Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs
Drying and Storing Medicinal Herbs
Even the finest herb loses its value if dried or stored badly. Follow this order — harvest, dry, store — and your herbs will keep their healing properties all year round.
When and how to harvest
Harvest in dry weather, after the dew has lifted and before the midday heat. Pick flowers just after opening, leaves before flowering, and roots in autumn. Only take healthy plants from clean locations, away from roads.
Drying properly
Spread herbs in a thin layer, in the shade, in an airy place — never in direct sunlight, which destroys essential oils. They are ready when leaves crumble between your fingers and stems snap.
- a thin layer on paper or mesh, turned daily
- a room free of damp and strong smells
- delicate herbs such as chamomile and lavender dry quickly — check them early
Storing through the year
Store dried herbs in dark glass jars or paper bags, labelled with the name and harvest year. Keep them away from the stove and moisture. Most herbs keep full strength until the next harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can herbs be dried in the oven?
Yes, but only at the lowest setting (up to 40 °C / 104 °F) with the door ajar — otherwise the essential oils are lost.
How do I know a herb has gone off?
Faded colour, lost aroma, dark spots or any sign of damp mean the herb should no longer be used.
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Use in Treatment
Traditionally used for burns and skin irritations, St John's Wort is widely prescribed in Europe as a mild antidepressant for depression, nerve fatigue, and insomnia. A 1984 study suggested hypericin acts like a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), while a 1998 German study linked hyperforin to increased serotonin activity. It’s effective for depressive states with weakened nerves and sleep difficulties. Externally, it relieves mild burns, scalds, neuralgia, sciatica, and inflammation.
Cultivation
A perennial weed, St John's Wort is hard to eradicate once established, making it unsuitable for gardens. Grow from seeds in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Preparation and Dosage
For Internal Use (Nerve Fatigue, Insomnia, Depression)
- Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, strain, drink 2 cups daily during meals.
- Liquid Extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol): Take 2–4 ml 3 times daily.
For External Use (Burns, Skin Irritation, Neuralgia, Sciatica)
- Cream: Apply to affected areas as per instructions.
Warnings
- Consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Avoid sun exposure when using externally due to photosensitivity risks.
- Consult a doctor if taking other medications, as St John's Wort may interact.
