Finding

Wildcrafting

I have been wildcrafting medicinal plants since the early 1990s, and over this time have had the good fortune to not only learn about the various techniques, but also how to scientifically measure the impact of wildcrafting to ensure a sustainable harvest. This section covers several basic considerations that you should be aware of before you head off in the bush to harvest your favorite herbs.

Harvesting

Roots are traditionally harvested in late Fall, before the foliage has died off completely (so you can still identify it), or after the snow has melted in early Spring and the new shoots can be identified. If however you need the root then take it when you need it. If it’s summer you don’t have to wait until Fall to harvest some dandelion root - but if you plan on harvesting a lot for later use do it in late Autumn or early Spring. Some roots are buggers to get out of the ground, and some pry out quite nicely. The tools that have proven to be the most effective are a small spade and digging stick, but occasionally a larger shovel may need to be used, and in extreme examples a Chinese hoe or a pick may be required. Remember to cover any holes you make and pack down the soil. There’s nothing worse than coming across a secluded thicket that resembles a lunar landscape...Please login or register to see the full article

Drying methods

After you have spent all that time in the garden or bush harvesting your herbs, it would be a shame to find that they spoiled due to improper drying methods. Of course, if you are preparing fresh plant remedies, like fresh plant macerations or oil infusions, then you don’t need to dry them – although a little washing and then drying may still be important, especially for fresh plant oil macerations, which can go bad very quickly if there is too much water in the preparation.

The late, great herbalist Michael Moore provides five basic methods for drying herbs, as follows:Please login or register to see the full article