water to your cauldron.


2. Take your dropper to add two drops of the Lethe river water to your cauldron.


3. Heat your cauldron to 394 Kelvin (that is 121°C/250°F) for 20 seconds, then turn down the flame.


4. Add the two Valerian sprigs to the cauldron, then use your wand to stir your cauldron clockwise three times.


5. Leave your potion to brew in your pewter cauldron at 383 Kelvin (110°C/230°F) for 30 minutes. During this step, the potion will be a deep blue and is likely to emit red sparks. (This would be 27 minutes in your brass cauldron or 24 minutes and 18 seconds in copper.)

Part Two:

1. Add the four mistletoe berries to the mortar.


2. Optional step: Add the two spoonfuls of honey OR two standard measures of mint leaves to the mortar as well.


3. Grind with pestle until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.


4. Add two measures of this mixture to the cauldron and stir with your wand counter-clockwise three times.


5. Let the potion finish brewing for 20 minutes. (This would be 18 minutes in a brass cauldron or 16 minutes and 12 seconds in a copper cauldron.)

Take your potion off the flame entirely. The potion should now be a glimmering orange-red, and will still occasionally give off sparks. It will smell like any additive you may have used (honey or mint). If you did not use one, it may smell a little bit like burnt cinnamon.

Stir the potion to ensure it is of uniform consistency and then transfer it to one of the glass phials. Remember to properly label the phial as we have discussed.

Usage Notes:

Forgetfulness Potion’s effects will usually last six to eight hours. It is important NOT to take Forgetfulness Potion the same day as engaging in any important life decisions or changing any passwords or security measures. Those with neurological problems or any history of brain injury should not take this potion, as it can sometimes result in permanent loss of memory. Always consult with a healer before taking this potion for psychological reasons. It should not be given to children under five, as this might impact their brain development, or those who are or may become pregnant, due to the risk of brain damage to the fetus.

Storage:

The Forgetfulness Potion should be left to mature at room temperature for two days. It should be stored in a dark, cool place, and can be kept up to six months before requiring safe disposal.

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Lethe River Water

This ingredient is named after the Muggle Greek mythological location known as the Lethe River, one of the five rivers of the Underworld. In the myth, those who had died drank from the river in order to lose memory of their lives before passing on to the afterlife. It actually comes from the Kaybetti River, a small river in Turkey near the town of Ören. This water acts as a powerful memory suppressant, though taking too much of it could lead to coma or death. An interesting aspect of Lethe river water is the fact that, molecularly, it appears exactly like any other water molecule. We have not been able to find any difference structurally between Lethe river water and regular, mundane water that can explain why it has this powerful magical component. There are two theories on how the water ended up this way. The older theory is that someone enchanted it, the other one is that there is a magical plant or fungus living on the source of the river that gives it its abilities.