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Potion of Healing

Potions of Healing are the most common and essential magic items in D&D 5e. These magical liquids restore hit points when consumed, coming in various strengths from basic healing to supreme restoration. Most adventurers carry at least a few healing potions as emergency recovery. The liquid is typically a vibrant red color and has a sweet, pleasant taste.

At a Glance

Type
Potion
Rarity
Common (Potion of Healing), Uncommon (Greater), Rare (Superior), Very Rare (Supreme)
Attunement
Not required

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

How It Works

**Potion of Healing (Common):** You regain 2d4 + 2 hit points when you drink this potion. Drinking or administering a potion takes an action. **Potion of Greater Healing (Uncommon):** You regain 4d4 + 4 hit points. **Potion of Superior Healing (Rare):** You regain 8d4 + 8 hit points. **Potion of Supreme Healing (Very Rare):** You regain 10d4 + 20 hit points. **Using Potions:** Drinking a potion or administering a potion to another character takes an action. A character can also drink a potion as a bonus action (variant rule used by many DMs, but not official). Identifying a potion requires tasting it (action) or using the Identify spell.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Drinking a potion as a bonus action (official rules require an action, though many tables house-rule this)
Common Mistake
Not specifying whether you're drinking or administering (both take an action)
Common Mistake
Forgetting that administering to an <a href="/rules/conditions/unconscious-condition-5e/">unconscious</a> ally requires an action
Common Mistake
Rolling healing when you don't need to (some DMs allow taking the average)
Common Mistake
Assuming anyone can identify a potion by looking (requires tasting or Identify spell)
Common Mistake
Not tracking potion costs - they're worth 50 gp (common) to 50,000 gp (supreme)

DM Tips

DM Tip
Standard pricing: Healing (50 gp), Greater (250 gp), Superior (2,500 gp), Supreme (50,000 gp)
DM Tip
Consider using the bonus action variant rule if combat feels too deadly
DM Tip
Potions can be destroyed - consider attacking held items or targeting pouches
DM Tip
Let alchemists or herbalists craft potions downtime for half the market price
DM Tip
Place healing potions on downed enemies for tactical decisions
DM Tip
Describe the taste and effect uniquely for each batch to add flavor
DM Tip
Consider making healing potions rarer to increase tension and value healing magic
DM Tip
The 2d4+2 roll averages 7 HP - not enough to fully heal most characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading