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How to Store Herbs for Long-Term Use (Avoid These Mistakes)
- KhadiYah Preciado
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 28
Top 5 Mistakes You Might Be Making When Storing Your Herbs
(And How to Fix Them!)
Herbalism is an amazing journey, from planting seeds to crafting your own blends, but if you're not storing your herbs the right way, all that time and effort can be wasted. In this video, I’m breaking down the top mistakes people make when storing herbs, and I'll show you how to preserve their potency, shelf life, and safety. So, let’s get into it!
Mistake #1: Storing Herbs in Plastic Bags
Plastic might seem convenient, but it's actually doing more harm than good when it comes to herbs. Plastic allows light, heat, static, and chemicals to penetrate, and it doesn’t breathe, meaning moisture can get trapped inside—leading to mold growth. The solution? Glass jars! You’ll want to use amber or colored glass jars (think blue, green, or even dark brown) to block out sunlight and protect your precious herbs. These jars help maintain the integrity of the herbs, keeping them potent and safe to use for longer.
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Mistake #2: Storing Herbs in Direct Sunlight
It may look pretty to display herbs in clear jars with sunlight streaming through, but here’s the truth—sunlight speeds up oxidation, which breaks down the phytochemicals that make herbs effective. This means that your herbs can lose their potency faster. To avoid this, store your herbs in a cool, dark, and dry space—think a pantry, closet, or drawer. And if you really want to protect them, you can add blackout curtains to block out all light. Yes, it’s not as Instagram-worthy, but it’s much better for your herbs in the long run!
Mistake #3: Mixing Old and New Herbs
It may seem like a simple fix—just top off the jar with new herbs—but this can lead to contamination and spoilage. When you mix old and new herbs, you run the risk of spreading mold or bacteria. The best practice is to keep your batches separate and label everything with a batch number and date. This helps you rotate the herbs, using the oldest ones first, and keeps track of when they were harvested or purchased. Not only does this ensure you’re using fresh, potent herbs, but it also helps you trace back any issues with a bad batch.
Mistake #4: Not Labeling Your Herbs Properly
Let’s be real—after a few weeks, dry herbs can start looking identical, especially roots and crushed leaves. Without proper labeling, you might have a hard time identifying what’s what. Label each jar with the common and Latin names of the herb, the parts used, the date of harvest or purchase, and whether it’s organic or wildcrafted. This simple step will save you a ton of time and confusion later on, and it’s especially helpful if you're working with a large collection or making herbal preparations for clients.
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Mistake #5: Keeping Herbs for Too Long
Herbs do expire, though not in the same way milk does. Over time, they lose their potency, especially delicate herbs like peppermint or chamomile. Leaves and flowers tend to lose their effectiveness after about a year, while seeds, roots, and barks can last up to two years. However, high-oil-content herbs (like peppermint) may only last about six months, so make sure to store them in airtight containers and use them up sooner. If you’re unsure whether your herbs are still potent, look for signs like a lack of aroma or color changes. Trust your senses!
The Takeaway: Treat Your Herbs With Care
Proper herb storage isn’t just about having a pretty apothecary; it’s about preserving the healing potential of each plant. Store your herbs in glass jars, keep them away from sunlight, separate old and new batches, label everything clearly, and don’t keep herbs around too long. By following these tips, you'll ensure that every herb in your collection is ready to deliver its full healing benefits.
If you’re looking to go deeper into herbalism—learning how to store, blend, dose, and build your own apothecary with confidence—then I invite you to join my Holistic Practitioner Course.
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Let me know if you’ve ever experienced any of these mistakes and how you’re going to change your herb storage practices moving forward.
Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to check out my other videos and blog posts for more tips on building your herbal apothecary!
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