Essence of Murtlap

• Type: Healing Potion; Magical Solution
• Owners: Lee Jordan, Hermione Granger (known users/possessors)
• Maker: The primary ingredient is sourced from the tentacles of a Murtlap. The specific brewer of the solutions used in the books is unknown.

Essence of Murtlap is a magical healing solution with a distinct yellowish colour. It is made from the strained and pickled tentacles of a Murtlap, a rat-like magical creature with a growth on its back. The solution is typically stored in containers such as a tub, basin, or bottle for topical application.

The primary magical property of Essence of Murtlap is its potent soothing and healing capabilities for cuts and abrasions. It is applied by soaking the wounded area directly in the solution. When used on minor to moderate cuts, it provides immediate relief, described by Harry Potter as a “wonderful, soothing, tingling” sensation. Its known uses include:

• Healing Magical Cuts: It is highly effective in healing the painful cuts inflicted by Dolores Umbridge's Black Quill, which magically carves words into the user's hand.
• Treating Creature Bites: It is known to be effective against bites from creatures such as Nifflers.
• Treating Splinching Injuries: Hermione Granger used the essence to treat the deep gashes on Ron Weasley's arm after he was seriously splinched during Apparition. While it aided in the healing process, it caused an initial jolt of pain upon application to such a severe injury.

The solution's efficacy has limits. When Hermione applied it to the bite Harry Potter received from Nagini in Godric's Hollow, Harry noted that it did not provide the same level of relief as it had for the quill cuts. This suggests that its healing properties are less effective against wounds inflicted by powerful Dark Magic or venom from a magically potent creature that is also a Horcrux.

The solution is first introduced during the 1995-1996 school year at Hogwarts. Lee Jordan was known to have a supply, which he used to treat bites he sustained from a Niffler. He provided a tub of the essence to Hermione Granger so she could help Harry Potter treat his hand after his detentions with Professor Umbridge. Lee Jordan was later seen using it himself after suffering the same punishment. In 1997, Hermione Granger showed great foresight by packing a bottle of Essence of Murtlap in her enchanted beaded bag before embarking on the hunt for Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. She used it to treat Ron Weasley's severe Splinching injury immediately following their escape from the Ministry of Magic. She later attempted to use it on Harry's venomous snakebite from Nagini, though with limited success.

Essence of Murtlap serves as a key practical healing item in the series. Its introduction directly contrasts the cruelty of Dolores Umbridge's methods by providing a tangible source of relief and recovery from her magical punishments. It also highlights Hermione Granger's resourcefulness, compassion, and preparedness, both in sourcing the remedy at Hogwarts and in packing it for the trio's dangerous journey in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Furthermore, the varying effectiveness of the essence helps to define the hierarchy of magical injuries, establishing that wounds from potent dark sources like Nagini are far more severe and resistant to common magical remedies.

• In the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix video game, Essence of Murtlap is an ingredient Harry can use to brew healing potions. (video game)