Alchemy:
There are three key components to alchemy
A base, some sort of material to harbor the magical effects or concoction (water, oil, alcohol, powder)
Components, this is the bread and butter, what gives your potion purpose and what adds magical effects to it; these are your basic ingredients
Lastly, a catalyst, an ingredient that increases the reaction speed of your potion, a common catalyst is a low-tier magic crystal, another being the blood of a caster or magical creature. The higher tier a catalyst the heavier the vigor downside on the subject consuming it.
Some facts: Most enhancement potions increase or amplify the effects of natural processes in the body. An example would be the potion of endurance Fergus received; it increases the production of adrenaline for a short period.
Or the healing potion “Stardust” crafted with various herbs found around the desert and using the magical dust of a meteor as an amplifying catalyst it can quickly heal any wound but puts a massive strain on the immune system, granting extreme exhaustion to individuals shortly after, however with proper ingredients, this drawback can be delayed for about one hour.
Potion drawbacks can be delayed using ingredients