Fabula
Object
Object

Henbane for Draught

A potently sedative herb (henbane) used as the primary active ingredient in the draught, distinct from complementary ingredients like sesame seeds
2 appearances

Purpose

Ingredient in a sedative draught intended to neutralize Irongron during a planned infiltration of his castle.

Significance

Part of a improvised plan bridging medieval pragmatism and alien expertise, henbane becomes a critical enabler of cross-era cooperation between Lady Eleanor and the Doctor.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments
S11E3 · The Time Warrior Part 3
Doctor proposes bold plan to Sir Edward

Henbane, coarse and brittle in dried leaf form, is offered by Lady Eleanor as one of the key ingredients to be combined into the draught meant to soothe Irongron’s rage, trusted by the Doctor for its calming effects despite its toxic reputation.

Before: Dried henbane leaves stored among kitchen herbs, familiar to Eleanor for its medicinal use.
After: Selected and counted among the active ingredients for the draught.
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S11E3 · The Time Warrior Part 3
Doctor secures Eleanor's cooperation for plan

Henbane is another herb in the basket, recognized by Eleanor and approved by the Doctor as suitable for the sedative mixture. Its inclusion underscores the blend of trusted local wisdom with the Doctor’s alien insight, transforming mundane forest flora into a tactical tool against alien-backed aggression.

Before: Dried, brittle, and hanging in bundles or stored in jars as a seasonal medicinal or kitchen herb
After: Pinpointed as a critical ingredient in a draught designed to counteract the warlord’s aggression, transitioning from benign plant to chemical agent
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