Storing herbs

[Jeremy MenkeStudent]

Will the herbs Retain most of their medicinal value if i freeze dry them?

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Sydnia Ginger Anady

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Freeze drying is probably better than regular air drying as long as the temp doesn’t exceed 105 degrees. I don’t know how much longer the herbs will be potent than regularly dried herbs. I suspect longer than the year or so for regular herbs but doubt that it’s much more. Freeze drying can preserve food for 25 years they say. But herbal medicines aren’t made of starches and fat and protein like food is.

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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maBaird, Patricia Fondren, Lenka, Sydnia Ginger Anady, Kelly Benjamin

[Sydnia Ginger AnadyStudent]

what about dehumidifying herbs- it seems to be gentle and the plants look great

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’m not familiar with that process. How does it work?

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

[Sydnia Ginger AnadyStudent]

you create a room ( can be as simple as a portable garment closet), make shelves of netting, and use a dehumidifier in the room/bag.  I am trying this method currently and the plants seem to dry nicely. I will update you as I get more experience-

[Donna RoweStudent]

I apologize in advance if I am off base but aren’t the herbs already dried?  If so, can they not be stored in a glass jar or mylar bag with the air sucked out and desiccant and an oxygen absorber to retain quality and extend their shelf life?

[JoelleStudent]

Haha, there’s no such thing as a crazy question on the forums! We’re all learners–just at different stages. But to talk about your question, I believe the other contributors to the thread here are talking about storing fresh herbs that they have probably grown or wild crafted themselves. If you buy herbs, yes, generally they are dried. And those should be kept free of moisture and light and air (as much as possible).

[Rachel EwingStudent]

I freeze dried some herbs without turning the tempurature down so they were dried up to 125 degrees. Would you still use them?

Are some more effected by heat then others?

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