Herbs for Teas: Harvesting and Drying

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NOTE: This information is meant for educational purposes only .I am NOT a doctor nor pretend to be one. Nothing I say should be used to replace professional medical counseling. Also, PLEASE do your OWN research!

[@lisajordan9642]

You’re doing something right girl, you’re skin is glowing, beautiful lady.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you!

[@GodIncreases3777]

Beautiful mints!!! Thanks for sharing how you harvest and dry herbs for teas.

[@nancyfahey7518]

I chew my lemon balm, I know its rough, but it connects me to my high self. It calms the soul and transitions my thoughts to the love I have for my plants and God's universe. I know that sounds intense but sometimes I'm so overwhelmed with things I have to do, this brings me back down to earth.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have found this to be true with most herbs. I love just picking and eating them straight from the garden, even the bitters like feverfew and dandelion leaves. For me it is that multifaceted thing of appreciation for God's creation and the wonderful gift of healing that is in each of these herbs and also the comfort of knowing these things are right there at my fingertips, and they are FREE! :)

[@SparkiMcSparks]

I'll have to try this. 🙏

[@LisaEdmonds-c5r]

ME TOO.

[@nancyfahey7518]

When a bear first comes out of hibernation he finds a tree and rips the bark. The inside of that bark is very bitter and it conditions the stomach to start eating again. My bitter is the new growth of the olive tree. Olea europea. 3 or 4 times a year.

[@Ladythyme]

I’ve been making a tea this year of thyme, lemon balm with a little mint, honey and lemon...an excellent refreshment over ice

[@Brainslushi287]

Did we just become best friends?!?!?

[@Tessa-hg4hn]

Never had lemon balm or thyme. I for sure want to grow thyme and try it's tea. Ty❤️

[@petrii1998]

What a lovely blend. I’m going to save this and try it. Growing all three in my herb gardens 💚

[@maryelaine-blinstrubchambe6083]

Don't give to people with thyroid or thyroiditis.

[@KimandFrank]

Good morning from Maui Heidi! I luv to watch you in the garden so I can see your set up and your passion. :) I can gather so much good energies watching you and Doug & Stacy LoL it certainly an awesome source of nuggets! Thank you for all you time and energy and passion Aloha Kim

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Kimberly! :D

[@WanderingNature]

Praise the Lord, thank you for posting

[@TeeFlory]

Some of my Rain faves herbs garden teas herb blends thank you Heidi I appreciate all you do to help us! Love and prayers❤👍😍

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Tee! Take care lady! :D

[@MarysNest]

Hi Heidi, What a great video. I watched and re-watched!! There is so much information to absorb!! I love the idea of cleaning the herbs with the vinegar and then dehydrating them. My husband gave me a dehydrator for my birthday and I have been enjoying using it to dehydrate veggies and mushrooms. Now I am excited to try herbs!! My lavender has grown so profusely. I am going to harvest it soon. Also, thank you so much on the tip about pinching the mint to encourage growth. I’m going to start doing that right away!! Mine was thinning quite a bit and now I know because I was letting it grow and not pinching it back. Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Love, Mary ❤️😘❤️

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Mary! Yes, all those herbs when pinched back will just keep getting bushier and give you much more as you go along.

[@cherrysheets9909]

Thanks Heidi! Another video with good information on teas. I didn't know you could make tea out of wooly Lamb's Ear

[@chick-a-bee-farm]

You always have the best information! You inspired me to plant a medicinal garden this year. The seeds are all growing really well and will be transplanted out to the garden in just a few more days. Yep! I even started some marsh mallow! Looking forward to next year when everything should be big enough to harvest from. Thanks for the inspiration girl!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You are welcome and thank YOU Susie :D

[@edieboudreau9637]

Surprised Mr. Rain hasn't made you a special stand up "sleeve" style holder for all of both type tray covers. You know kind of in shape of old magazine boxes. Then you'd always be able to find them & keep them handy, too.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I usually store them all inside the dehydrators themselves which works great for me, but since I only just started pulling out my dehydrators and their trays one at a time for the year, I am a bit stumped as to where all my screens are. I have all my fruit roll trays but not all my screens. It is weird!

[@shelly8387]

Well I've found all my screens but have no idea what I did with my roll up trays.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

That made me chuckle, sorry! haha

[@bluegypsydoll]

Gosh i love this channel!!!! I'm just starting my own More natural way of life and this channel has helped me GREATLY. So many thanks!!! Much love miss Heidi😻

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you for this and I am so happy you are enjoying our content! :D

[@edieboudreau9637]

Great Gramma used to put the slugs in an old leaky tin "bowl" for the chickens and collect until done for day. She had 2 & would use the second for collecting. She trained hers by putting feed in same bowl and once they got some they got to enjoying them.

[@johnibrazzell764]

Hello from Kansas. Julianne from Heartway Farms sent me over. Great video. I am now a subscriber. Tyvmfs. Be safe.

[@terriolsen2779]

We have a farm- pigs, cattle and chickens. We use the mechanic variety and just throw the gloves in the washer and dryer, they last a long time. People just don’t know. They’re awesome

[@frannavaldez9399]

I’ve been searching everywhere for the wooly lambs ear.. found it on your Etsy!!! I’m so excited!! Thank you for diligently saving seeds!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Glad you got some when you did, I only have a few packs left! I should have more again late summer though

[@countrygalinthecity]

I leave logs in my chicken runs...all over...then once every couple weeks I'll go out and turn the logs over...love watching the girls run over to get what's underneath 😀

[@raysumpter3976]

Thanks for the great idea

[@breathfocused5472]

Amen to God be the glory for ever and ever Amen!!!

[@bbsbacktobasics7695]

Awesome video. And my lambs ears seeds I got from you are doing great. I got like 15 plants. That I will be planting outside probably tomorrow after work. Been busy as a 🐝 lately...I got a lot of plants to transplant in pots and in my raised beds garden that I am using repurposed wood from docks and building this year. I can't believe I waited till I got into my 50's to have all these herbs & gardens. This is my long lost passion I finally get to do with the thanks & help from you and all your herbs and such videos. Love you, Heidi.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Glad to hear those lamb's ear are doing great! How about the others, did you get any to germinate?

[@bbsbacktobasics7695]

Rain Country I got 3 of the marshmallow that germinated. They are still way tiny. Slow growing

[@VickiesCountryHome]

I am loving your channel! I have been growing herbs for many years, but they don't all grow as well here in the high desert, so I am still learning what will grow well, and what won't. Thank you for all of the good information!

[@lisabooker6405]

I soooo love this time of year and seeing what you’re up to with all your herbs. Guess what...MY SAGE SURVIVED!!!! I can’t believe it actually overwintered in its pot!! I did have it mulched pretty good with leaves and in a “somewhat” protected place but it still got a lot of snow on it and it LIVES!! My sweet little Frankensage! Hahahaha I even found a rogue strawberry!!! I transplanted it hoping to get some runners. Now if I can get my berries to live annnd get my mints to overwinter I’ll be happy!! Looking forward to all you’ve got coming down the pipe! TFS! Love, hugs and blessings ~The Kid!! ♥️

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Very cool on the sage! It seems to me to be a pretty hardy plant once established so I am sure it will continue to do well. I would guess your mints will do well too, they can actually be hard to kill!

[@jerrysims6551]

Thank you!

[@MomIrregardless]

i started out with the Nesco GardenMaster over 40 years ago. still using that one!! HOWEVER, i loved it so much, i bought three more on sale from amazon, and not one, but two of them melted down and one caught fire!! seller said 'too bad'....so i moved into a SS SepTree square model, and it's doing very well for me so far. much easier to keep clean, and has replaceable motor parts to boot! also, no plastic contamination to my food either. i do still use the old Nesco, and now i have over the 35 tray limit for it!! i also switched to silicone for even less nanoplastics to leach into my food. i use the fruit leather trays to dry raw eggs!

[@suzannedavis6099]

Great video!!! I have so many new herbs can't wait to start dehydrating them.

[@uzzi3760]

Suzanne Davis in a way that sound wrong 😂

[@lindachandler2293]

I planted chocolate mint last year and it's trying to be my new favorite. I didn't want to pick it too close the first year so I am anxiously waiting for it this year 🙂

[@invaderzim6904]

Chocolate mint? That sounds amazing

[@lindachandler2293]

@@invaderzim6904 It is 😊

[@doris5625]

How do you use chocolate mint?

[@lindachandler2293]

@@doris5625 Tea was why I planted it, but it is interchangeable with any mint.

[@thinkingofothers353]

~~~ Mrs. Heidi it is nice to know every little thing....your wonderful in the way your helping us...Some people will not understand how you have helped them until they and their loved ones are really in need...and all cable is off and they did not think to record your videos they would need. ...Thank your son for the information he gives us also...please say to him his name is around the northern mountains of GEORGIA. ...Because of him we now keep an eye around our stores. ...GOD BE WITH YOU MY DEAR FRIENDS. ...JOY BE IN YOUR HEARTS. ...

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Dave and I will let him know! :D

[@theadventurerangers1999]

God is good all the time❤️

[@nikkitobin8356]

I love that you answer your audience questions .... That shows u know your stuff By the way ... Because of you ive got bee balm processing as a tincture THANK YOU FOR YOU INFORMATIVE VIDEOS

[@christiebetts4970]

Good morning to one of my favorite people! Love this

[@RainCountryHomestead]

:)

[@ryleshale1593]

i use my fruit leather trays for drying eggs, sour creme, cottage cheese, cooked rice, and so much more. love my Nesco, i also have three!

[@euniceday8582]

Love Dry Herbal Teas And Soooo Good When You Feeling How IT Works On My Mind, Body And Soul.

[@baronplant4595]

That video was really helpful and full of information thanks :D Also love your chickens they look adorable! 💖💕

[@gogogardener]

I need to do some mint too. I pruned rosemary over the weekend. I have an outside dehydrator that does kitchen herbs perfectly. We've been in 90s in the afternoon, so it's time. Thanks for the remind r.

[@polinagreen4627]

Thanks

[@vernahelvik8678]

I learn so much from you. Thank you

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Verna :D

[@TheLeisamarie]

True story!!

[@monagriggs6352]

Thank you Heidi very much 🥰🥰

[@CozyReadsMimi]

Hi Heidi! I found you channel while searching for information on drying herbs for tea. I have been sharing the makings of my container tea garden on my channel, will definitely link your video this is so helpful! I've been watching a lot of your videos and subscribed. I also followed your link to the dehydrator, can't wait to dry my herbs for tea. Thank you so much for sharing what you do! You are amazing Xo, Mimi

[@charlottewillis9252]

Thank you for the great info! I have some dandelion flower petals in olive oil to make a joint and muscle rub, just have to add some beeswax pellets next week. This is first time I have made it and looking forward to how it comes out. I really like the idea of using petals for tea so will get some in the morning.

[@ljmike5519]

I'm doubling my herbs now. Great information. Thank you

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

At your cue, I made mojito tea. Just that. This is it's second year I think so there isn't much yet. It was So yummy! Thank you!💜

[@laurielawrence9341]

Thank you for the wonderful video. I learn so much from you, you are very inspiring.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Laurie :D

[@triciasklodowske5653]

Looks like I'll be watching alot of video's on herb's. Thank's so much. God bless

[@homesteadingatkookergehoft8131]

Fun video. Thanks for sharing. We just planted some Mojito Mint yesterday, so we will see how it grows for us.

[@dkulikowski]

BEAUTIFUL! Thank you again for sharing your passion. Taking advantage of wonderful bounties that we have been blessed with on Mother Earth. Amazing isn't it?

[@mymobilehomestead6242]

I'm going through and watching and rewatching every one of your videos. I'm catching up and getting a refresher. I love all of your information.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I noticed you sent me an email, I will try to get to that today and respond when I can, been so busy with orders and the garden now too but it is rainy today so I should be able to get to that if I do not forget :)

[@debbiebee9077]

I blend Moroccan mint, apple mint and black peppermint from the garden. I dry it . Love it. Also grow lemon balm (prolific!). Then I forage stinging nettles and dandelion. I add mint to the last 2 for taste.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I grow and harvest nettle, dandelion and lemon balm. The dandelion I use in many ways. The lemon balm mostly fresh for teas (I do not care so much for the flavor of dried lemon balm in tea. I like to blend lemon balm with orange mint or with fresh ginger. I use the dandelion flowers fresh in teas but dried for infusing in oil. The stems I prefer to eat fresh just after picking the flower and the leaves get used fresh in salads or dehydrated to add to mixed greens along with the nettle. Nettle I do a lot of cooking with fresh or dried and also add it and dried dandelion leaves to my chickens feed. I just made up an herbal antiviral blend for my chickens that involves lemon balm, echinacea, oregano, thyme, and chicory (all homegrown) plus some astragalus. This will be blended into their feed to help prevent viruses and boost their immune systems

[@annotoole5864]

Looks good! I use peppermint and lemon balm in my tea as well. In the summer I like to steep them with dandelion and a green or black tea in my sun oven for a great iced tea. Very refreshing. I am going to start thinking on what other herbs I can use for tea and a green mixture...so I love to watch you to get great ideas. You have such a wonderful herb garden!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Ann!

[@GrandmaSandy]

Hi Rain Country ,I love your videos on Herbs Teas .

[@broccoligirl9019]

Oh the great tea that will make

[@cerestaylor1039]

Oooohh I can't wait for spring ❤😀

[@jackieburnett6881]

Love your video! You are a wealth of information. Ty for sharing

[@kathrynsoper247]

I have woolly lambs ear growing in one of my gardens that I planted years ago. I had no idea it was medicinal or could be used as an herb. I will be harvesting some yet this fall.

[@kathrynsoper247]

Herb tea

[@butterfly1823]

I am a believer of organic plant for tea making

[@jackeekp]

Hello me again...lol...missed the links, so you don't have to go back through the video they were for Making mixed greens, Making tomato flakes, and Wooly Lambs Ear, heading to find that one, have the stuff all over the yard, brought it in for bandages, never looked up that it could be used in other ways, Thank You for sharing,

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I know I put in the mixed greens and lambs year so not sure how you missed those but I did miss the tomato flakes.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Ok, got the tomato flakes added in now too, thanks for letting me know but yes, the others were there. If you ever do not see them pop up, just hover your mouse over the upper right hand corner and click on the "i" that shows up and you will see a drop down menu of all the videos I have linked within. I had four in there before the tomato flake one, now I have five :D

[@jackeekp]

I did the hovering, most of been my computer this time, internet was down this morning, with all the rebooting, we weren't getting along...lol...Thank You

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Ah yes! Been there many times! haha

[@birdsberriesbrews6191]

Been watching for over a year and the clickable links on video screen NEVER show up.

[@Brainslushi287]

Better late than never I suppose but I wish I found you sooner! Great video, great info. Long road ahead of me as I'm just starting so I'm looking forward to going through your video library. 👍👍

[@justsomesaltyboi8716]

im 25 and i decided to start up a garden for my tea fix and it has really opened my eyes in medicinal uses of native plants in my area. ive been super surprised at the plants ive come across that are really good for your body but nobody really cares about. anywho, im growing 4 pots of spearmint because ill never plant them in the ground. i found some lemobalm out in the wild so i propagated it and it blew up to 4 other stalks that grew super strong! i have another lemonbalm that is from seed. i also bought some lavender and thought i was having only 3 plants, but instead i got 6! they were super crowded and so i decided to split the middle two apart and move the mints that i grew from seed into bigger pots. the mint are blowing up but i lack a dehydrator! i truly want to get my tea garden going and my leaves to be dry to ensure maximum shelflife. its been a dream of mine to do this and im very glad its a thing that other people are also putting on a spotlight for! thank you!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I did a video on other ways to dehydrate, if you live in the right place, it is not necessary to have an electric dehydrator: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4Ssioh3faZ6hsU

[@philandbevanthony264]

When I pull poison ivy, I put on Nitrile's, slip a trash bag over the ivy and then pull the ivy out by the roots, bag it up and off to the garbage dump (not compost!) it goes. Love our Nitrile's for lots of stuff!

[@polinagreen4627]

Blessings

[@MiZMc16]

Thank you so much

[@patvanderwolf8300]

Heidi, you mentioned home made vinegar .. do you have a video on it please. I use a lot of vinegar and to date have used the store bought kind and would like to make my own. Many thanks for all the information you post here .. love it. Bought a few trays of herbs today to start my herb garden. 🌻

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have many vinegar making videos, here is my most recent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpbTqoZ3iLmDqNk

[@tennesseegirl1215]

Thank you Heidi, excellent video. I do have a question, my dandelion blooms are puffy. I sealed them anyway, will they still be ok to use in tea? This is my first time after I begin watching you to dehydrate dandelion. So I am in learning, I will definitely try the vinegar spray on future dehydrating. I am just stepping into the waters, wanting to do teas. I have had numerous herbs in the past, but I have tripled my plants this year, after watching you. I can't say enough how much of an inspiration you have been for me, God bless for all you do

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I would still use them and have before when that would happen to mine. My guess is there is still goodness in there that there is no sense in tossing out :) Thank you again for your many kind words!

[@tennesseegirl1215]

Rain Country thank you, have a blessed day

[@glorious_conqueror2021]

Great video and thanks for all the information on dehydration. God bless

[@charitysmith5245]

If you dont have the special sheets for the dehydrator parchment paper does the job just fine and can be reused many times for the same things. My counters are covered in dandelions and mint because I've got mulberries dehydrating! My lettuces are full of slugs! Anyone have a good tip for dealing with them that really works?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Around here, all the natural tricks people recommend do not work (crushed eggs shells, copper wire, coffee grounds, beer in containers - we have tried it all). What I DID find last year is that Sluggo has a product that is safe for pets and organic gardening. Though I am unsure what is used as the actual bait, it is the iron phosphate (that natural occurs in soils) that ends up killing them after ingestion. I have been trying it in a few places and it is working

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

YAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! I'm happy you found a solution for those nasty slimy little creatures. eeewwwww!

[@longarmsupplies]

Wow! I just found you! Love your videos and I LOVE the covers on your apc jars...mine are flour sack and I'm going to go get some flannel or just plaids from my quilting stash and make some now in the color that I love(which is your colors!)...you're awesome. I'm drying my herbs and watching you while I work, picking and sorting and arranging!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Welcome here Veta!

[@kleineroteHex]

Lovely, if I could just shake whatever keeps dragging me down (mainly chills and a bit of allergy cough), as soon as I'm done it comes back. Watching this I thought "oh I have echinacea tincture somewhere " must find!!!! After I warm up again - it's like reverse menopause: cold flashes 😁

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

*K* .... search Heidi's recipe for elderberry syrup. I think she calls it *cough and cold syrup*. Elderberries, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, echinacea, honey and thats all I can recall from head. I made it, but also added garlic and onion to it. That recipe kept my mom and I well ALL WINTER. I am a true believer!!! Hope this helps ... :-D If that doesn't work, I'll take you up on the walk in your woods. THAT ... will cure ANYthing ;)

[@kleineroteHex]

Kathleen Zimmerman I must make some for my springtime misery!!!! Usually I am fine during winter, it's this pollen and big temp fluctuations in the spring that get me out of the blue! I keep forgetting I have samba too somewhere in my fridge!!! If I don't feel all shivery and wet washclothy when I get home today I will pick lemonbalm, mint and woolylambsears and make me a tea!

[@AaronLeeFilms]

Amazing channel. THANKS for sharing all this amazing information.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Aaron!

[@monagriggs6352]

I love lemon balm🥰🥰🥰

[@OneElusiveRainbow]

Use the fruit rolls up screens for eggs,or drying broth for powers

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Dehydrating eggs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKXZm6iDo65gncU Trays I use now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC2l61_jK6srbM

[@bethaspell1827]

I didn't know that about the slugs. Interesting.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

By the way, I tried the lavender leaves with my mints in a tea last night and it was wonderful! Today I will be trying the lavender leaf and elderberry kefir I made yesterday :)

[@bethaspell1827]

Rain Country awesome. I have lavender and mint I thought of trying that as well thank you. We are behind you for weather. So my lavender is just starting. Thanks again

[@LifeatSycamoreRidge]

great video thank you for the inspiration!

[@edieboudreau9637]

Love seeing the picking, etc. For someone only having white vinegar would that do for the rinsing??

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, just make sure to rinse well with water as most white vinegar is genetically modified

[@doricetimko332]

I’ve never tried this w mint but a chef once told me to freeze my harvested herbs stems to add to soups and crock pot meals for additional flavor….

[@RainCountryHomestead]

If you are going to strain the stems out, yes, otherwise they can be tough if left in. I take the stems that do not fully dry and use them to make a tea immediately since it is going to be strained out anyway

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

I have lots of wooly lambs didn’t know what to do with it Thanks.

[@cynthiahoffman8683]

I am beginning to pay attention to the microplastics element with processing or storage my products.

[@PackWolfypack]

I have found that if the dandelion is just it's peddles and not the seeple it won't turn into puff balls.

[@BlessedBaubles]

Lol. So cute. Let the chickens roam wile you're out there for slug control.

[@polinagreen4627]

Good luck

[@kindred1113]

I love pick herbs and lets them dry natural.....I dont have those you have to dehydrate. Maybe something I should think about investing....nice video as always..MANY BLESSINGS.........MINDY

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Mindy :)

[@martiwoods6610]

Love your videos. Follow both KZbin and Rumble.

[@lorilumax6850]

I know raspberry leaves are edible, but I did not know strawberry leaves were.. thanks for the info

[@Tessatopiia]

I've been really trying to talk my husband into getting chickens for this very reason, of course eggs are a plus too lol then some milk goats. :-)

[@lindastephen-seaver6345]

Maybe put up combination blends. How much of each in each blend. That would be very helpful.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Pease see this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGqzgWaojLOHlbs

[@debracasseday4960]

I agree I don't over wash my herbs either.

[@pattmierce3689]

You must really hate wreaths. Great video thanks....I took notes

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Hate wreaths? Why do you say that?

[@olabisiariyo8015]

How about soaking them in water and sprinkle a lil bit of salt? Does it still preserve the nutritional content that way? Thanks for the video ma'am

[@pattifoote1714]

I think Dandelion leafs taste terrible, how do I change that?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This time of year the leaves are not as bitter but also when you dehydrate them, the flavor is subdued greatly and then when mixed and cooked into soups and such, it is undetectable

[@christiebetts4970]

Do you think the break bleeder method of vaccum sealing would be doable for someone with arthritus in their hands? I' m trying to decide whether to get the break bleeder or say a vaccum sealing machine.I like the idea of not having to have electricity for the break sealer

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Good question and one I have often thought about. I am still dealing with pain in my hand (that turned out NOT to be carpal tunnel - I believe it is either coming from my upper back or it is tendinitis - it is healing but very slowly) and it can get rather painful running the brake bleeder some days.

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

@Christie Betts ... *BUY THE BREAK BLEEDER!!! THERE IS HOPE!!! :-D* Speaking as one who has osteoarthritis in all joints of both hands, carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists, tendonitis, nerve damage in both hands & some other krap the doc diagnosed me with that I can't even remember the name of is coming from my shoulder down to the tips of my fingers. I do have difficulty with the break bleeder. There is no way I can squeeze it with one hand. However, my own stubbornness and determination worked FOR me in this case ;) I built a jig out of wood to set the bottom handle in, put some non-slip material on the bottom to keep it in one place & wrapped the "top" handle with padding. Then, I just push down on the top handle. This method also gives me more leverage as I am able to use my whole arm to push it down instead of just one hand. Sometimes, I have to switch hands while in the process. It is ALL WORTH IT because the break bleeder seals MUCH more effectively than the electric models. AND, YOU can control the PSI. *YEP!!! It's one of the BEST TOOLS I have in my kitchen arsenal ;)* Hope this helps ... :-D

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thanks for sharing this Kathleen! I was thinking about a similar idea. For now I can handle it but I wonder what I will do if this issue in my hand/arm gets worse or I have to deal with other things later on like arthritis and such.

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

@Heidi ... I am no doctor & I don't play one on KZbin ;-D Hold your wrist with the palm facing up. Take the middle finger of the other hand, and thump on the carpal tunnel area, just below the palm of your hand. If you feel tingling in the middle finger, and possibly the ring finger, you have just diagnosed yourself with CTS. CTS does NOT affect your baby finger. That's the diagnosis that I can't remember the name of, but, it's the nerve that runs across the elbow. I call it "funny bone syndrome". THAT one affects your baby finger. If you have trouble with the big meaty part of your thumb, it is most likely arthritis. I also have trouble with "trigger finger" in my ring finger and first finger. I don't take care of myself as I should, but, I'm working on it. I have the typical "caregiver" behavior. Take care of everyone else, and I don't count. pfffft Ice will be your best friend. Never EVER put heat on it. And, of course, REST it as much as possible. (yeah, RIGHT!!!) Keep in mind that this could be coming from your neck, too. Once you know what you have, you can deal with it. So, now you have my unsolicited advice. Still love me? LOL!!! Lots of love & prayers

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

It bothered me, so I had to look it up. Here is a link that I hope will be helpful. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/ulnar-nerve-entrapment-at-the-elbow-cubital-tunnel-syndrome/

[@LizzieDeanMakes]

Hi Heidi - I am loving your content so much! I did a dandelion root, leaf and flower harvest on Saturday after watching your videos on dandelions. I have mint and chamomile plants that I am growing from seed this year for teas. I have a question - I have heard of raspberry leaf tea (I used to buy teabags of it) - I have raspberry canes - do you know if I can just harvest leaves from my plants for the tea? Xx

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes you can and I do it all the time once the leaves get big enough. These get added to my main tea blend as well :D

[@SparkiMcSparks]

I'm excited to try mint and lemon balm together for tea. I use my catmip mixed with mint for herbal smoke as well as tea. For the tea I sometimes add a sprig of dried lavender sweetened with honey and a splash of lemon. Very calming to my nerves, slows my mind and gets me ready for sleep. May I ask where you find your green Mason jars with those beautiful dark lids? If you have an affiliate link, I'll use that. Thanks for all you do! Love you videos..and I want to stare at your walls and pantry stash!

[@naturallygifted2002]

That Beautiful

[@rossmail5924]

Do you have some hints on knowing when the herbs are fully dried? I air dried some lemon verbena recently, was sure it was dry but it went yuck in the jar :-(

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I always crush them with my fingers and that is how I tell. Flowers like dandelion and calendula can be a bit more difficult though if you are not wanting them crushed

[@cathleencaratan3373]

Heidi, have you made your own essential oils before? Also, what’s your take on the hanging netted drying racks?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Though I make a lot of infused oils, I have yet to make my own essential oils but I hope to some day. I have never used those netted drying racks but seems like they would work well especially if place in an area with good air flow

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

New subscriber here. Heard about you from Heartway Farm

[@JEHomestead]

Heidi, I found some Common Mullein on my property and was wondering if you knew if I can dehydrate it in my electric dehydrator and at what temperature? All your herbs looked beautiful. Thanks, Judy

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, you can dry it that way, herbs are best to dry at 95°

[@JEHomestead]

Rain Country Thank you!

[@StaraGard]

Great info thanks for sharing - such an honour to have advice and experiences handed to us the present and future generations, especially now... I'm new at gardening, im guessing i did the following incorrectly: took out a full lavender bush from the roots and planted on the other side of the garden which has very hot day sun with wind early evenings, its 2 weeks now and bush is brown and dry even though watering the whole garden daily...? Please assist with a cure 🌱 Anything I can do with all the brown dry stalks and flowers? 🍃

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I cannot be certain on that, lavender does like a lot of sun but not too much water if it can be helped. This is why here I grow most of my lavender up next to the house in order to protect it from too much rain (since we get an average annual rainfall of 120"...which is a LOT). Does not get as much sun as it would like but still grows well.

[@carolwakley9850]

What is a good dehydrator? Love your shows 😍

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have used Nesco for many years but recently bought a new one that will be here tomorrow. I will do a review on it once I have a chance to try it and see how well it works

[@carolwakley9850]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you so much 😊

[@nancypanasyuk8860]

This video was made long ago but I read that they can get parasites from slugs. I thought they were bad to feed the chickens

[@RainCountryHomestead]

When you say "they" you are not being specific enough and I have not watched this video in a long time so I have no idea which herb you are talking about

[@silverlining_1995]

Do you take the dandelion leaves too ? Still can dry those too? Also are the slugs good for the chickens?? And eggs too. I’m a complete beginner... but you do this with spices too right? And hanging them up is enough...? Cause I ah, don’t have anything to help dehydrate the herbs. The bugs will stay away from them right? I imagine they wouldn’t like the smell

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I use the leaves too. I eat them fresh in summer and add to salads and dehydrate a bunch for my mixed greens blend but are not something I prefer to use in teas. If you do not live in a humid climate, then hang drying can be enough but it is too humid and not warm enough for such things to dry well for us that way so in spring through early fall, I use the electric dehydrators.

[@christineayre796]

Hi Heidi!! How do you use the wooly lamps leaves? What do they taste like?

[@edieboudreau9637]

Have you seen the utube vid from diy herbs. Dandelions.? A lot of uses for all parts. There are 5 segments starting with the dandelion song. Some history of it. Medicinal value. Food uses. Gardening harvesting. Even dandelion syrup.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have not seen the video but I do use all parts. I have several videos about the uses and benefits of dandelion from the root to the flower :)

[@edieboudreau9637]

Rain Country I know. I've watched them. An herb playlist including this n that's that go with would be cool.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I do have an herb playlist, I also have a This N That playlist but I need to get my new videos added in to them