During your exploration in the Lands Between, you will eventually encounter different status ailments when encountering enemies. And one of the annoying debuffs you may encounter is the scarlet rot buildup. This status can instantly drop your HP to 0 when the gauge is filled. In order to counter the scarlet rot ailment, we will share with you an item that can prevent it, which is the preserving boluses.
Are you ready? Here we go!
What is Scarlet rot?
Scarlet rot is a dangerous ailment, status effect that can eats away life of your character once the gauge is full. It can be found in many locations in the Lands Between like in the Lake of Rot, and some enemies have this effect when you fight them.
When you see the status bar below having steady increments you should remedy it as soon as possible and avoid the location or the enemy. Once the gauge is full - then it's time to say goodbye to your hard-earned runes, and get ready to respawn to your nearest site of grace.

What are preserving boluses?
Preserving boluses is a consumable item that helps remove the scarlet rot ailment.
Preserving boluses locations:
There are several places where you can find this item. Here are some of them:
- (5) Shack of the Rotting (near North Caelid)
- Sellia Hideaway—loot from a corpse near the room with huge crystal formations
- Leyndell Royal Capital, near the lift
- Siofra River Well—loot from a corpse inside a structure
- Western walkway edge near the Grand Cloister
Preserving boluses alternatives
If you run out of the preserving boluses item, the good thing is that this item can be
- crafted
- bought at the merchant and
- There's a spell as an alternative that has the same effect as the preserving boluses.
Creating preserving boluses via crafting:
You need to have the Armorer's cookbook [6] and correct proper materials:
- 2 Dewkissed Herba
- 1 Crystal Cave Moss
- 1 Sacramental Bud
Purchase preserving boluses through a merchant.
Another alternative is you can buy this item at the nomadic merchant near the Caelid Highway North.

Speckled hardtear
This item boosts resistance and heals status ailments, including the scarlet rot buildup.
Flame, Cleanse Me Incantation
This spell is an alternative to preserving boluses. The status effect of this is mild damage to the user, but it also cures poison and Scarlet Rot and alleviates their buildup. Another effect of the flame, cleanse me spell, is that it also removes the frostbite infliction.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about the Preserving Boluses item in Elden Ring, you can keep your gear in top shape and take on the toughest challenges the Lands Between has to offer. Stock up with this item, use them wisely, and don't let the Scarlet Rot ailment stop you from conquering Elden Ring!
What experience did you have with the scarlet rot? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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How to Dodge-Roll and Reverse Backstep in Elden Ring
Can I Hide My Character's Helmet in Elden Ring?