Making Tinctures with Older Herbs

[Roxanne JegodtkaStudent]

Hi…I purchased a large amount(probably at least $200 worth) of organic dried herbs last fall, planning to tincture them.  Unfortunately I had many medical issues come over the course of the past year, so I did not get them tinctured.  Most of them are still packaged in the original packaging, so haven’t been opened for air contact.  Is it still worth it to tincture these herbs, or should I start over again, buying new herbs?

Thanks!

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Marshell Martin, Sarah Walbert, Michelle Koch, Sydnia Ginger Anady, StephanieMarie

[KarenStudent]

That depends on where you got them. If from a company who freeze dries the herbs then packages them in mylar, they are probaby still good. Freeze dried things last for many years. If they were dehydrated, not nearly as long, but if you only purchased then last fall, there is a chance if you tincture them imediately that they will still be good. Several of the big companies sell freeze dried herbs

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Marshell Martin, Sydnia Ginger Anady, StephanieMarie

[StephanieMarieStudent]

I have a massive amount of herbs from about 7 years ago, I have wondered if I add TONS of herbs if it will help the tincture work better but likely not. 🤔

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I wouldn’t tincture anything over a year old. No reason go to all that work and expense for inferior medicine.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Sharron Scott, Milagros Lee, Marshell Martin

[SharonStudent]

Oh that bit of information makes me somewhat ill – I invested a small fortune in herbs prior to learning enough to know that I didn’t really know what to do with them all.  I even purchased a lot of hooch to go with them – life got in the way (much like the OP’s situation), and here I am about 2 years later with a gob of herbs just begging for me to use them…  ARRGGGG!

[Marshell MartinStudent]

I did the same thing, purchased hundreds of dollars in herbs and vegetarian capsules and the whole nine yards, what a waste of money. Expensive lesson learned.

[Marshell MartinStudent]

Would it be wise to freeze dry herbs after purchasing them or should I freeze dry fresh herbs for long term storage?

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Joanne Fletcher

[Author]

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