Apocalypse Pharmacy - A Guide to Preserving Medicinal Plants

For centuries, humans have relied on the healing power of plants. Modern medicine can isolate the parts of plants that have positive effects to make medications, but what do you do when there isn’t any modern medicine around? Whether you grow your own medicinal herbs or forage them from the wild, knowing how to properly preserve them is crucial to maintaining their potency and therapeutic benefits. When the day comes that you can’t get antibiotics or aspirin anymore, remember that you can recreate these elixirs… But only if you are brave enough to try and not mess it up.

The legal nerds want us to say: These are historical remedies, not a substitution for current prescriptions. This blog does not constitute medical advice, user discretion is advised. Talk to your doctor, before the nukes hit.

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Harvesting for Optimal Potency

The first step to preserving medicinal plants is harvesting them at the right time. When a plant is at its peak potency varies depending on the species and the part used (leaves, flowers, roots, etc.). Here are some general guidelines:

Leaves - Harvest leaves in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun gets too intense. Ideally, harvest before flowering.

Flowers - Pick flowers when they are just starting to open, as this is when their essential oil content is highest.

Roots - Harvest roots in the fall after the aerial parts of the plant have died back, or in early spring before new growth begins.

Seeds - Collect seeds when they are fully mature and dry.

Cleaning and Preparing Your Harvest

Once you've harvested your plants, it's important to clean them thoroughly to remove dirt, insects, and other debris. Gently rinse them under cool running water and pat them dry with a clean cloth.

Next, prepare the plant material for drying. This may involve:

Separating parts - Remove any unwanted parts like stems or damaged leaves.

Chopping - Chop larger leaves or roots into smaller pieces to facilitate drying.

Bundling - Tie herbs with similar drying times together in small bundles.

Drying Methods - Air Drying, Oven Drying, and Dehydrators

The goal of drying is to remove moisture from the plant material, preventing mold and bacteria growth while preserving its medicinal properties. Here are the most common drying methods:

Air Drying - Best for: Leaves, flowers, and stems

Hang bundles upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can degrade the plant's active compounds.

Spread smaller leaves or flowers on a clean screen or mesh tray.

Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.

Drying time -Varies depending on the plant and environmental conditions, generally 1-4weeks.

Oven Drying - Best for: Seeds, roots, and barks.

Set your oven to the lowest temperature (ideally below 180°F/82°C).

Spread plant material in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.

Turn the plant material periodically for even drying.

Drying time -Several hours, depending on the plant and oven temperature.

Dehydrators - Best for: All types of plant material.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific dehydrator model.

Arrange plant material in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.

Set the temperature according to the type of plant being dried.

Drying time - Varies depending on the plant and dehydrator settings.

Testing for Dryness

Properly dried herbs should crumble easily when crushed. Leaves should feel crisp, and roots should snap when bent. If any moisture remains, continue drying to prevent spoilage.

Storing Your Dried Herbs

Once your herbs are completely dry, it's crucial to store them properly to maintain their potency and prevent contamination.

Containers -Use airtight containers like glass jars with tight-fitting lids, or food-grade plastic containers.

Labeling - Clearly label each container with the plant name and date of harvest.

Storage location - Store dried herbs in a cool, dark, and dry plac Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.

Alternative Preservation Methods

While drying is the most common method for preserving medicinal plants, other methods can be used for specific purposes.

Freezing - Suitable for preserving fresh plant material for short periods. Chop and freeze herbs in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Tinctures - Extracting medicinal compounds into alcohol creates a potent and long-lasting herbal preparation.

Oils and Salves - Infusing plant material into oils or fats creates topical remedies for skin conditions and other ailments.

Important Considerations

Plant Identification - Accurate plant identification is crucial, especially when foraging in the wild. Misidentification can have serious consequences; just ask the kid that went to Alaska only to poison himself.

Sustainable Harvesting - When wildcrafting, harvest responsibly to ensure the long-term health of plant populations.

Quality - Use high-quality plant material free from pesticides and contaminants.

Personal Safety - Wear gloves and protective clothing when harvesting and handling plants, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively preserve your medicinal plants, ensuring that you have a readily available supply of nature's remedies when the world decides to rage quit. These methods work on all manner of plant life, so do your research, take a course on plant identification, and do a few practice runs. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, after all.