How you store herbs is an important factor in determining their shelf-life. Find a special place, like a cupboard or box that is cool, dry and dark as this will protect the herbs from the damaging effects of heat, moisture and light. The space should be secure – safe from children and animals. Herbs can safely be stored with conventional medicines.

Herb material that is powdered, of finely milled, before storage degrades far faster than herbs that are left whole or cut into large pieces. Keep your herbs as whole as possible. Dried herbs keep well in sealable glass jars, tins, brown paper bags that are kept sealed with tape, or sealable plastic bags. Remember to always seal dried herbs after use. This is very important when storing herbs high in volatile essential oils that are quickly lost if left unsealed. Tinctures and infused oils are best kept in glass bottles. Only use hard plastic bottles for short term storage as the plastics can leach into the herbal solution over time. Where possible, choose containers that protect the herbs from light, and reuse and recycle wherever you can. Remember to label each of your containers with the name of the plant and a date.

Dried leaves and flowers are generally at there best if used within a year of harvest. Roots and barks can be kept longer.