Herbal saftey

A Few Words About Herbal Safety & Storage

One of the things I’ve learned over the past couple of years is that herbalism is not simply about knowing which plant to reach for. It’s also about knowing when not to use something.

Just because something grows in the ground, comes in a pretty glass jar, or has been used traditionally for hundreds of years doesn’t automatically make it safe for everyone.

Start With Good Ingredients

When I’m making herbal preparations, I want to know exactly what I’m putting into the jar.

Use herbs from a reputable source and make sure you have correctly identified the herb before using it. If you’re harvesting herbs yourself, proper identification is especially important. Some plants have very similar-looking relatives, and “I think this is the right one” is not good enough when you’re putting something into your body.

I also recommend labeling everything.

I know, I know.

It feels very obvious when you make it, and surely you’ll remember what’s in that little amber jar.

You will not.

At least, I won’t.

Write the name, ingredients, and date you made it directly on the jar or on a label. Future You will be very grateful.

Keep Your Preparations Clean

Clean equipment is one of the easiest ways to make your homemade preparations safer.

Wash your jars, bottles, measuring utensils, and other equipment thoroughly before you begin. For preparations that will be stored for a while, I like to use clean, dry glass jars with tight-fitting lids.

And please don't stick a dirty spoon back into your syrup jar after you've already tasted it.

Yes, I am mostly saying this because I have children.

Storage Matters

Different herbal preparations have very different storage requirements.

Herbal teas: Freshly brewed tea is best enjoyed fresh. If you make a larger batch, refrigerate it promptly and use it within a few days.

Elderberry syrup: Because homemade syrups contain water and don't have the preservatives found in commercial products, they should be refrigerated. I prefer making smaller batches so they don't sit in the refrigerator indefinitely.

Honey-based preparations: Keep them refrigerated unless a tested recipe specifically says otherwise. Always use clean utensils when taking some out.

Fire cider: Because it is vinegar-based, it is much more shelf-stable than a water-based herbal preparation, but I still like storing mine in a clean, tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.

When in doubt, throw it out.

If something develops mold, an unusual smell, bubbling or fermentation that shouldn't be happening, or anything else that makes you question whether it is still good, don't taste-test it to find out.

Into the compost or trash it goes.

Be Especially Careful With Children

This is a big one.

Children are not simply tiny adults, and I don't use the same herbal preparations or amounts for my kids that I would use for myself.

Some herbs aren't appropriate for young children at all, and some preparations contain ingredients that can be dangerous for them.

The most important example in this post is honey: never give honey to a child under one year old because of the risk of infant botulism.

I also recommend checking with your child's pediatrician before giving herbal preparations to children, particularly if they are very young, have an underlying health condition, or take medication.

Herbs Can Interact With Medications

This is probably the part of herbalism that surprised me the most when I started learning.

Herbs can be powerful.

That means they can also interact with medications.

Some herbs can affect how medications are absorbed or metabolized, while others may increase or decrease the effects of certain drugs.

So if you take prescription medications regularly, please don't assume that an herb is safe simply because it is natural.

Bring your list of herbs and supplements to your doctor or pharmacist and ask.

And if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a chronic medical condition, are preparing herbs for a child, or are about to have surgery, it's especially important to get professional guidance first.

Know When It's More Than a Cold

And finally, please don't let my little kitchen apothecary turn into an excuse to ignore symptoms that need medical attention.

Herbal preparations can be comforting additions to your self-care routine, but they aren't a substitute for medical treatment when you need it.

Seek medical care for symptoms that are severe, getting worse, or concerning to you. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe dehydration, confusion, persistent high fever, or other serious symptoms deserve professional attention.

And if you aren't sure whether something is “just a cold,” it is always okay to ask.

There is absolutely no prize for toughing it out.

My Golden Rule

If I had to boil everything I've learned down to one little rule, it would be this:

Respect the plant. Respect the preparation. Respect your body.

Herbalism doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. But it does require a little curiosity, a little research, and a healthy dose of humility.

I'm still learning, too.

And honestly, that's one of my favorite parts.

There is always another herb to learn about, another preparation to try, and another dusty little jar in the back of the apothecary cabinet waiting to teach me something.

So make your tea, label your jars, wash your hands, listen to your body, and when something feels beyond the scope of your little kitchen apothecary, call your doctor.

Your herbs aren't going anywhere.