Lesson 1: Sourcing Your Medicinal Plants
There are two ways you can get your medicinal plants: you either forage them, which I recommend, or you can buy them.

1. Foraging

1.1 When to Harvest
The best thing you can do when you harvest herbs is to do so early in the day after the dew has gone, but before the hot sun can dry out the essential oils. This ensures the highest concentration of beneficial compounds, which contribute to the healing process. All plants
have different optimal harvesting times. Always choose healthy-looking plants that are away from areas with pollution or pesticides.
Before harvesting herbs, it is necessary to understand how the herb will be used; specifically, what part of the plant will be used for medicinal purposes. You should never assume that the whole plant carries the same compounds.

For flowers, wait until they develop fully and harvest them as soon as possible after they have fully opened. Then, snip the flower heads just above the topmost set of leaves. Make sure to remove any wilted or damaged flowers and be extra careful around the petals.

To harvest the leaves, you have two options, depending on the shape of the leaf: for larger ones, snap off the outer leaves individually near the base of the plant; for smaller ones, pinch or snip the leaves just above a leaf node or set of leaves.

If you are cutting part of a stem, such as harvesting stinging nettle, be sure to leave at least a few inches of leafy stem, with at least two sets of leaves on it, so that the plant doesn’t die.

You should always cut right above the point where the leaves are.
To harvest roots, start by digging around the plant, creating a wide circle to loosen the soil. Use the spade I mentioned earlier to gently lift the plant, ensuring the root remains intact. To gather seeds, you’ll have to wait until the flowers are done blooming and the petals have fallen off. Cut the flower head with scissors or a knife, then collect the ripe seeds from the flower head. For small seeds I often put a paper bag over the seedpods and shake the seeds into the bag. I do this when I collect pollen as well. Remember, you should gently remove the desired plant parts, being careful not to harm the rest of the plant.

1.2 Ethical Harvesting
When you find a plant that you want to harvest, take a look around the vicinity to determine if that particular species is abundant. If the patch is sparse, or there are only a few scattered plants, then you should refrain from harvesting there. Even if the patch is large and dense, it’s recommended to harvest less than 10% of the crop, so that it has a chance to regenerate and so that wildlife and other foragers can also reap the benefits.

When re-visiting the same site each year for foraging, take a mental note or even set up an annual photo point of the patches. I also reseed and replant as I go – tending wild food forests is something our ancestors did as well – and you can help tend the wild and make sure that
your foraging crop is there for the future.

1.3 Drying Herbs
Traditionally, herbs are airdried without the use of any additional heat source. You can bundle them together by tying the stems with string or a rubber band and hang in a warm, dry place. It is usually easiest to
hang them upside-down by the bundled stems to dry. You can accomplish the same thing by hanging them from a coat hanger, a nail
in the wall or on a curtain rod over the window. I often spread flowers or leaves on a cookie sheet or pizza pan or in a shallow basket and let them dry.

Drying in this manner can take as long as three weeks (though is often accomplished much faster) depending on the plant and its moisture content. It is possible to dry herbs with a dehydrator if you have one of the better ones that has temperature control. Ideally, it should have a fan to circulate the warm air, allowing the entire batch to dry evenly. To avoid burning your herbs, you’ll need to use the lowest possible temperature. I have used this method successfully many times. If using a dehydrator, it is very important to keep a close eye on your herbs so that you don’t leave them to dry too long. Once you dry them, remove the leaves from the stems. Store your dried herbs in sealed glass jars until you are ready to use them. They’ll last about 2 years once dried.

Fresh herbs are often preferred when preparing decoctions, which involve simmering the plant material in water. For example, you can make root decoctions with fresh roots. Some plants are more potent when used fresh, like St. John’s Wort flowers. Dried herbs are typically used for making teas, infusions, or infused in oils. If you dry and ground them into a fine powder, you can add them to capsules or directly to your food. It’s important to note that the potency and effectiveness of herbal preparations can vary depending on whether fresh or dried herbs are used. Fresh herbs may contain higher water content, which can affect the concentration of active constituents. Dried herbs, on the other hand, tend to have a longer shelf life and are more convenient for long-term storage.

2. Where to Buy Herbs From
While harvesting your own medicinal plants is ideal, it’s not always practical for everyone, especially if you live in a city or an area with limited access to forests or green spaces. If you have a gardening space, you may grow many herbs yourself. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase them.

When choosing a place to buy herbs, whether from physical stores or online, there are several general indications you need to consider. Here are some factors to look for:

First, check for positive customer feedback and reviews about the store or website. Look for testimonials that indicate customer satisfaction, reliability, and the quality of the herbs.

Then, look for information about where the herbs are sourced from. Consider stores that prioritize organic, non-GMO, and sustainably harvested herbs. Some certifications to look for include USDA Organic and Fair-Trade certifications.

Choose a store that provides detailed information about the herbs they sell. Look for clear labeling that includes the botanical name, country of origin, and any relevant certifications. The store should also offer information on cultivation methods and any potential additives or processing methods used. 

Pay attention to the packaging used by the store. Look for herbs that are stored in well-sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. Packaging should also protect the herbs from excessive light exposure. 

If purchasing herbs online, review the store’s shipping policies to ensure timely delivery. Additionally, check their return and refund policies in case you encounter any issues with your order.

In physical stores, interact with the staff and gauge their knowledge and expertise. They should be able to provide guidance on herb selection, usage, and answer any questions you may have.

Choosing to buy herbs from local herbal shops supports local suppliers, growers, and small businesses. By purchasing from them, you help sustain traditional knowledge and practices. 

Local herbal shops often prioritize transparency and have direct relationships with their suppliers. They can provide information about the sourcing, cultivation, and processing methods used for the herbs they sell. This can help you make informed choices and develop
trust in the quality and authenticity of the products.