STORING YOUR HERBS
You should use a glass container for this purpose though a ceramic one
which has been well-glazed will do as well. The ideal container will have
a large opening and tight fitting cap and will be of a blue, green or brown
glass as sunlight can be harmful even to dried herbs. Containers can be found
anywhere, garage sales, attics, your local Discount Store or crafts store.
Store your herbs in a cool dark place, a vacant cupboard will do but if you
don't have one use a shelf and heavy curtain which can be draped across the
front of it. Don't forget to LABEL your jars!! Keep prepared infusions and
decoctions in the frig, they'll be good for about 3 days.You may also freeze
herbs for later use. This is not really considered suitable for medicinal
herbs but it is very good for those that will be used in cooking. You can
freeze them whole or chopped. Always store only one type of herb...do not
mix herbs together. They may be frozen in plastic freezer bags or plastic
containers. They may also be frozen as ice cubes. This is really good for
herbs such as Lemon Balm if you're making herbal teas through the summer.
Just pop a Lemon Balm ice cube into your tea and as the ice melts it releases
the lemon flavoring into the tea while it chills the drink. To extend the
life of your oils they may also be stored in the frig. Be sure to keep the
jar as full as possible which means changing jars when the level becomes
low. Never add fresh oil to an extisting infused oil. Always try to keep
as air tight as possible. (top)
Herbs are generally widely available in three forms; whole, cut/sifted,
and powdered.
Whole herbs are the best and should be used for tinctures, ointments, liniments
and decoctions. Cut/sifted herbs are good to use for making infusions and
teas.Powdered herbs are the kind you get in capsules. You can make your own
herbal capsules...just like you find in the store...but for convince purposes
most people find it easier to pick them up at their local health food store
or pharmacy.
When purchasing live plants always pick plants that are healthy looking,
not yellowed or browned. Sniff the pot for any unpleasant moldy
odors.
GATHERING HRBS IN THE
WILD
Specifically for the Magickal Herbalist
First and foremost be sure you're taking the right plant. Secondly before
cutting with your Boline attune yourself to the plant. Visualize yourself
working with the plant and really feel its energy. You may like to chant
while cutting in order to help raise energy. You can use this chant or make
up your own.
"O Little plant...(insert name of plant)...give to me your bounty that it
shall aid me in my work. Grow stronger by my stroke. Stronger and more
powerful."
Gently cut ONLY WHAT YOU NEED never take from a very young plant or more
than 25% of the total growth. Always leave an offering of thanks..a silver
coin, brightly colored cystal, some milk or wine. Cover the offering with
sod when you are finished. Some herbs may be taken throughout the year but
most require that you take them during certain times of the year. Leafy herbs
are best taken just before the plant flowers. Always take your herbs in the
morning or later in the evening not during the late morning or afternoon
hours. The oils in the plant tend to evaporate in the hot sun. Always choose
healthy looking sprigs, not yellowed or wilted sprigs. Try to use your
fresh herbs within a week, they keep well in sealed plastic bags or containers.
Watch for mold. (top)
There are several different methods for drying herbs...personally I prefer
the old fashioned method. I take them in bunches...always one herb type to
a bunch...don't mix them....hang them UPSIDE DOWN in a cool place that's
fairly dust free for about two weeks. I hang mine in my kitchen.Another way
to dry your herbs is to use a drying screen. Use a piece of plastic wind
screen mesh and fasten it to a wooden frame. Place your herbs inside and
allow to dry in a dry place for about a week. Another way to dry your herbs
is by putting them in the oven or microwave. You must be very careful that
you do not burn or "over cook" your herbs when using these methods. Personally,
I don't care for this method at all but it's good to use when you really
need fresh dried herbs quickly.
Yet another method for drying is not really drying at all but freezing. This can be done a few ways, it can be done by freezing the herb or mixture in ice cube trays, fill the tray half way with herb and the cover with water. Freeze until solid and depending on how much you're making you can transferr them to a plastic freezer bag, be sure to keep out as much air as possible. Another method for freezing is simply to wash herbs lightly, dry well and toss into a heavy plastic freezer bag, again taking out as much air as possible, place in the freezer and use as needed.
Using food dehydrators and microwaves is not a recommended practice for drying herbs for medicinal purposes...it's perfectly fine for cooking...as they tend to extract the necessary essential oils from the plant which leaves with little to no medicinal value. When dried in this method kitchen herbs still taste pretty good and look good but are best left to cooking purposes. (top)
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