Storing Herbs
Dark, dry and dustfree are the keywords to remember when thinking about herb storage. Direct sunlight will bleach the color
and compounds out of the herbs in a matter of days. Moisture absorbed by drying plants can mildew and cause spoilage, and
once dust settles on dried leaves, it is impossible to remove. The solution lies in the container.
Choose darkly colored glass containers or heavily glazed ceramic jars that have airtight seals. Plastic and metal contain chemicals that will react with plant compounds and porous materials, like unfired clay and wood, will soak up essential oils. Colored glass acts as an extra layer of sun protection. Some beautiful and ornate examples can be found in antique shops, flea markets and garage sales. Do not pack material tightly in the jars, leave room for leaves to breathe. Roots, barks and dried resins are heartier than leaves and flowers and can be stored in paper bags or aerated cloth sacks. Because of their thickness, moisture may go unnoticed when drying, check roots and rhizomes periodically.
Some dried herbs are hygroscopic, meaning they actually pull in moisture from the air. Even small amounts of water are sufficient to reactivate enzymes stored in the plant and cause breakdown to occur. Mullien flowers and marshmallow are examples of hygroscopic plants. Other herbs require a period of maturation to become safe to use, and some improve in quality as they age. Become familiar with the plants you grow, research their individual characteristics and be sure to follow specific directions.
Storage jars should always be labeled with the name and part of the herb, the date harvested and the date stored. Lunar phase and astrological sign information may be included as well. Rotate herb stocks every year, Imbolc is a great time to do this as it attunes with the tide of cleansing and preparation and with the healing aspect of the goddess Brigid, who is celebrated and honored on this Sabbat.
Good record keeping is vital to progressing as an herbalist. Cultivation information and results, harvesting and drying instructions and recipes for remedies, incenses, oils, soaps and perfumes for each plant can quickly fill the largest three ring binder. These notes are invaluable, they are the compendium of your knowledge as an herbal practitioner.
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