Dittany is a magical plant used in Potion-making, and is a powerful restorative. Its use makes skin stretch over a wound, and after application, the wound seems several days old.[2] Shredded Dittany is an ingredient in the creation of the Wiggenweld Potion. Also known as Burning Bush, it sometimes releases flammable vapours.[1]
Severus Snape suggested that Draco Malfoy take it after Harry Potter's attack on him using Sectumsempra, saying it may prevent any lasting scarring, if taken immediately.[3]
Hermione Granger used it to heal Ron Weasley's arm when he splinched it disapparating soon after the trio's escape from the Ministry of Magic in 1997. She used it again to heal the snake bite Harry received on his arm from Nagini after they were attacked in Godric's Hollow.
It must be quite rare, because Hermione was only able to obtain a small bottle of it for her, Harry and Ron's travels.[2]
Etymology
'Dittany' comes from the Ancient Greek δίκταμνον, supposedly Δικτή, meaning Dicte. Dicte is a mountain the plant grew on.
Behind the scenes
Dittany can refer to three real types of plant. White dittany is a flowering herb that secretes an oil once used for anti-inflammatory purposes. However, the oil is also flammable, which is why the plant is sometimes known as the Burning Bush. Dittany of Crete is a plant native to the island of Crete in Greece, where it is held to symbolize birth and love. It was used in traditional medicine to treat stomach aches and for emmenagogic purposes, as well as for Divination in witchcraft and wizardry.