Herbs are used to classify spells into groups. Most herbs are unchanged for spells relating to each other. Herbs for a full list of Herbs and their Mantras. Powders determine the first part of the second word in the mantra. Powders for a full list of Powders and their Mantras.
Potions are what makes each spell different from the others in the same spell group.
Potions determine the last part of the second word in the mantra. Potions for a full list of Potions and their mantras. Talismans determine which group a spell belongs to. Talismans determine whether a spell will affect you, others or an item. Some Talismans also have opposites, from self to other type spells.