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How to dry

• Guard them from the mould - Dry the various herb materials in a clean room which has no dust, away from the sunlight and where it is not too hot or cold. Do not dry them too fast; for too much heat spoils the herbs. In order to protect them from becoming moldy, turn them occasionally; so no mold will form. Or hang the herbs, so they dry equally throughout.

• Leaves - Dry aromatic leaves in the shade. Then place in the sun a short time a short time to prevent fungus. Unscented leaves may be dried in the sunlight; but it is best to dry them in an airy, dry place.

• Flowers - The strength of the flower can be judged by the intensity of its color; so dry the flowers carefully, but rapidly, in order to preserve the color. Give special care to flowers which have volatile oils. Spread the flowers loosely on white paper ( although some can be tied in loose bunches and hung with a string from a rafter, etc., in an airy room). Dry the flowers only in the shade; but place them in the sun a brief time, to prevent fungus growth.

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labeling the dried herbs

• Plants and tops - If the plants are not too juicy, they may be strung in bunches across the top of an airy, dry room.

• Bulb - Peel off the outer membranes. Then cut the bulbs into transverse (straight cross) slices, each about 1/2 inch in length. Stir them every so often while they dry and move several times, to prevent mold from forming.

• Barks,twigs, and woods - Dry in the sunlight or in thin layers in the open air. Do not dry wild cherry bark in the sun.

• Fleshy roots and rhizomes - As you did with the bulbs, cut them in transverse slices, about 1/2 inch in length. Stir and move several times during the drying process.

• Fibrous roots - Dry these in the sunlight or artificially at temperatures between 65 degrees and 80 degrees Farenheight.

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Source and Reference: Natural Remedies Encyclopedia Heritage Edition