Perparing & Drying Herbs

July 3, 2002

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on drying herbs, do I just cut them and hand them up to dry out of direct sunlight. I have ordered a herb grinder as i use herbs a lot for my horses and dogs. It is ok just now while I can still feed them fresh to the horse and make up teas and stuff for the dogs. But I was thinking that I better start drying and storing some for over the winter when i can't get them fresh.

Also how do i dry garlic to make into a powder?

I would be grateful of any advice.

Thanks

Irene

http://devoted.to.organicpets

July 7, 2002

Dear Irene,

The following is not carved in stone, but this is the rule I generally go by: If the plant grows above ground in sunlight, you would be fairly safe in drying it out doors (grapes to raisins, dried apricots, etc). If the plant or herb is grown underground, you should dry it indoors out of sunlight. Garlic falls into this category and so does Echinacea root. Plants which grow above ground (fruit, herb leaves, etc) can usually be safely dried out in direct sunlight. I could probably think of a dozen exceptions if I set my mind to it, but if you stick to the above, I don't think you can go wrong.

The best way to dry garlic is to spread it out on a wooden cutting board and dice finely and then set aside to dry. After you've dried it, (takes a day or three depending on where you live), you can convert it to a powder in your blender or coffee mill. NEVER HEAT IT IN YOUR OVEN IF YOU PLAN ON USING IT IN AN HERBAL REMEDY!

Love,

Doc

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.505-772-5889Dr.IanShillington

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Organic Pets

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