How to Dry and Store Herbs

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In today's video I wanted to share the steps and different methods of drying and storing herbs that I favor. I hope you enjoy!
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:30 ad
03:55 the first steps
06:05 the basket drying method
09:16 the bundle drying method
11:43 storing herbs
13:16 last few notes
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[@mrs.blennerhassit92]

Helpful hint: Fine mesh bags (like the ones that yarn often comes in) make great herb dryers, because you can hang them from the ceiling and get %100 air circulation, plus you don't lose a single leaf - everything stays in the bag!

[@sherryk30]

I found an interesting way to preserve basil for either cooking or the craft or both. Salt! Put a layer of salt in a clean jar then put a layer or two of basil leaves on top. Repeat until you've preserved enough or u filled the jar. Store on the fridge and you've got fresh basil leaves for winter cooking! U can cut up the basil and mix it with a nice salt like Redmond's real salt (not table salt!!) and you've got some nice basil salt for seasoning or the craft.

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Would Kosher sea salt work? 🤔

[@thelonewolf2073]

You can also mix lavender flowers in sugar and use it for baking. :)

[@dianapovero7319]

@@lowwastehighmelanin ANY non iodised salt will work just fine, just shake the jar eery now & then to be sure all are evenly dehydrated & do still check for crunchiness, if they're still leathery after several days pick them out & use fresh salt or just dry them in a basket or screen. I use dollar store sieves as screens for small amounts of herbs. Also you can put those silica packets that come in boxes of goods into your jars if you live in a humid climate, if they go squishy like putty don't use those throw them out.

[@DawnMK2023]

I never knew this. Thank you for sharing and many blessings!

[@DawnMK2023]

@@thelonewolf2073 I've done this for lavender -lemon bars. It's delicious!

[@toddy7140]

Thank you! Like you said hanging by the stems in a cool dark dry place really is the key. Last month I tried laying mint down on its side and even though it was in a very well ventilated basket it looked and smelled funky after drying. The mint hanging nearby looked brilliant and smelled amazing. I use those twisty ties that come on bread or produce or I use bag clips or clothespins attached to a wire storage rack for drying. Another method I've found helpful is placing small quantities of material in a brown paper bag and attaching it with a clothespin to my rack. It even worked well for drying cone flowers.

[@blackheartgaming6121]

I love how sincere you are and how peaceful your videos are

[@Clara-kg8it]

In terms of drying herbs, I have some additional tips from my mum´s and my own experience: My mum often dries her herbs over a cardboard box (or any box for that matter) and just spans a cloth on top, clothes pins work very well for that, or string, depending on what you have on hand. If you have a very fine mesh cloth at home, that works well, or thin cotton (such as tea towels or even bedsheets ;)). I also dried some rosehips once when I did not have many resources available putting them on a lined baking tray next to the radiator. I just made sure to flip them once or twice a day and when they were dry (after about a week or so) I put them in a cloth bag and hung that up for a couple more days and just shook it once in a while. It is not as foolproof I would say, as it can be easy to forget to move the herbs etc. around but I just want to say, that drying herbs and such is possible with limited resources and that you should not feel prevented from it, because you don´t have the right equipment. Be creative, there are many things you can use (such as rubber bands from vegetables, old delivery boxes, metal racks from your oven etc.) so just give it a try and see what works for you. On a different note, this was an excellent and really helpful video and I really love this new series where I get to learn more and more about the basics of herbal medicine!! So thank you very much and I hope you all have a lovely day :)

[@theMaidenMother]

Just starting out on my witchcraft journey and definitely feeling drawn to herbalism specifically, so this video was incredibly helpful! Thanks for sharing, love the channel 💛💛

[@HippyNinjaSimmy]

This was perfectly timed, thank you! And it really helps to hear someone that does it so often does still mess up occasionally as well. Because it can be quite disheartening when you are first starting!

[@cheryl-lylbaldr4560]

One thing I so enjoy when autumn approaches is to start drying the herbs in my garden I have been growing since spring I prefer the basket or cooking sheets on top of paper towels or cheese cloth. Thanks for sharing.

[@theraven92]

I really love how you do everything with so much care. Your hand moves are very gentle, not firm as people do nowdays. You do it with full respect.

[@Darling_Decay]

Growing a mini indoor tea/medical herb garden soon and this is soo helpful! I’m gonna get a little area set up in my bedroom to keep all my dried stored herbs and a area for drying herbs. Times to purge my bedroom and get it all set up!! So excited that I’m finally getting into this!

[@jessicasmith9117]

Glad your making this as I’ve run into issues when drying some herbs. So I have wondered what you have found to be best. Hugs ✨

[@quinneilbeck9601]

Thankyou for this video. I dried out my entire rosemary bush as it was massive and it's now stored and being used on roast dinners.

[@OldManFerdiad]

Thank you. I'm really enjoying your approach to teaching these foundational skills. They really do open up so many opportunities for people to use herbs in their lives.

[@shadow1961]

the (closed) brown paper bag in the back window of the car method works pretty well too

[@Comeonlillyloo]

Very interesting I managed to grow chamomile and mug wort so I been drying some of them in my fairy-room. Blessing 💖🐩🐩💖🐾🧹🧙‍♀️🍄🍁🕊🌈

[@cherieheyn6553]

Thank you Annie. Loved this one. And I love the way Hazel was looking at you when you were cooking. I am learning more every day and my herbs are growing inside and out. Sending many blessings your way, and Olivia needs our blessings too.♓🌑🥰

[@dianapovero7319]

Done.

[@veronikamarcekova2570]

You are a sweet soul. Thank you for sharing, I will be drying some herbs for teas today!

[@talon5538]

I have a single panel gate for a chain link fence that I have suspended out of direct sunlight but still able to hang my herbs to dry thanks to using clothespins

[@madahikhan3352]

I tried to dry basil once and it went wrong haha. I'll try your method thank you very much for sharing

[@PerfectPride]

I’ve found basil to be…. Difficult to dry. Lol It’s definitely more of a use fresh herb. I thought my basil had dried, till I pulled the jar out some weeks later and it was black and half mold! Eek! Better luck to us both next time. 😂

[@madahikhan3352]

@@PerfectPride yes! That's exactly what happened to mine

[@ruthanna4713]

Do you ever ferment and dry herbs? A finnish technique, fermenting leaves in a jar for a couple of days, then lay them out to dry. It binds up a lot of the original flavour.

[@PerfectPride]

Just when I didn’t know what to watch, this is uploaded! Yeay!

[@GunjuArt]

Wow, thank you so so much! I recently started practicing and my parents grow lavender and rosemary! I wanted to dry some and put in in an unused pencil box. It was only a couple days when it got white fuzzy looking stuff all over them. I don’t know is that was normal, or if it signifies bad energy in my bedroom. I was thinking I needed to learn how to actually do this, and, well, you post! I really think this called to me, thank you so much! I now have some hanging by my window!

[@aquila873]

I think the white fuzzy stuff you're talking about is mold

[@mannersmatter6773]

Be sure they are not in direct sunlight to preserve their essence

[@ruthieshields189]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Bright blessings to you and yours. 🥰

[@nooralmalaka.k.amonasarrai5995]

thank you dear friend. I found the video useful. the climate under which people live is very critical in drying herbs.

[@Veiledwitch]

This was so helpful! Thank you for explaining so clearly how important this step is. Blessed be your craft!

[@koya326]

This couldn’t come at a better time!! I’ve wanted to start saving my herbs for the winter, but didn’t know how. Also, a BOOK?!?!

[@gloriahohman2790]

Thank you for teaching us this, I can't wait to dry my herbs.

[@FearlessNimue]

I've found it difficult to dry herbs in the mint family. It's very humid where I live and using a humidifier has been a life saver. I would prefer a method that uses less, if none, electricity. Gotta do what I gotta do.

[@TheGalacticGrizzly]

Thanks to this video, I just started drying flowers for the first time! Here's hoping they'll dry well. In any case, the room smells divine 🌹❤️

[@yourspookygay]

Perfect timing! I'm running on my lunch to get sage at the grocery store!

[@dwynn57]

I have been wanting to try doing this! I just lack the confidence to do it! and the plant that I want to try first is chamomile because we have an abundance growing wild where I live! thanks so much for sharing and make it look like I could make this a reality! xoxo

[@djmessina410]

Question: How long does the magickal/medicinal use of a dry herb usually last? do they have an "expiration" date? or do they get less powerful/potent the longer you have them?

[@thelonewolf2073]

The magickal/medicinal component diminishes a little after drying, but certain methods of extracting those qualities like tinctures, teas, and others do a good job of getting those qualities out after drying. Some recipes or spells ask for drying the herbs so that the magick works in a specific way to get results But as a dried herb, they last for a long time and still have their qualities within them that work even when dried. As an expiration date, some plants might have an expiration date, but im sure as dried they will last you longer than fresh. Research the herb individually to find out the info. I think some dried herbs, like chamomile or lavender, can last for years as a dried herb and still work.

[@ln4555]

Regarding the magickal use of herbs: I personally depend on dried herbs during the winter months, but I've always thought fresh plants to be more alive and therefore more immediate in their effects. I personally don't think dried herbs necessarily have an expiration date, but I always check if it feels still right to use them. If they've lost their spark I don't incorporate them in my craft.

[@heathermatthews7422]

🙋🏼‍♀️, If concerned about expiration dates, try putting the herb to sleep when jarring. ✴️But... Remember to wake the herbs spirit when using & initiating your intent. Also, Store the jars so they aren't in direct sunlight. A cool dark old place with airflow and low moisture. 🤗 Hope this helps. 😉

[@swetbejkara.bhvcvv.njwklem7310]

Can my herbs dry in a room with some light or does it need ro be totally dark?

[@auburnlavender4952]

You can also use the oven on the lowest temperature setting but this is for electric ovens, IDK about gas ones the heat maybe more intense and it may not be a good idea to use this method with it. You have to stay home when doing it and check it every 15 to 20 minutes depending on what type of herbs you are drying. Also you have to leave a crack in the oven door to prevent them from cooking too much, so closing all the way over cooks them in my experience.

[@Bhilithinn]

I'm doing a similar method, but using a dehydrator. I love it! It's been running a lot with drying all the herbs from my garden.

[@amberpatrick-griffin5538]

@@Bhilithinn thank you. I was going to ask if a dehydrator would work, you answered my question! :)

[@Quillancrow]

This is perfect timing! Thank you so much for this! Blessed be~

[@warriorprincess1846]

Ooo are they some beautiful bergamot flowers I see? Great video, thank you!

[@mustardpotatoes]

Great video! If you are smoke cleansing near hanging herbs, can that alter their drying time or damage them in any way?

[@autumn_intuitive888]

it shouldn't, i haven't had any issues :)

[@Sconnie13]

Dehydrator. Best investment I’ve made for my herbs.

[@abysmalprincessgaming]

Lol I stopped trying to dry them from a bad experience 😂 so your encouragement is great!

[@laynelittlefield4423]

This was very detailed, thank you for being thorough!

[@wildearthchild2832]

Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for. Love your videos.

[@PregnantLilly]

I really love all things live n stuff and I just love your channel, got some herbs from a market for the first time and it seems like this will be a fun process :3

[@cjr2956]

Have you ever used a silica pack in your jars to help with moisture after drying and storing?

[@holylink5284]

Thank you for the knowledge green witch this was very helpful. Keep up the great work. Many blessings and praise the lord and creator

[@owend.1485]

Okay so I am super behind on this but I was just wondering how you labelled your herbs. You said in the video to label them and I was wondering if you only include the name and the date or if you include their tasting notes or properties as well. Basically, I just got into drying my own herbs and I am wondering what to put on the labels of their jars

[@magentalesagegaming433]

Thank you so much for your videos, I have been watching them the past two months and find them inspiring. Thanks.

[@creepingchaos96]

I’ve never clicked so fast!! All I do usually. Is out what I’m dying out on the window sill in the sun hahaha

[@carmenkraft]

Storing herbs during waning moon prevents mold and insect infestation (based on traditional European moon magic). I have very good experience with this method.

[@brittsmiddy]

Very useful! Thank you!!🌿

[@sashamarie6753]

New to wicca been doing simple spells since I October 2022 and I stumbled across your chanel very informative and your voice is soothing

[@mannersmatter6773]

Paper bag method works wonders

[@meltin9026]

I suggest mesh bags when hanging to keep the dust off of them.

[@108chaitea]

Off topic but, the way your hair is styled in the shot where you're hanging herbs on the wall at first - wow! beautiful, elegant hairdo! Would love to see it again, so pretty.

[@OriginalBotanica]

Fantastic! Great video, and great advice on drying and storing herbs.

[@tammydouglas1012]

I love drying herbs 🌿

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thanks for sharing I love to hang in bundles

Thank you so much for the video :) my herbs often get pretty dusty, I guess my city is pretty polluted… Does anyone have any tips to help avoiding that while they dry in bundles ?

[@lafarmhouse]

lové lové lovés

[@needtobechanged4364]

Hi! I love your content! 💞

[@brucenguyen1595]

I also place desiccant bags into herb jars to keep them perfectly dry. Living in South East Asia means the risk of having moist to enter and make the remaining herb mold simply by opening the jar 😅.

[@roseyherber]

Do you have any expetiance/advice for using a dehydrator? I have been gifted one and have been experimenting :)

[@lara8698]

I'm mesmerised by your beautiful rings ❤️ If you don't mind me asking where did you get them? Lovely video and very interesting and helpful! Thank you 🤗

[@xe.xx-8943]

I’m not sure if this is a fixable problem but I live in a very very hot place like it gets up to 110 degrees in the summer time and it’s pretty humid, so my main problem is my herbs are ready to harvest around Summer or springtime but then I don’t have a cool no humid place to dry them. The coolest irl be in the house or a closet is maybe 75-80 degrees in summer.

[@juliereminiec4937]

My preferrnce for prepared meals is Farmers fridge Or have aphed holes in the leaves Would a cheesecloth help with drying herbs?

[@krystalvezina7037]

Have you tried storing herbs that have dried naturally? I have some chives blossoms in my garden that just started to dry up after a couple hot days and wondering if I can save them now.

[@hadialzamanan9627]

Can you tell us what herbs do you store and each benefit of them im interested! 😊

[@asherstearns1050]

What is your recommendation for drying pine needles?

[@julieamber3311]

THANK you shared

[@YourPainting1]

In Colorado, if I set my houseplant outside for more than 3 days it turns into a dried plant haha

[@krystina7488]

❤ thank you

[@claudiafranca864]

Hello! Can you dry the herbs inside cotton bags and then hang the bag? I think that would keep them from light and dust maybe?

[@manifestyalife]

How do you find out the magical properties of local plants? I've tried to research some and can't find any information. Are there any particular sources that you use?

[@katadam2186]

Try Back to Eden by Jethro Klaus old farming family, natural doctor, herbs and methods of storage and uses.. great book

[@amaskincareandcosmetics4436]

Wow😊

[@cuesitiondedibujotec]

Hey, Annie! I really loved this video and it inspired me to dry more herbs in my house! I especially like herbs for burning/cleansing spells. I have a question, if you want to tie up herbs to burn them, like a smudge wand of sorts... would you recommend to dry them first, or tie them and then dry them? I assume the second one would be best so they don't crumble, how is the process of drying that?

[@janpeterson21]

Thanks so much! I learned a lot! Do the jars need to have the rubber seal?

[@hotknux]

good vid

[@stormhavenhomesteadandwitchery]

Thank you for the video. 💜🔮🌱🐾

[@pockatfamilyfarm2049]

Can you hang Lilac for drying too?

[@falbalalagauloise410]

can you use a dehydrator?

[@jamesbramlett5407]

I love your voice. You could be an NPR storyteller, or better yet - ever thought about recording a Guided Meditation video?

[@RiverSprite30]

Was the purple flower Scottish thistle? Awesome video!

[@Ameslan1]

Hey Annie! Your apartment is so relaxing and serene with all the herbsd hanging. I was just wondering.... what does your apartment smell like? I imagine the aroma very pleasant like aroma therapy but is it herbal, floral, mixture of both? Do dry herbs give off a smell after they are dried and hung up?

[@laraloopz]

What are your thoughts on using a dehydrator? I use one to dry my own rose petals but have always wondered if it destroys any of the plant’s properties.

[@snoecat3421]

are there any fall herbs that grow in germany and that i can bundle?

[@midnightshay3760]

Because of where i live i use an air dryer machine as i often cant afford to leave them to dry on there own due to cats being curious and playful as well as i being busy with appointments and very much forgetful way to often.

[@sandymileski5486]

I keep my dried herbs in glass jars away from sunlight. They’re used in candle magic, as incense during meditation, rituals, and in mojo bags. The herbs are about 2-3 years old, should I throw them out? Thank you in advance. 😊

[@activistwitch]

Thank you so much for this. We do t need to wash the herbs to dry if we do the bundle method then?

[@myufostory689]

A salad spinner works well to clean herbs.

[@positivevibes-019]

Was that burdock?I'm new and want to know what this stuff is so plz tell me It was on 5:24

[@possumorb4008]

Is it okay if the leaves have a little bit of insect damage, such as small lighter spots here theve been eaten. I'v just started to look at witchcraft and herbs and i will grow a majority of my herbs outside, i have recently dried a couple leaves of mint that have damage from insects however, were washed and inspected and appear to be fine apart from small light spots where the insects have eaten. Will they still be okay to use or not?

[@user-vf2bf1pw4q]

❤️

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Do you have suggestions for folks in humid climates? I live by the ocean 😭 Mold is a SERIOUS issue here.

[@27sparkle73]

Hi it’s not the most pretty way but you can microwave them I’ve done this I live near the ocean and it works well but you literally have to stand and watch five seconds here or ten seconds there and use parchment paper under and over and make sure they don’t touch when I’m done and haven’t burned them because I’ve done this I put them in a clean jar in the least humid closet without a lid to make sure the herb is totally crunchy dry before I put a lid on. Also I do hang mine inside my closet door shut inside a paper bag and if I want some herbs to hang in the open for aesthetics I hang already dried from my closet until they are completely done than I put them outside give back to nature. If you microwave just the plant not the stems and everything. I really hope this helps.

[@thelonewolf2073]

Maybe the oven? Or a dehydrator?

[@MaridithSmith]

I love to tie bundles and then tie the tails into a loop for hanging

[@HiranArias]

butcher twine might work better than regular twine

[@user-lp4hl3ln9k]

Hi, I'm from Russia, I also do herbs and I love your videos ))

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good morning Green Witch. Everything looks lovely. Dried and stored herbs are so much better to be used for medicinal purposes than prescription drugs with side effects.

[@janetcarter821]

What course did you take to learn herbalism? 🌸

[@pearl5252]

I would love to practice witchcraft and I have been interested in things revolving around it since I was little, however, I have some kind of fear of it all. Does anyone have any kind of advice for this?

[@SofiaPereira-kr6sy]

so beautiful

[@ophwliachan8334]

Hii^^

[@luzm1039]

My rosemary turned black. I stored it in a glass jar. Why would that happen?