Herb gathering is a meticulous art; Herbs should be picks at exactly the right moment when their various qualities are at their peak. For most Herbs, this is usually during late spring and summer, and in the morning. Leaves should be picked young, just before the flowers open, when the leaf shoots contain concentrated medicinal powers.
Flowers are very fragile, so you should gather them the moment they open, before they have a chance to pollinate.
Seeds should be dried out in the sun, however keep a watch on them as the wind may blow them away.
Barks and roots are best gathered in spring and autumn when the roots are thick and bursting with sap.
Drying Herbs.
As soon as you’ve picked, your Herbs take them indoors as soon as possible, and tie them in small bunches. Herbs should always be dried out in the driest, airiest and darkest place you can find. Your airing cupboard should provide the ideal environment. You can dry them in the microwave but I don’t like this method, although it’s perfectly acceptable for drying barks and roots.
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