Herbal Medicine I - Collecting and storing herbs Flashcards
Collecting Herbs Rules
High quality medicinal herbs can be gathered in our countryside and gardens. But we must follow a few rules:
* Only gather herbs in good condition (no insects / disease).
* Gather on a dry day after the dew has dried (damp herbs will rot during drying process).
* From clean and unpolluted environments.
* Be environmentally sensitive, take only what you need.
* Get permission from landowners if necessary.
* Ensure that you have found the right species. Do not proceed unless 100% confident.
Time for harvesting
Herbs must be harvested at the correct time, when they contain maximum levels of beneficial plant chemicals
When to collect aerial parts
Pick aerial parts (above ground leaves and stems) as plant comes into flower.
When to collect flowers
Pick flowers when they first open.
When to collect berries
Pick berries when they are ripe.
When to collect roots
Unearth roots in late autumn /early spring.
When to collect seeds
Collect seeds as they start to fall in summer.
When to collect bark
Cut tree bark as the sap rises in spring.
Drying Herbs
- In order to preserve their therapeutic quality, herbs must be dried correctly, always out of direct sunlight
- In most circumstances, drying will be complete within 10 days.
Drying herbs: aerial parts (leaves & stems):
Hang in bunches in a well-ventilated place.
Drying herbs: Flowers
Lay on baking parchment in a well-ventilated place.
Drying herbs: Roots and bark
Cut into smaller pieces, lay on baking parchment in a warm place.
Drying herbs: Fruits
Dehydrators are best for this.
Storing Herbs
Once dry, store herbs in brown paper bags or jars
* Label containers with name & date of harvest as dried herbs look similar!
* Keep out of sunlight to avoid photo-oxidative damage, in a place with a relatively constant temperature (20–25°C, low humidity).
* Check regularly for infestation with mites.
* Dried leaves and flowers remain in optimum condition for one year, roots, barks and seeds for two years.
