You regain hit points when you drink this potion. The number of hit points depends on the potion's rarity, as shown in the Potions of Healing table. Whatever its potency, the potion's red liquid glimmers when agitated.
Potions of Healing
Potion of ...
Rarity
HP Regained
Healing
Common
2d4 + 2
Greater healing
Uncommon
4d4 + 4
Superior healing
Rare
8d4 + 8
Supreme healing
Very rare
10d4 + 20
Variants
Potion of Healing
Potion of Greater Healing
Potion of Superior Healing
Potion of Supreme Healing
How potions of healing play
Drink one and you regain hit points. The common Potion of Healing restores 2d4 + 2, about 7. Stronger versions heal more: Greater (uncommon) 4d4 + 4, about 14; Superior (rare) 8d4 + 8, about 28; and Supreme (very rare) 10d4 + 20, about 45.
Drinking a potion, or pouring one into another creature’s mouth, takes an action in the 2014 rules. Their big advantage over healing spells is that anyone can use them. When the cleric is the one on the floor, the fighter’s potion is what brings them back.
Who should carry them
Everyone should carry at least one, on the belt, not in the backpack or a Bag of Holding, where getting it out costs another action.
Use them to pick up the healer. Any healing wakes a character at 0 hit points, and a conscious cleric can do far more than a potion.
Out of combat, save them. A short rest and hit dice are free; potions are for when there’s no time to rest.
Common questions
How much does a Potion of Healing heal?
2d4 + 2 hit points, 7 on average. Greater heals 4d4 + 4, Superior 8d4 + 8, and Supreme 10d4 + 20.
Is drinking a potion an action or a bonus action?
An action in the 2014 rules, for drinking one yourself or giving one to someone else. Many tables use a house rule making it a bonus action, and the 2024 rules made drinking a potion a bonus action. This page and the builder use the 2014 rules.
Can I give a potion to an unconscious ally?
Yes. Administering a potion to another creature takes your action, and the healing wakes them up.
How much does a Potion of Healing cost?
50 gp in the Player’s Handbook’s adventuring gear list. Greater, Superior and Supreme potions are uncommon, rare and very rare magic items, priced by the DM.
Can a Thief rogue drink a potion as a bonus action?
Fast Hands lets a Thief use an object as a bonus action. Whether drinking a magic potion counts is debated; the designers have said it doesn’t, and many tables allow it anyway.
Do healing potions work on undead or constructs?
The potion has no exception, unlike the Cure Wounds spell. Whether an undead creature can drink it at all is up to the DM.
