Lesson 2.4
Drying & Storing Herbs
If you are purchasing your herbs already dried (cut & sifted or powdered), then you won’t need to apply this step to your medicine making process. However, it’s good to know how to dry fresh herbs, so that you are prepared when the need arises. Here’s a simple outline on how to dry different parts of a plant.
Aerial Parts
The parts of a plant that grow above ground (the aerial parts) can be hung in bunches outdoors or in a dry part of your home or spread flat onto a drying screen (avoid metal) or basket. Be sure to not overlap plant material so that they dry evenly. If tying into a bunch, ensure there is enough air to circulate around the plant so it can dry completely. You can use twine or rubber bands to secure the bunches. As the water evaporates, the bunches will shrink some in size. For this reason, a rubber band works well because it will adjust its tension automatically. Drying time, if hanging, may take anywhere from two to several days depending on herb’s original moisture content. This is the most traditional method of drying herbs. You can also use a dehydrator or oven, using the lowest heat setting possible until the plant parts easily crumble with little effort. If using a dehydrator, check your manufacturer’s settings, as many do address drying herbs.
Roots
Typically, the roots should be washed and sliced while fresh and dried flat in baskets or on screens. If you wait until the root is dry to cut it, you will likely have a very difficult time! You'll find that some sources note the option of drying herbs using a microwave. I do not recommend this method, as it is not a healthy form of heating anything, really. Thus, if you want to retain as much medicinal value as possible from your plants, please choose a more natural route or buy the herb(s) you want already dried.
Storing Herbs
The general rules for storing herbs will depend on a few factors:
Whether the plant is fresh or dried
Type of prepared formula
Whether or not formula is preserved
If you have dried your own herbs, you can store the whole dried plant in a large enough glass jar or clean resealable bag. Another option is to chop the dried plant material if you plan to use it soon. The plant material will retain more freshness when it is cut as needed; however, this is not always practical! I purchase a lot of dried herbs already cut and sifted but I am sure to keep them sealed tightly to retain their potency. Always inspect for signs of spoilage before using. Note that some herbs will be primarily available in a dried powder/spice form.
One guideline that just about all herbs share is for them to be stored away from light and heat. Heat seems to be a larger factor than light, but it’s a good idea to keep your herbs in a dark container or in an area that doesn’t get a lot of light/heat (cupboard, pantry, not above stove). I use a lot of clear jars because I enjoy seeing the herbs, but I make sure they aren’t in a hot part of the house or under direct light.
When storing essential oils or liquid herbal extracts/tinctures, always store in glass bottles. Plastic not only can release chemicals but could also become eroded from ingredients like alcohol or volatile chemical constituents in an herb. Dry, loose-leaf herbs and herbal powders are often stored in plastic bags upon purchase (which is fine), but if desired, you can also transfer the plant material to glass jars.
When purchasing herbs, you can usually refer to the expiration date as a reference for their shelf life, but you should also use your senses and intuition to ensure they are in good condition before using. If not dried thoroughly before packaging, they can grow mold, so this is a good practice to implement, whether drying yourself or not. Simply use good judgement.
Labeling Herbs
Labeling your herbs is vital for obvious reasons -you definitely want to be sure of which herb your are using, but you'll also want to know how long they should remain fresh. With culinary herbs that you use daily, you likely don’t need a label to identify them; however, labeling does more than just identify the herb – it can also be used to indicate the date purchased, stored, prepared, etc. So, with herbs you plan to use medicinally or as a part of your herbal business, labeling them is essential. Once you are familiar with the shelf life or expiration date of your herb or formula, you can then add this date to the container label, so you know how long your herbs should be fresh and effective.
Herb Shelf-Life
Again, the shelf-life of any plant material will depend on its quality and how it is prepared. Here is a guide to help you understand the timelines associated with different types of herbs or preparations:
