A brewing stand is a crafting station in the game Minecraft used to create potions. Players can place water bottles and various ingredients into the brewing stand to produce different effects. It requires blaze powder as fuel to operate, which is obtained from blaze rods. To use a brewing stand, players need to add up to three water bottles in the bottom slots and place ingredients in the top slot. Common ingredients include nether wart, which is essential for most potions, and other items like ghast tears or spider eyes for specific effects.