How to collect and store herbs
Leaves
The best time to collect leaves is on a dry sunny morning before the plant starts to flower.
You want to go outside after the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets too hot.
Use gardening scissors to cut the stems of young healthy leaves.
Use your hand to gently brush off any dirt but do not wash them in water.
Tie the stems together and hang the bunches upside down. Keep the leaves in a warm airy place away from sunlight and continue to check them until they are dry.
Dried leaves should be brittle and snap easily. Store in an airtight glass jar. Remember to label your jars.
Flowers
Collect flowers after the buds have opened but before they lose their petals.
Dry flowers similar to how you dry leaves.
Ensure there is air circulating in the area that you are drying the flowers.
If you lay the petals on a tray ensure that the petals are not overlapping.
When the flowers are dry they should feel stiff not limp.
Store flowers in a dark glass jar.
Remember to label your jars.
Roots
Use a gardening fork to dig out the plant and roots.
Cut the part of the root you want to use.
Gently brush the dirt away from the root.
Gently rinse finer roots but do not soak them.
Once the roots are clean cut them into small pieces and dry them in the oven at very low heat 120-140 degrees F.
You may have to keep the oven door ajar to prevent the temperature from rising too much.
Turn the root pieces regularly to make sure they dry out evenly.
When they become brittle then they are ready.
Cool the roots before storing them in a dark glass jar.