Effect

Potion effects are conferred by food items called Potions, or alternatively a throwable version called Splash Potions, both of which can be brewed using a Brewing Stand in Beta 1.9 Pre-release 3 in order to acquire the effects.

Behaviour
A living entity (player or mob) affected by a potion effect will be affected in various ways for an amount of time. As of 1.9 pre-release 2, players can open their inventory to see any current potion effects afflicted upon them and their duration. Also, as of 1.9 pre-release 4, players can see swirly particles emanating from their position in first person, and as of 1.9 pre-release 5(6?), this effect can be seen in third person and on players/mobs too.

Any number of different potion effects can be simultaneously active on a player, even in the case of opposite potion effects such as Strength and Weakness. It is not possible to apply the same potion effect multiple times, however, even if the effects are of different levels (eg. Strength and Strength II cannot both be active at the same time). In the event of using a potion that applies an effect already active on the player, the new version of the effect overwrites the old effect, giving a new level and full duration, if the new effect is of equal or greater level. An attempt to use a potion that applies a weaker version of an already-active effect consumes the potion but does not apply the new effect.

Parameters
Potion effects are given two parameters on creation: Duration (in ticks) and strength.

History
Potion effects were introduced in Beta 1.8. although no potions were added yet so they were used exclusively for in game actions such as sprinting.

In Beta 1.9 Pre-release 2 actual potions were added and some effects got an alchemical ingredient that correspond to them and Milk was given the ability to cure and clear all potion effects.

In 1.9 pre-releases 2 and 3, Ghast Tears were ingredients in Potions of Healing. Their role was changed to making Potions of Regeneration in 1.9 pre-release 4, and Glistering Melon was introduced for Potions of Healing.