It must be understood that both wide experience and
knowledge of herbs are needed to successfully gather and preserve them. It is a
study of a lifetime. Lack of knowledge in the gathering and preserving of herbs
may render them of little or no medicinal value. Knowledge of the soil is also
necessary. Plant grown in virgin soil will contain far greater medicinal value
than those grown in different localities will show a great difference in the
amount of curative properties they contain.
There is a difference between cultivated plants and those
growing in their natural wild state. For instance, the dandelion growing wild
has rare medicinal properties that are almost entirely lost when the plant is
cultivated. Wild herbs are more effective for us in medicines than those grown
in the garden.
Gather herbs only in dry weather, preferably when the plant
is in full bloom or the seeds are getting ripe.
Barks
The barks should be taken when the sap is rising in the
spring. Shave off the rough outer part; then peel the inner part from the trunk
of the tree. To dry, put in the sun for a short time (if desired), then
complete the drying in the shade. Be sure the pieces of bark are thoroughly
dry. If there is any moisture left in them when they are put away, they will
mold.
Roots
Dig up the roots either in the spring when the sap is rising
or in the late autumn, after the sap has grown down. Slice and dry the roots in
the shade, tie them up in small bundles, and put them in the attic or someplace
where they are sure to keep dry.
Flowers, Seeds and Leaves
Flowers, seeds, and leaves should be gathered when they are
in their prime, gathering only the perfect ones. These should also be dried in
the shade. When thoroughly dry, put them in heavy brown paper bags.
Do not preserve herbs in glass, because sometimes the glass
sweats. If any moisture comes in contact with the herbs they will become moldy.
When barks, roots, or other herbs are thoroughly dried and
kept dry, they will retain their medicinal value for years.
Bark, roots, flowers, seeds, or leaves may all be dried for
short a time in the sun, but always complete the drying process in the shade.
Too much exposure to the sun tends to lessen the medicinal value. They may be
dried entirely in the shade in an airy place. The only thing gained by putting
them in the sun for a short time is to hasten the dryness process.
A Guide on Herbal Help
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health guide